Although you wouldn’t know it from the warmer-than-normal
temperatures outside, this is the season for skiers and snowboarders to hit
their favorite downhill destinations. But before you unknowingly sacrifice
quality for familiarity, take some time to consider your options. Ski resorts
all around Rochester
are offering new or recently modified features catering to all interests and
abilities, from sick terrain parks and half-pipes to intricately varied slopes
and trails. With the number of ski resorts in
proximity, weighing the options for a weekday or weekend excursion can be
difficult. This guide will give you some specifics on the major slopes in a
two-hour radius to help make that decision a little easier. But as previously
mentioned, the so-far exceptionally warm weather has
made the 2007 ski season a little unpredictable. Make sure to call ahead to
check if all the features listed will be open for your trip.
Bristol Mountain Resort
5662 County
Route 64, Canandaigua
374-6000, www.bristolmountain.com
Distance: Approximately one hour from downtown Rochester
Hours of operation: Monday-Friday,
9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
Tickets: $15-$50/one-day;
$339-$499/season pass
Amenities: 33
slopes and trails, 2 half-pipes, 2 terrain parks, 6 lifts
The tallest ski resort in its
region, BristolMountain is suitable for skiers and
snowboarders of any skill level. With more than 30 slopes and trails, any rider
can find a terrain suitable to his level of comfort. Launching Pad, a gentle
and wide-open slope, is a good start for first-timers, while the left face of
the mountain is designated for the more advanced — or particularly courageous
— beginners.
Of course, speed junkies always search for the steepest
slopes. Not a problem. BristolMountain’s vertical, which is the highest of any ski
resort between the Adirondacks and the Rockies,
sits at a 2,200-foot summit elevation and has a 1,200-foot vertical rise. For
self-proclaimed extremists, two half-pipes are available (one with 12-foot-high
walls and a total length of 425 feet). Boxes, rails, spines, and step-downs,
are just some of the additional features offered.
Several lodging options are
available nearby, including The Inn on the Lake and The Lodge at BristolHarbour. Both
have lake views and provide full-service accommodations, including cable,
Internet, and fireplaces.
Upcoming Events:
1/13-1/14: USSA Freestyle Event: Competitors ride through a specially designed
freestyle course encompassing moguls and two strips of different jumps at
varying heights.
1/20: Burton Demo Day: Experts from Burton
show the latest equipment, and help you find the ski/board right for you.
1/28: Next Snow Search Finals: Sponsored by Sports Illustrated. The top
10 male and female competitors from each previous qualifying event will
participate in the CarvingPark, Moguls, Half Pipe,
and Slope style contests.
Swain Ski and Snowboard Resort
2275 Main Street, Swain
607-545-6511, www.swain.com
Distance: Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes from downtown Rochester
Hours of Operation:Daily,
9 a.m.-10 p.m.
Tickets: $23-$42/one-day,
$319-$499/season pass
Amenities: 21 trails,
half-pipe, terrain park, tubing park, 4 lifts
Sitting at a base elevation of
1,320 feet, Swain offers a trail network that has areas suitable for all level
skiers and snowboarders, with 67 percent dedicated to beginner and intermediate
riders, including a 5,280-foot run. The resort also includes a half-pipe and
often-altered terrain park, featuring tabletops, rails, and boxes. If alpine or
snowboarding isn’t enough to kick start those endorphins, try one of the other
recreational activities like snowmobiling, ice-skating, or ice fishing.
For families, Gunny’s GorgeTubingPark offers 750 feet of
kid-friendly fun. Slide down one of six chutes and then get towed back to the
top.
Swain offers its own lodging, with an indoor pool, hot tub,
and other amenities. The Comfort Inn and Econo Lodge
are also only about 20-30 minutes from the resort.
Upcoming Events:
Every Saturday: Music
on The Mountain Series: Live music from local musicians in the Shawmut Pub.
Holiday Valley
6677 Holiday Valley Road, Ellicottville
716-699-2345, www.holidayvalley.com
Distance: Approximately 2 hours from downtown Rochester
Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8:30
a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Sunday, 8:30-10 p.m.
Tickets: $32-$42/weekday one-day; $36-$85/weekend one-day; $635-$835/season pass
Amenities: 53
trails, half-pipe, 4 terrain parks, 12 lifts
From the increasingly difficult terrain of Moonshadow (home to slope style contests and the most
advanced jumps and rails on the mountain) to the entry-level rail garden, HolidayValley’s terrain offers a wide variety
of skiing experiences. And of the 53 trails, 37 are also available for night
skiing. For a more leisurely pastime, check out the cross-country skiing
trails.
Riders who want to see how they “measure up” can take part
in NASTAR racing, which leads ski and snowboard racers through a handicap
system that enables them to compare themselves with one another and the
national champion.
As for lodging, The Inn at HolidayValley is located at the base of the Sunrise lift for ski-in,
ski-out convenience. If you’d rather enjoy the luxuries of a home, Holiday
Valley Rental Management handles more than 240 private properties, including
condominiums and townhouses located at the slopes and in the village of Ellicottville.
Upcoming Events:
1/14: Racer X Series: Fun race
at Cindy’s Run for young skiers up to age 12.
1/20: USASA Boardercross: Competitors race down a course with jumps, S curves, rollers and berms.
1/21: USASA Slopestyle
Event: Ski and snowboard competitors ride down the Moonshadow slope doing their best tricks over jumps and
rails.
1/28: Next Snow Search: Kids’
competition for skiers and riders from ages 9-12 in pipe, rails, racing and
moguls. Winner competes in the nationally televised finals, with a chance to be
named to the Next Snow Team.
Greek Peak Mountain Resort
2000 Route 392, Cortland
800-955-2754, www.greekpeak.net
Distance: Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes from downtown Rochester
Hours of operation:Monday-Thursday,
9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday, 9:30 a.m.-10 p.m.;
Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Tickets:$15-$54/one-day;
$249-$429/season pass
Amenities: 32 trails,
half-pipe, 3 terrain parks, cross-country/Nordic center, tubing center, 8 lifts
With minimal crowds and beginners on weekends, GreekPeak
appeals to the more advanced skiers/snowboarders. These riders have several hot
spots to use, including a recently modified terrain park, which now features
three new boxes and six rail jams. Beginners needn’t worry; the progression
terrain park was made to help build skills.
GreekPeak also offers an
ice-skating rink and a cross-country/Nordic center, which features 22-25
kilometers of Nordic trails, adjacent to two state forests with approximately
30-plus kilometers of non-maintained trails. The Nordic Center also offers
snowshoeing and gliding. Within walking distance of the resort is a tubing
center, complete with six tube chutes.
GreekPeak offers several lodging options, including rustic cabins and fully furnished private residences
that can be rented by the night. Nearby hotels include the Country Inn and Suites, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn, and SUNY Cortland Alumni House. The HopeLake Lodge — a hotel with indoor water park — is scheduled to open in December
2007.
Upcoming Events:
1/19: Rail Jam: Competition
in freestyle maneuvers and riding rails.
1/28-2/1: Winter Challenge Week:
Instruction
geared toward adaptive skiing and snowboarding for the disabled.
2/4: Masters Race USSA
sanctioned event featuring downhill racing for riders over 18.
Labrador Mountain
Route 91, Truxton
607-842-6204, www.labradormtn.com
Distance: Approximately 2 hours from downtown Rochester
Hours of operation: Monday-Saturday,
9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Tickets:$20-$35/one-day;
$185-$351/season pass
Amenities: 23 trails,
half-pipe, terrain park, 6 lifts
Renowned for its challenging
3,000-foot snowboard park and awe-inspiring boarding
competitions, LabradorMountain is home to
numerous snowboard enthusiasts, who now have several improvements to enjoy.
These include a widened top of the cutthroat race trail, a newly built
2,500-square-foot building for the race team, and more snowmaking guns to
ensure high-quality terrain.
The mountain’s terrain is somewhat
intimidating, with several steep, narrow passes; however, there is still
sufficient terrain for beginner’s progression, including a NASTAR course. The
three different peaks are home to an intricate network of trails that should
suit all abilities.
A wide variety of lodging is
available within minutes of the mountain in CortlandCounty,
including historic inns, motels, town houses, and bed and breakfasts.
Upcoming Events:
1/20: Lab Fest: Live DJ, kids activities, games, races, prizes.
1/27: Carnival Race: USSA
members giant slalom race.
KissingBridge Ski and Snowboard Resort
Route 240, Glenwood
716-592-4963, www.kbski.com
Distance: Approximately 1 hour, 45 minutes from downtown Rochester
Hours of operation:
Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Tickets: $14-$46/one-day; $125-$425/season pass
Amenities: 36
trails, terrain park, tubing park, 9 lifts
Kissing Bridge features 700 acres of terrain with 36 trails,
including a 600-foot run. The resort makes up for a somewhat short vertical
with an elaborate terrain park featuring a progressive flow of increasingly
difficult features, including 25 rail features and an intimidating triple jump
line. However, an emphasis on aiding with the transition from beginner to
intermediate ability has made way for a new mini park to help new beginners
work on their skills.
The Colden Tubing Co offers a 10-story ride from the summit
to its base, and 14 to 16 chutes to slide down.
Lodging options include the Oasis Bed and Breakfast, about
six miles south of KissingBridge. The 1890s
Victorian farmhouse includes theme rooms, veranda, and two outdoor hot tubs.
Several other bed and breakfasts are within 10 miles of KissingBridge, and chain hotels including the
Holiday and Hampton
inns are also within an hour of the resort.
Upcoming Events:
1/18: 2 4 5 Snowboard
Co. Rail Jam: Taking place at the TerrainPark.
1/27: Beach Party: Beach-themed
party at the Lake Effect Saloon (beach attire suggested).
3/10: Spring Fling
Deck Party: Outside event for KissingBridge patrons, including
wine tasting, homemade beer, chili, free prizes, scavenger hunts and more.
This article appears in Jan 10-16, 2007.
