Ski More and Spend Less
If you have skied as long as I have you can probably easily name 5 or 6 ski areas that have disappeared over the years. Those family friendly and fun little ski areas that didn't cost a small fortune for a lift ticket or a hotdog. They are still around but their numbers are dwindling.
If you are lucky enough to have a small, family-friendly ski area close by, pay them a visit and support them. Yes, the skiing may not be demanding as the big ski resorts but the fun, excitement and atmosphere is still there. Believe me, they work just as hard and in most cases much harder, to make your skiing experience as good as the mega ski -resort. It's just not as fancy or "glitzy". The lift tickets are typically half the price as the BIG mountain resorts but children and beginning adult skiers are not as intimdated as they would be at a large resort with very crowded slopes.
I grew up in the Albany area and in a previous blog I mentioned one area that is no longer around and that was Ski Land at East Berne, NY. I can remember skiing at Fawn Ridge, Scotts Coble and Mt Whitney in Lake Placid , NY. They are all closed and largley forgotten. Alpine Meadows near Saratoga Springs was another place that I liked to ski but, that too has closed. The State of New York at one time and perhaps still does, has more ski areas than any other state. Most of them are very small family ski areas. They are still surviving but with the lack of finances, the lack of snow or cold temps to make snow, they are struggling to stay in business. Your support this winter will keep them open in the future.
There are a few that have survived and have done well because they know who and what they are. To survive they've added snow making, night skiing, concentrated on excellent grooming, added tubing slides, catered to families and children, provide ski and snowboarding instruction and other family friendly amenities.
Check out some of the smaller areas near Albany, NY
The price of gas and the state of the economy makes it the perfect time to check out the small ski areas near you this season.
Ski more, save gas and money too!
The Ski Traveler
Always a much better value for families at the smaller ski area. You don't have to worry about your kids getting lost too. I will be checking out some smaller ski areas in my area now. Good blog.
ReplyDeleteGreat Blog! I haven't had a chance to read through everything yet, but will check back as time allows. Thanks for including West Mountain and signing up as a follower. Wishing you a fabulous ski season!
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