Ski season is upon us...

[CAM502 6]

Well it is that time of year again. Air is getting crisp. Talk of possible snow in the forcast (man I hope that storm goes south and we get snow...lol). And ski resorts all around are opening up for a new season.

Just wondering what are folks favorite place to ski? Any hidden secrets? Maybe you know of a place that gives big discounts to FD/EMS/Police?

Having worked and lived at both Whiteface in NY and Mt Snow in VT for a year each I would highly reccomend both.

Whiteface is run by the state and is not really a resort as such. Also if you are going to go there make sure that it has fresh snow because if there is a drought of snow the mountain is nicknamed "Iceface". If you plan on drinking stay in Lake Placid where you can easily get from bar to hotel. The roads up there are no joke. But if you like small town hospitality there are many little motels and inn's in the surrounding villages.

Mt. Snow is a great resort to go for a weekend alone, with friends, or even with the kids. Plenty of varying terrain and stuff to do. Ton's of little inn's in the valley where you can find great lodging deals. If you are gonna go to Mt Snow for a long weekend, I suggest you take a daytrip up to Killington while you are there. Only another 45min and well worth it!!

Well that's it for now. THINK SNOW!!!!

[OoO 24]

I've skied a bunch of times at Belleayre in Highmount, NY. Its just about an two and a half hours from Westchester and great for a day trip. Lift tickets are pretty reasonable as well.

[JM15 386]

I go to school pretty close to Mt. Snow and love it. Pretty cheap for the season passes I forget how much a day pass is though. One hidden secret I can think of is Thunder ridge. Although it is pretty crappy its cheap and close. A nice place to go for an afternoon since its cheap, and close to Westchester.

On a side note a good day trip from Westchester is Wyndham mountain up in the catskills. Its around 2 hours from northern westchester, but it has that big mountain feel while still not being that far. It is also a good place to learn to ski for people who are interested, they have pretty cheap lessons. If you are looking to party and ski then Hunter Mountain in the Catskills is the place to go. It is a big bar/club area.

[Guest]

Camelback Mountain: Tannersville, PA. 1 hour and 45 minutes from New Canaan, CT so I got to imagine it is even closer from Westchester. Good rates, night skiing, large mountain with lots of trails(for the area),plus they are always blowing snow........added bonus is that Mt. Airy lodge just reopened with its brand new casino ten minutes down the road.

[IzzyEng4 427]

I've skied a bunch of times at Belleayre in Highmount, NY. Its just about an two and a half hours from Westchester and great for a day trip. Lift tickets are pretty reasonable as well.

My ex-girlfriend's brother in law runs the mountain. Belleayre is a great place, and I'm not just saying than either. And though I didn't know how to ski (I'm a boarder) the staff was great trying to teach me how to.

[Guest]

Does anyone know what happend to a mountain that used to be called Big Birch. My mom took me there when i was a kid, so I don't remember much. I don't even know if it was in CT or NY, but it wasnt far away at all. If anyone knows anything, let me know?

[weaselff 6]

Does anyone know what happend to a mountain that used to be called Big Birch. My mom took me there when i was a kid, so I don't remember much. I don't even know if it was in CT or NY, but it wasnt far away at all. If anyone knows anything, let me know?

Big Birch was renamed Thunder Ridge maybe 10 years ago, alot of people still call it big burch though. It is in Patterson i think, maybe Pawling of Rt 22

[JM15 386]

Thunder Ridge is up there in Patterson Right off 22. If you head up there you have to stop at Red Rooster for food though they have awesome burgers. Thunder Ridge's website is here http://www.thunderridgeski.com/

[RC2389 0]

My experience at Thunder Ridge wasn't a very good one. A bunch of the trails were closed, and the main big one was closed off to the public so the ski team could practice.

I do like Butternut, though. It's about a 2 hour drive from Westchester, and it's especially great for new/intermediate skiers. There are discounts for FD/PD/EMS workers and their families on Sundays. www.skibutternut.com.

[Rapidfireservices 1]

I was at Mount Snow opening weekend 11/10/07 and the conditions were good on the runs that were open. The Grand Summit Hotel & Resort at Mt. Snow http://www.mountsnow.com/ in West Dover, Vermont has 1/4 share fractional ownership condos (you own one set week a month), slopeside right at the lifts with heated pool and hot tub/steam/sauna/ exercise room. The prices to buy are very affordable right now, and they have a rental program that helps offset your cost of ownership. The mountain was just sold and the new owners are investing a significant amount in snowkmaking and facilities upgrades. It is 3 hours 15 mins from White Plains. (without lights & siren)Another day trip hill is Mohawk Mountain in Cornwall, Ct. about 1 hr 45 mins from White Plains. Smaller than Mount Snow or Hunter but more family friendly. They hope to open 12/01/07 http://www.mohawkmtn.com/CMX/

I hope the folks that bought Sterling Forest have a good season this year- I have to make it over there if they get snow.

Happy boarding... and skiing too.

[RWC130 594]

Windham, NY

[CAM502 6]

Thunder Ridge is up there in Patterson Right off 22. If you head up there you have to stop at Red Rooster for food though they have awesome burgers. Thunder Ridge's website is here http://www.thunderridgeski.com/

Ah yes Thunder Ridge...Lot's of fun if you go the morning after a big snow dump. Not too big but dirt cheap and real friendly. And of course the Red Rooster!!!! Best food on Rt 22! Used to stop every trip to Siwanoy Scout camp when I was younger, before they sold it to build friggin condo's or something.

Anyone have an opinion on Sunday River up in Maine? Is it worth the drive and money??

[ny10570 745]

For a weekend, its definitely worth it. Its been a few years since I was last up there, but I liked it much more than most Vt slopes.

[tunaFish 0]

Ah yes Thunder Ridge...Lot's of fun if you go the morning after a big snow dump. Not too big but dirt cheap and real friendly. And of course the Red Rooster!!!! Best food on Rt 22! Used to stop every trip to Siwanoy Scout camp when I was younger, before they sold it to build friggin condo's or something.

Anyone have an opinion on Sunday River up in Maine? Is it worth the drive and money??

Just passed by ThunderRidge last night on my way to the dollar store and A&P.

They had the snow machines blowing like crazy and you couldn't even see the slopes.

It was an awesome sight to see, although I am not a skier.

Eh, did they move those snow machines to Westchester sometime this morning? I woke up to some white stuff

[firefighter36 52]

I usually Ski Hunter. Hunter and Windham have a great deal going where you get 4 passes for a little over $100. Also, if you go to a price chopper store, you can get VT, NY ski deals (3 passes to Whiteface, Gore, MT Snow, etc.) Between $100-$150. I try to fly out west once a year as well. I have a friend who is living and working in Telluride, CO this winter, so I'll probably go out there as well this year. If you fly to ski: Whistler BC has the best Party Scene, Utah has the best food, Jackson Hole, WY is the Hardest Skiiing, and Vail/Breckenridge, CO is the most awesome scenery. PS- Breckenridge is a great blue-collar ski town.

If you're looking to Drive, Mont Tremblant (About 2 hours north of Montreal) is awesome as well.

All have great skiing, great accommodations, and excellent food/nightlife.