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New Year's Getaways-NY State of Mind


Big Apple based day-or get outta town weeklong excursions-are value friendly.

Under January's  blue(r) skies, enjoy sporty mountain endeavors-all within reach of one of the greatest cities on earth.

BONUS: Upgrades and freebies abound.

ADIRONDACKS
·    Gore Mountain (North Creek, Essex County)anticipates biggest snowmaking season with its new new snowmaking machines-serving 14 lifts, 110 trails for beginning - expert skiers  In addition, new grooming machines will ensure a smooth experience on the nine sides of four peaks of alpine terrain. For those looking forward to après ski, the Tannery Pub and Restaurant will also double the size of its facilities.

·         West Mountain’s (Queensbury, Warren County) nearly $3 million investment includes treetop aerial adventure includes new SMI snowmaking sticks and 49 snowmaking fans to create optimal ski conditions, a new chairlift for a more enjoyable ride to the top of the mountain with views of the Hudson River and the Adirondacks,  a two-mile zip line and a treetop aerial adventure for an adrenaline rush.  PLUS-conveniently-West MT is just off I-87, 40 minutes north of Albany, 

·      Whiteface Mountain (Wilmington, Essex County)  increases snowmaking capabilities by 25% enhancing the East coast's greatest vertical + longest intermediate run (Wilmington Trail). PLUS upgraded snowmaking capabilities on key trails,  widened and expanded popular trails, a new pump house and renovations to the Bear Den Base Lodge =home to the facility's ever-growing snowsports program.

CATSKILLS

·        Belleayre Ski Resort (Highmount, Ulster County) upgrades include expanded terrain park and energy-efficient snowmaking with vast improvements and technology, including low energy, high efficiency snowmaking machines and upgraded terrain parks with countless new features. The Kids Camp and learning area is conducive to new skiers and snowboarders to learn and join the fun.

·        Hunter Mountain (Hunter, Greene County) debuted five new trails, four new glades and high speed six-person lift- with nearly 80 acres of skiable terrain added to the north facing slope of the mountain, including five new trails and four new glades offering veteran skiers a new challenge. Groups of friends may ride up the mountain together on the new high-speed six-person lift. Driven by a private investment of $9 million, this is the largest expansion the Northeast U.S. has seen in fifteen years. PLUS-regular bus service from nYC for day trippers.

·      Windham Mountain (Windham, Greene County RFID technology will enable skiers to reload lift tickets online-and is the only mountain in the state to provide radio-frequency identification (RFID). This new feature eliminates paper lift tickets and allows skiers to reload online, meaning shorter lines, less waste and lower prices. Upgraded grooming fleetswith new energy efficient models and the Westside Six will quickly bring skiers up the mountain in less than five and a half minutes.

CHAUTAUQUA-ALLEGHENY

·         Cockaigne Resort (Cherry Creek, Chautauqua County) is rebuilt and reborn with $6.2 million project after a 2011 fire destroyed the original lodge. The $6.2 million project expands the new 10,000 square foot lodge into a multi-faceted resort to be utilized during all four seasons. In the warmer months, including a new 3,000-square foot stage hosting music concerts and festivals. The renewed resort features a 10-lane tubing hill, a 12-acre terrain park and slope style hill, new lift buildings and several new cut-over trails in-between hills. Additionally, the lodge has a cafeteria style kitchen and dining area complete with an indoor/outdoor bar.

·       Holiday Valley (Ellicottville, Cattaraugus County) has $3.4 million in upgrades
including a new conveyor lift on the beginner’s slope, several "tree trails" for kids that wind through trees, a new groomer for work in the terrain parks, and a shuttle van to transport guests to and from the grounds.

FINGER LAKES

·         Bristol Mountain (Canandaigua, Ontario County) has made a $2 million investment in resort enhancements, including a new high point terrain park on the challenger trail with boxes, rails, and small jumps.  a world-class training venue for the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Freestyle Aerial Team :-)...via the new Freestyle Aerial Jump Training and Competition site.

·       Greek Peak Mountain Resort (Cortland, Cortland County)  improvements include snowmaking and chair lift upgrades with more than $1.5 million in improvements. The resort has relocated the welcome center/guest services station to the ticket booth building and additional signage for guests to navigate the base area more efficiently, chair lift upgrades, new snowmaking machines with 1,000 gallons per minute capability, and several lodge upgrades go a long way to improve guest experience. Improvements to the lodge include a gazebo, a mountain-top deck, a wedding-tent venue with new flooring, and a new 'Big Bear Activity Zone' at Cascades Indoor Waterpark.

HUDSON VALLEY

·         Catamount Ski Area (Hillsdale, Columbia County) made major $2 million renovation include triple chairlift and base lodge- ready to host large events like weddings and concerts. PLUS Catamount has also announced plans for a 7,600 square foot lodge that will be used for ticket sales, ski rentals, lockers retail shops and seating. The ski area's 385 acres include more than 100 acres of skiable terrain and an aerial adventure park, and a new ski lift for beginners.

In addition, events and discounted programs for skiers and riders of all skill levels are planned for 2019 including:

·         January 11th
National Learn to Ski or Snowboard Day Celebration – Part of a national month-long initiative that encourages skiing and snowboarding with professional lessons offered by many ski areas

·         January 17th
Discover NY Ski Day – Special deals and discounts by various ski areas

·         January 26th
Central Park Winter Jam – Annual event hosted by the Ski Areas of NY, NYC Parks and the Olympic Regional Development Association that brings free skiing and snowboarding to New York City’s Central Park

·         All season:
Kids Passport Program – Third and fourth grad students learn to ski for free with a paying adult

·         Various dates:
Ski & Stay Weekends – Deals includes ski and stay for two nights and get
the third night free