When most ski enthusiasts plan a winter getaway, we're not sure that New York State is at the top of their list of ski trip destinations. NY Getaways chatted with Scott Brandi, president of Ski Areas of New York, Inc. (SANY) via email to find out why travelers should get in a New York State of mind for their next ski trip.
NY Getaways: What's new on the ski front in New York State?
Scott Brandi: We continue to improve the skiing/snowboarding experience with better snowmaking, better lifts and better facilities. Equipment continues to improve making the introductory experience easier and more fun.
Windham Mountain invested $4 million in improvements for the 2011-2012 ski season. The bulk was focused on upgrades to snow grooming and snowmaking operations. The grooming fleet was augmented by three new grooming tractors. Significant upgrades to the snowmaking arsenal included construction of new and more efficient pump house and installation of low-energy guns and lance-style guns, reducing energy demands while creating more snow. We also upgraded the snowmaking system’s piping infrastructure. Because of the popularity of alpine, freestyle and snowboarding training and competition programs at Windham Mountain, a new Competition Center was built near the base lodge. Other improvements include a side-by-side Racing Zip Line at our Adventure Park, on-mountain electrical system upgrades, improvements to food & beverage equipment, new resort transportation vehicles and heavy equipment, and visual/aesthetic upgrades and renovations in the base lodge and the Club at Windham Mountain.
NY Getaways: What's the most popular ski destination in NY State and why?
SB: Holiday Valley is the most visited resort in New York State for several reasons. It's close to several metropolitan areas including Buffalo, Rochester, Toronto, Cleveland and Pittsburgh. Access from all directions is very easy using the NYS highways of Interstate 90 and 86, and Rt. 219. Holiday Valley is open day and night, allowing groups and individuals from area schools and clubs to visit after school or work. A visit to Holiday Valley is enhanced by the charming and fun loving Village of Ellicottville with unique shopping, dining and night life. Holiday Valley is continually reinvesting in the resort to keep improving the experience.
Windham Mountain is also a great resort with terrific snowmaking, a cool base lodge, a quaint village, loyal and passionate guests and staff and it’s easy to get there. In fact, Windham Mountain was named the most accessible resort in NY by the readers of Ski Magazine for two years running. With 1600 vertical feet of skiing, Windham Mountain is a big mountain – with 97% snowmaking, 49 trails, 10 lifts and 5 parks. The central base lodge includes food and beverage, equipment rentals, lessons and the latest equipment and apparel. The entertainment and camaraderie on the Patio adds to your enjoyment. Other amenities include the 3500 Club locker room to store you gear, on-slope Equipment Valet, Demo Center, outdoor BBQ and bar, fire pit and valet parking.
NY Getaways: Why is a ski vacation a good winter getaway option/alternative to a beach getaway?
SB: In New York we get to enjoy all four seasons, and skiing and riding is the best way to get the most out of winter. Windham also features unique attractions for the whole family including NY’s only Big Air Bag (big jumps, soft landing), night skiing, and a tubing park with an outdoor skating rink, a kids snowmobile park and zip line. The beauty of taking your family on a ski vacation is that you get to enjoy the outdoors and keep the whole family active and busy. By driving to a nearby resort it avoids the hassle of extended airline travel.
NY Getaways: What current winter promotions and Valentine's Day promotions are running for ski destinations in the state?
SB: At the Winwood Inn and Condominiums, Ski and Stay Packages are available all season long. Starting at $79.50 per person the package includes a lift ticket and lodging, complimentary continental breakfast and free shuttle to and from the mountain. Rate is per person, per night, based on double occupancy.
Windham Mountain also offers Beginner Packages daily, starting at $79.00 per person. This includes a 1 hour, 45 minute group lesson, mid-mountain lift ticket and full rental package including a helmet. It is a great way to be introduced to skiing or snowboarding and can accommodate a range of abilities for beginners to intermediate-level skiers.
Holiday Valley offers free lodging and lift tickets for up to 2 children age 17 and under when their parents purchase a midweek lift and lodging package at any of our lodging properties.
NY Getaways: What differentiates skiing in NY State from skiing in other Northeast regions?
SB: New York State has 50-plus world-class ski resorts. With nearly 100 downhill and cross-country ski centers, it has more ski areas than any other state in the U.S. -- all within a 45-minute drive from every major city in New York State. New York also has the highest vertical drop in the U.S. east of the Mississippi at the 3,430-foot-high Whiteface Mountain, known as “The Olympics” ski destination in Lake Placid.
Whiteface opened in 1958 and has earned its place in the annals of big-mountain skiing. The Mountain regularly stages major national and international events, yet welcomes first-time skiers every day. It includes 86 runs (a third of which are rated for experts), 11 lifts including a gondola, terrain parks, adrenaline-pumping, between-the-trees skiing and six mountainside restaurants. Whiteface is the Olympic Mountain, which means you carve the same turns as the world's best racers, and visit the other Olympic facilities like the Olympic Ski Jumping Complex and the Olympic Sports Complex, just down the road.
More specifically, skiing and riding Windham, NY is unlike any area in the Northeast because it's more than a ski resort: it’s a destination. There's nothing more beautiful than the village of Windham, with its snow-topped roofs and freshly powdered trails in the distance. The shops, restaurants, galleries and attractions that line Main Street add small-town charm and make every visit feel like you're coming home. From the village to our Adventure Park; from our restaurants to our hotel; Windham NY is a convenient destination that offers fun for the whole family.
Comments