Song Mountain: Surprise Jackpot

There’s something special about setting out on a ski road trip with no expectations other than spending quality time on the slopes. That’s exactly how Evan and I felt as we headed north from Ithaca, making our way to Song Mountain in Tully, NY, for the first time.

Song Mountain

With a string of recent weekends spent chasing powder and the mixed precipitation earlier in the week, we were prepared for mixed conditions. But winter had other plans, and we were in for an incredible surprise.

As we drove past Cortland, it was as if we crossed into a snow globe. Seemingly in the blink of an eye, the landscape transformed, coated in a fresh blanket of lake-effect snow.

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A Prescription for Cazenovia

Some skiers and riders dream of a private ski resort. Others buy a mega-pass, take a shuttle from the paid parking lot to the lodge, and wait in line to ski crowded terrain. But take heart if you’re reading this blog, there may be hope.

I fortify myself with a steady dose of independent New York ski areas. For those who have gone over the edge, a shock to the system may be needed for a full reset. If you have mega pass fever, only a hidden gem will save you. I prescribe some Cazenovia Ski Club.

I don’t have mega pass, but since I first rode Cazenovia two years ago, and I’ve been dying to get back.

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My First Woods Valley Powder Day

I’ve wanted to ski every ski area in New York for a long time. It’s a big job, and now I have the flexibility to do it. Based in NJ since I started skiing in 1990, until now, logistics have focused my attention on eastern New York and Vermont.

I have more time now, and I’ve set my sights on filling the holes in my resume in Central and Western NY. I’ve got 30 lift-served areas to ski, over the next three years, if things go according to plan.

This winter, I’m still based in New Jersey, but I’ll be in the Adirondacks a lot more. First, I’ll be focused on the hills I can ski in a day from the Adk and NJ. Next year, I’ll look further to the west with some overnight roadtrips.

Big Chair
Big Chair

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