Need help deciding where to visit regularly (from Pittsburgh)

[Johnny V.]

The I-81 ski areas (Greek, Song, Labrador and Toggenburg) are east of the Finger Lakes. If you go more centrally located by Canandaigua, Keuka etc you are close to Bristol, Hunt Hollow (private but open to the public on weekdays), Swain and about 2 hours from Ellicottville for Holiday Valley and Holimont. Be sure to check out the map-depending on your location you may have to go around the lakes-there's no bridges!

Certainly Gore has it over any of the Finger Lakes areas, but it's a haul from Pittburgh. I haven't skied much in the Catskills, but no lakes like the Finger Lakes in that area and once again, a haul from western PA.

 

[Campgottagopee]

The I-81 ski areas (Greek,Song, Labrador and Toggenburg) are east of the Finger Lakes. If you go more centrally located by Canandaigua, Keuka etc you are close to Bristol, Hunt Hollow (private but open to the public on weekdays),Swain and about 2 hours from Ellicottville for Holiday Valley and Holimont. Be sure to check out the map-depending on your location you may have to go around the lakes-there's no bridges!

Certainly Gore has it over any of the Finger Lakes areas, but it's a haul from Pittburgh. I haven't skied much in the Catskills, but no lakes like the Finger Lakes in that area and once again, a haul from western PA.

Virgil is a 20 minute drive to Skaneateles Lake and Cayuga Lake, 25 minutes to Owasco Lake. Greek Peak is on campus and 3 other areas are within another 20 minute drive. Hunting, fishing, hiking, horse trails, snowmobile trails, x country ski trails, DH mountain biking, and 1000's of acres of stateland is your backyard.
We're only 1.5 hrs from the river, 2.5 to Gore, 5 to WF, and I don't know from Hunter and Platty

 

[Harvey]

5 hours 20 minutes to Finger Lakes Country...

 

[Q*bert Jones IV]

I haven't skied much in the Catskills, but no lakes like the Finger Lakes in that area and once again, a haul from western PA.

I mean...

 

[Johnny V.]

I mean..

Beautiful! No or small boats allowed? Guess it depends on what lake activities the OP is looking for.

 

[Harvey]

Is there private property around the reservoir?

 

[Brownski]

Herkimer

 

[Harvey]

Herkimer

It is the center of the NY ski universe.

 

[Robert]

So I'm from the finger lakes and my question would be what vibe are you looking for?

If all you care about is skiing, then yes Gore is the move. If you are look more for nature and solitude then I would also suggest the ADK's.

butttt the fingers lakes have there qualities. There is always stuff going on in the warmer months and the FLX are home to one of the best wine areas in the country. There are many more breweries, distilleries, and eateries popping up as well. If you have never done a wine tour in the summer, its a must. There is a huge social scene on most of the lakes, with bars and restaurants lake side. The fact that its closer may mean you get more use out of it year round. Bristol has some of the best snowmaking in the state, and there will be 6 other ski resorts within less than 2 hours from you in the FLX. (HV, Tog, Lab, Song, Greek, Swain). Then there's all the state park. Yes the ADK's are one big park and are beautiful in there own right. But there's Watkins glen, Grimes Glen, taughannock falls and many more in the area.

Things to think about. Both areas have the qualities. The ADK's will be the better skiing, and you will be "closer to nature". The FLX are a little more lively, with the beverage scene, farmers markets and lakes.

 

[Robert]

It is the center of the NY ski universe

Yes it is. I basically live in the Center of the state