Swain Mountain Resort (Swain, NY)

Swain Mountain Resort

Swain, NY

30 Trails

5 Lifts (3 Quads, 1 Double, 1 Magic Carpet)

650' Vertical

About It:

Swain is a perfect example of how to make something out of nothing. I mean its in central New York, an area virtually devoid of major hills however, they truly make the most of a miniscule 650' vertical. And considering its lacking in height it has a great deal pitch as well as a wide range of trails to keep everyone happy. Its also a bargain with an all day/all night (yes night skiing!!) weekend ticket costing a mere $45.

Up on the hill theres plenty to keep everyone pleased from short but satisfying steeps at the top to long, winding cruisers similar to those of Belleayre. The lift system is a tad antiquated, however, is not too bad and there is rarely a line so its not too big of a deal.

At the base there is one of the most impressive lodges I've seen in the east. It rivals that of Whiteface and Windham and definately is makes this already good hill even better. The prices in the lodge are good as well, with regular si mountain cuisine costing about 60% less than more popular ski areas.

Overall I was incredibly impressed with Swain and would happily go back there again.

Pictures:

Hunter Mountain (Hunter, NY)

Hunter Mountain
Hunter, NY

55 Trails (30% Beg., 30% Int., 27% Adv., 13% Exp.)

11 Lifts (3 Quads [1 High Speed], 2 Triples, 5 Doubles, 1 Handle Tow)

1600' Vertical Drop

About it:

When thinking about Hunter, one word comes to mind: CROWDED. Could you imagine waiting an hour and a half lift line? Well, I have and it was there. The mountain itself would be great if not for its sub-par lift system and the poor crowd management. Despite the crowds Hunter is home to a great array of trails ranging from a whole beginners-only area, to wide cruisers, to long tru steeps that give those of Vermont a run for their money. Speaking of money, a major draw to Hunter is its prices. A weekend ticket in $61 ($63 on holidays), now for some that is a small fortune but when competing areas such as Windham ($65), Gore ($71), and Whiteface ($74 with $79 on holidays!), it is truly a bargain.

Up on the hill, be sure to check out "K-27", an amazingly long steep, and "Hellgate", one of the widest blacks this side of the Rocky's. Also check out Hunter West, an andvanced-only area, for uncrowded steeps and never a liftline. For the intermediate skier, be sure to head down "Belt Parkway," a long winding cruiser down the whole mountain that offers insane views. For the Beginner, head over to Hunter One, a designated beginner area with green trails of all levels.
At the base, the oversized, spacious lodge is a classic straight out of the 60's. That said it is kept immaculately clean and, in my opinion has the best food in the state. The food ranges from classic ski mountain eats to a REAL pizzeria to homemade soups. It even has a stir fry station and a homemade SUSHI BAR! Rentals are located in the Learning Center Lodge next door.
Overall, Hunter is a good mountain with good trails and a great lodge. Despite the crowds and the bad lifts, on a non-holiday weekend or a weekday, its rarely that horrible.

PICTURES

Starting Out

Hey world,
I ski all over. My younger sister is a ski racer in New York and I love to ski so I always tag along to get in some free skiing and to watch some good racing. I've never blogged before but I think its a good way to share some experiences and pictures from my travels. So...I'm not too good at intro stuff so yea...check often for updates

-Sam