The Downstate NY Blog

Ski, Ski, Ski Catamount

Posted on by Brownski

This winter, I bought season passes for myself and my two sons at Catamount Mountain in Hillsdale, NY. Deciding what pass to buy is never easy but I was confident that we would get our money’s worth this year.

skin setup

In addition to Cat, the pass gives me access to Berkshire East (which I love) and Bosquet (which I’ve never skied).

Even better is the fact that Cat is on the Indy Pass so you can buy an add-on that gives you a couple days each at lots of other northeast resorts like Greek Peak, Magic Mountain and Jay Peak.

Continue reading →

Tagged: Catamount, Downstate NY, Indy Pass12 Comments

Feeder Hills Build Skiing

Posted on by Brownski

A recent installment of Stuart Winchester’s Storm Skiing Journal newsletter highlighted the ridiculous window lift ticket prices at many big resorts. The price inflation is even more astounding when compared to the much lower price a skier would pay to ski at these same hills with an Ikon or Epic pass or some other heavily discounted ticket product.

Campgaw
Campgaw

I know that if I skied a few times a year and was asked for $209 when I walked up to the ticket window, I’d be tempted to turn around and leave, no matter how far I’d driven. These prices must make it more difficult for young skiers to stick with the sport.

Continue reading →

Tagged: Downstate NY28 Comments

Mount Peter: Spring into Action

Posted on by Brownski

Skiers have an ambiguous attitude towards springtime. When the weather turns warm around this time of year, we know that ski season will end soon. On the other hand, spring skiing is tons of fun.

That’s why, last week, when the snow in my front yard disappeared, I wasn’t despondent.

I admit I was jealous of the people who were able to get away midweek to make some spring turns while I worked. My social media was filled up with pictures of people skiing soft bumps and corn snow under the warm sun. Mixed in with the jealousy was excitement at the prospect of getting after some awesome spring turns myself.

Continue reading →

Tagged: Downstate NY, Mount Peter6 Comments