Bristol Mountain: Ole Reliable

Navigating the holiday ski traffic can be a challenge. I typically end up seeking out less popular spots, or spending some time away from skiing to catch up on other activities.

But with rain and warm temperatures in the forecast, I decided seek out good conditions. Plus, I have a new snowboard I’d been eagerly awaiting to break it in. I called up my buddy Dan, and proposed Bristol Mountain.

Bristol Mountain

Bristol has been reliable for us over the years. With top notch snowmaking and grooming they consistently deliver good conditions. The season thus far has brought variable weather the Finger Lakes and across New York.

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Kissing Bridge: Into the Snowbelt

Waking up early on the weekends comes a lot easier when fresh snow awaits. For the second weekend in a row Tiff and I were on the road by 6:00 a.m., headed for more Erie lake effect.

A big and bright full moon lit the way. The air was crisp and cold, the car thermometer read a brisk 6 degrees, but we were fired up for the adventure.

first chair

This weekend we headed to Kissing Bridge, located in the ‘Colden Snowbelt’ south of Buffalo, with plans to meet our friend Kyle. I’d always heard Kissing Bridge was a fun spot, and was excited for our first-ever visit.

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The Bristol Hills Trail

As seasons change, so do our methods of outdoor recreation. When ILoveNY starts to put out their Fall Foliage Report, it ques my brain to contemplate hiking in the Adirondacks.

Naples Creek Trail Head

The ADK region is usually first for peak foliage in early October, and I wasn’t able to make it work. Luckily here in the Finger Lakes, peak is much later. The large bodies of water hold heat and delay the onset of cooler temperatures needed to trigger the color change in leaves, and extend the fall foliage season. The FLX has some challenging hikes, and I set my sights on Naples. The Bristol Hills Trail is a 50-mile branch trail of the 900+ mile Finger Lakes Trail System.

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