Skiing, Oktoberfest and Columbus Day weekend

Skiing, Oktoberfest and fall festivals
at nearby ski areas are a prelude to winter. We are fortunate to live in the Albany-Capitol District area with the Catskill, Berskhire, Green and Adirondack mountains all within an hours drive. Many ski areas and resorts will be celebrating a fall festival or Oktoberfest this Columbus Day weekend. (See the list of places to go this weekend)

What is Oktoberfest

The 176th Oktoberfest festival was held this year in Munich, Germany. The festival ran from September 19th to October 4. It is the most famous event in Germany and the world's largest fair, with more than six million people attending every year. It is an important part of Bavarian culture. If you entertain the thought of going, make sure you make your reservation at least a year in advance. Forget about renting a car and driving to Munich during this time. You won’t be able to get there. It’s a good time to learn all about public transportation. Oktoberfest in Munich is that popular.

The original "Oktoberfest" occurred in Munich, on October 18, 1810. It was for the commemoration of the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I) and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen namesake of the Theresienwiese festival grounds.

Visitors for Oktoberfest in Munich will consume huge amounts of traditional hearty fare such as Hendl(chicken), Schweinsbraten (roast pork), Haxn (knuckle of pork), Steckerlfisch (grilled fish on a stick), Würstel (sausages) along with Brezeln (Pretzel), Knödeln (potato or bread dumplings), Käsespätzle (cheese noodles), Reiberdatschi (potato pancakes), Sauerkraut or Rotkraut (red cabbage) along with such Bavarian delicacies as Obatzda (a fatty, spiced cheese-butter concoction) and Weisswurst (a white sausage).

Fall festivals and Oktoberfest in ski country
Here in New York and the great Northeast the Oktoberfest has been an annual event at many ski resorts for several years. It was introduced to America by German an Austrian ski instructors in the 30's. It is, of course, on a much smaller scale that signals the change of seasons and a reminder that winter skiing is not that far away. It’s a great way for ski resorts to promote themselves, add some family fun along with ski swaps and local events. This year, some ski areas are selling discounted ski tickets and passes for the upcoming season.The Columbus Day weekend has traditionally combined this German festival into a long holiday weekend. It’s the best of both worlds. You can view the changing colors, travel to a ski area and sample some great local beer and food. Maybe you’ll find a bargain or two.

If you’re free this weekend why not travel to your favorite ski resort and celebrate Oktoberfest or a fall festival at your favorite mountain.

Places to go this Columbus Day weekend

Hunter Mountain Oct 10-11

Oktoberfest features authentic German and German-American entertainment in the beauty of the northern Catskills in autumn. Our modern celebration of the harvest features a farmers market, plenty of vendors, free crafts and pumpkin painting for the kids, and much more. Free Admission makes it an affordable, fun time for all ages.

Lake Placid Olympic Jump Complex Oct. 10 -11

Blues, Brews and BBQs and 2010 U.S. Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined National Championships

This annual two-day event has something for everyone in the family - from watching the best ski jumpers in North America compete, live blues bands, tempting barbeque and great brews, inflatables, games, craft vendors and more - all with unparalleled views of the Adirondacks and the peak fall foliage. Take a chair lift or elevator to the top of the famed 120 meter ski jump for some of the best views in the Adirondacks during the peak fall foliage. Join us this weekend for one of the most exciting events of the Fall season!

Stratton Mountain, VT Oct 10 -12

Columbus Day Weekend and Harvestfest Celebration - Brewfest, chili cook-off, local vendors, musical entertainment, family fun run, Gondola rides to summit, tent sales and jeep rides.

Jiminy Peak Oct 10 -12

Annual Fall Festival - The Festival features a craft fair, the annual Hancock Fire Department Ski and Snowboard Sale, an outdoor BBQ, great sales on apparel and equipment from Mountain Sports by Potter Brothers and much more.

Windham Mountain Oct 10 -11

Homecoming - BBQ, chair rides, activities at the mountain. Also, the 3rd Annual Meatball cook-off

Autumn Afaiir( Main Street- Windham)- Chicken BBQ, entertainment and the food court will be on the lawn of Technett Computer Services, next to Bunce Realty on Main Street in Windham. Entertainment will include Smokin' Aces, Brad Berk, and - back by popular demand from an Autumn Affair two years ago - Chris Wilson. Sharon Phillips' "Music in Motion" will be performing on the United Methodist Church grounds for children's entertainment and pleasure. Christine Spero will be performing on Saturday from 2-5pm at Windham Wine and Liquor.

Gore Mountain - Oct 10-11

Gore Mountain Harvest Fest, North Creek

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT ALL WEEKEND: Featuring The Ernie Williams Band & Raisinhead
HEARTY FALL FOOD & DRINK MENU: Including smoked turkey drumsticks and plenty of October beer!
SCENIC GONDOLA SKYRIDES & MOUNTAIN BIKING: Enjoy our famous fall activities during peak foliage
AN ARRAY OF ADIRONDACK VENDORS: Jewelers, photographers, artists, furniture makers, and SO much more CHILDREN'S ENTERTAINERS: Walking Magician & Penelope the Clown
CLIMBING WALL & EURO-BUNGEE: Bring on the fun!
AWESOME INFLATABLES FROM BOUNCE AROUND ENTERTAINMENT: Giant Slides, Obstacle Courses, Bounce HousesSTRAW MAZE: Only at Gore!

DON'T MISS THIS FANTASTIC FREE EVENT!

For more information about the REAL Oktoberfest: The Official Munich Oktoberfest

Photo Credit: AP Photo/Diether Endlicher