One of the many advantages of living in a small town on Long Island is the variety of natural surroundings it offers, especially during the colder months of the year.  As winter begins, Long Islanders are given the opportunity to ditch the sandy beaches, head upstate  to ski and snowboard. 

Located at the northern edge of New York’s Catskill Mountains, Windham Mountain is 1600 feet of fun for skiers and riders.  It has 54 ski trails, 11 ski lifts, and six terrain parks, all spread over 732 acres.  With this abundance of terrain, there are a variety of levels open to skiers and riders.  While there are two lifts specifically designated for advanced terrain, there are also three magic carpets and two beginner lifts for those who are just learning to ski or want to remain on less steep, shorter trails. 

“I like how Windham has  trails for all types of skiers!   The variety of trails at Windham gives you a choice of what you want to do,” said freshman Katherine Doherty. 

Due to the pandemic, Windham instituted a green and red day system for ticket sales. Green days have no capacity restrictions, but purchase of lift tickets in advance is strongly recommended.  On-site ticket purchase is also available. Red days, however, have significant capacity restrictions and all lift tickets on those days must be purchased in advance on the website.  For those ages 17 and under, tickets are $109 on weekends and start at $50 on weekdays.  With the recent snow storm, Windham’s park with tubing, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing has been opened to the public.  Just across the road from the mountain, the park offers activities for those who would prefer to stay off the slopes or are just more interested in an alternative winter activity. 

“The new green and red day system is confusing, and the green days are noticeably more crowded than the red with longer lines for lifts and in the cafeteria. If it’s the only way we can ski and tube at the park during the pandemic, though, then it’s worth it, ” said sophomore Grace Carolan.

Just 10 miles away from Windham Mountain resort is the  rival mountain, Hunter Mountain Resort.  Unlike Windham, Hunter does not have a green/red day system, but lift tickets are still limited during popular holiday periods, and the mountain recommends purchasing tickets a week in advance.  Hunter is a part of the Epic Season Pass; this pass allows you to ski at Vail, Whistler Blackcomb, Breckenridge, Park City, and other large resorts in the West.  They also offer a variety of ticket purchase options, between one-day and three-day tickets, starting at $81 for those under 17.  Hunter’s terrain is more fit for those with skiing and snowboarding experience.  While there is a magic carpet and beginner slopes, the terrain is narrow and steep at the places with the best conditions. 

Another popular skiing destination is Belleayre Mountain, which is located about 40 minutes south of Windham mountain and 135 miles from New York City.  Belleayre is the only mountain in the Catskills that has a gondola, which gives skiers and riders the opportunity to warm up as they travel up the mountain.  In 2020, the ski lodge at Belleayre collapsed due to an avalanche, but they quickly recovered and this year they have a newly renovated ski lodge where skiers and snowboarders can take a break.  Advanced purchase online is required for all lift tickets, lessons, and rentals, and the availability of tickets is not guaranteed. 

“I love snowboarding and skiing during February break with my family. It brings us all together and it is a great way to get active.  A high functioning gondola, good terrain, and a new lodge creates the perfect ski resort,” said senior Maya Lapter. 

There are an abundance of opportunities for the Port Washington community to get a taste of the ski life, and there are many highly regarded ski resorts only a short road trip away.  Mountains like Hunter, Windham, and Belleayre provide the perfect conditions for all types of skiers and are places where good memories are guaranteed.  Despite the continuing pandemic protocols, there is a mountain for each and every skier and to have their own unique idea of fun.