By: Marcia Abrahmson
Ski Windham resort is just 150 miles from New York City. Its mountain is 1,600 feet high with 34 trails. The "Apres Ski" base lodge is huge and can accommodate the large crowds that gravitate to this area because of its proximity to metropolitan New York. It is a great place for lessons and breaking in new boots and other equipment before the school breaks. I found that the best time to avoid the crowds on the slopes during school holidays was to get an early start before 9 a.m., recess for lunch at 11 a.m. and quit for the day at 2 p.m. You can then plan for lessons in the early afternoon to avoid those crazy lift lines. Their program for the "physically challenged" skier is rated on a par with Vermont's Killington. I found Killington's program very inspirational to people of all ages who had trouble ambulating and am delighted that Ski Windham has instituted such a meaningful service.
I also liked the nearby Windham Arms Hotel for a good night's sleep. The rooms are lovely, the restaurant is fine and fitness center was great. Watching the ice skaters on the rink was enough exercise for me after an invigorating day at the mountain via the free mountain shuttle from the hotel. For more information you can call toll free: 1- 800-Ski-Windham. Or visit www.windhamarmshotel.com.
There are some ski aficionados who claim that the New York ski resorts take the prize in eastern North America. They like skiing at Lake Placid, in Adirondack Park, the largest state park in the United States and the site for two Winter Olympics way back in 1932 and 1980. The competitive spirit is still alive and well at Whiteface. I overheard some ardent athletes in the gondola at Whiteface looking forward to their next ski jump from the 3,350-foot trail's vertical drop. Whiteface is 300 miles from NYC. Lake Placid has always been famous for its luxurious year-round accommodations. The Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa has all the glamour of a Hollywood set and is a fabulous destination in itself. I found the Spa to be the perfect remedy to soothe and relax every muscle and bone in my body. Its restaurant features a healthy Spa menu in addition to lush gourmet meals. This lakeside resort is deserving of AAA's Four Diamonds in my judgment.
Gore Mountain, a well-kept ski secret, is in North Creek in the Adirondacks, just 240 miles from NYC, and is another ideal getaway for the whole family. It does not have the glitz of the other more commercial ski centers yet, but it does have some of the most awesome mountain scenic terrain that I have ever seen. The lack of the holiday hordes makes the slopes even more inviting. This may not last too long for there are plans afoot to have Gore join with the first commercial ski area in the United States, the North Creek Ski Bowl. There will also be more trails, a new base lodge as well as more chair lifts in addition to recently acquired snow-making equipment and the most up-to-date gondola. Ski Magazine has saluted Gore for its ideal weather, trails, challenge of a vertical 2,500 foot vertical drop and monetary value.
A short drive from the mountain is the Copperfield Inn, another AAA Four Diamond resort with an inviting hot tub, a stimulating health club and an inviting tavern. Its award winning restaurant features a mud pie and a unique goat cheese napoleon pastry. The beauty of this property stood out like a beacon in this rustic mountain area. You can obtain more information by calling the Copperfield Inn at 1-800-424-9910 or visiting www.copperfieldinn.com.
The Pocono Mountain Ski area is also about 2 1/2 hours from New York City and has Shawnee and Camelback which are frequented by many skiers from Long Island. I went there in March during a warm spell when the snow was melting. We could have used boats instead of skis. Therefore, I recommend going there the latter part of December, January and February before the great melt down.
However, New York's Ski Windham, Whiteface and Gore Mountain should have sufficient snow during the school holiday breaks for those families who prefer to drive for winter fun to the slopes rather than fly to the sunny sands of Florida and the Caribbean.
Copyright by Marcia Abramson
E-mail: mascribe@aol.com
