Ski the Adirondacks

Scenic Lies lady shred

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

Ski bowl skiersThe Adirondacks region provides New Yorkers plenty of opportunities to stay close to home with their ski vacation. Some of the state’s oldest skiing areas are among those in the Adirondacks, which offers both top-notch ski resorts and skiing centers.

Resorts offer a winter vacation that include places to stay and dine. Resorts also typically have a larger variety of ski runs and other activities and amenities on-site.

Here are some of the option:

Gore Mountain allows skiers to reload their existing SKI3 frequent skier card or season pass from last season or choose to have a new card mailed to them. The first and sixth day are free, with the first day pre-loaded on the frequent skier card valid at Gore, Whiteface, or Belleayre Mountain in the Catskills region. The resort features two new ski lifts with access to all four peaks and the Straight Brook Valley. The Cutoff Trail has been lengthened and dubbed Pete’s Paradise with more beginner-friendly options. Gore Mountain has also expanded its snowmaking capacity.

Directions: 793 Peaceful Valley Road, North Creek. 518-251-2411. https://goremountain.com.

two boys glades• White Face Mountain Ski Center & Gondola offers a frequent skier card that provides a 50% savings off mid-week, non-holiday lift tickets and 25% off weekends and holidays. As with Gore, cardholders also get their first and sixth day free. White Face is adding a new Midstation Lodge this season, a new quad at Bear Den and, to keep the season white, increased snow making capacity.

Directions: 5021 Route 86, Wilmington. 518-946-2223. https://whiteface.com

Ski Centers

Whether it is a daytrip or part of a longer, overnight getaway, these ski centers offer a variety of skiing experiences in the Adirondacks. Check the website of each ski center for tips on where to stay in the area, which includes hotels, motels and B&B accommodations. Some may offer stay-and-play packages and dining deals.

Some options:

SnowboarderMcCauley Mountain Ski Center is a 633-foot vertical drops and double black diamond runs. The center was voted No. 1 for 2020 Nordic and downhills skiing by Adirondack.net. Three Olympic skiers started out skiing McCauley Mountain: John “Louie” Ehrensbeck, Hank Kashiwa and Maddie Phaneuf.

Directions: 300 McCauley rd., Old Forge. 315-369-3225. www.mccauleyny.com

Oak Mountain Ski Center gives the feel of a big mountain ski adventure with its 650-foot vertical drops, but on a smaller scale. This is the center’s 70th anniversary year.

Directions: 141 Novosel Way, Speculator. 518-548-3606. www.oakmountainski.com

Snow Ridge Ski Area has renovated its former Candlelight Restaurant and rebranded it as Tavern230 with a new menu and improved dining area.

Directions: 4501 West Road, Turin. 315-348-8456. https://snowridge.com

Titus Mountain was named “Best in Snow” by Liftopia.com. The center now offers a slope-side “skibana” for additional comfort for guests.

Directions: 215 Johnson Road, Malone. 518-483-3740. www.titusmountain.com