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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Hunt Hollow Ski Club on Indy Pass

I’ve been on the road a lot lately, covering 2500 miles in the first two weeks of February, a combination of work and play. The “play” was back-to-back weekends hunting pow, at Snow Ridge and Oak Mountain. While I felt the need for a day to unwind, my love for riding won out.

Hunt Hollow Base

By Friday, the itch to carve some turns was too strong. Looking closer to home, I set my sights on Hunt Hollow, excited for a new experience at a familiar yet still under-explored spot.

I’ve overlooked Hunt Hollow in previous years. Members-only access on the weekend limited my opportunities. My previous experiences had been night skiing on weekdays.

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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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