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.

Continue reading

Snow Ridge Opens North Slope

I spend a lot of time at work setting expectations. It’s important stakeholders know what they are getting to avoid disappointment. Skiing and riding in New York can be the same. Set your expectations modestly and winter will never let you down. It can magnify the fun you are having on the slopes. It does for me.

North Slope
North Slope

Last Saturday I geared up late in the morning and headed to Snow Ridge without expectations. On the way up Route 26, the resort comes into sight. From there you can see the face of the mountain. This view always gives me an clue about what to expect.

Continue reading

Dry Hill: Finally Dry

In 2010, I began work on NYSkiBlog’s Directory of NY Ski Areas to educate myself about New York skiing. In the process, I learned about Dry Hill, the other Tug Hill ski area. It’s a beautiful ski hill on a ripple in the terrain, a few miles south of Watertown. Dry Hill has a magic all her own.

Dry Hill Ski Area

There’s a lot to like about Dry Hill. Dry has a double chair, a T-bar and a magic carpet serving 7 trails on 42 acres; 1.5 miles of terrain with 300 feet of vertical drop. It’s not too surprising that both the double and the T-bar were made by the venerable Hall Ski Lift Company — which was also based in Watertown NY — from 1955 until 1982.

Continue reading