NY ski hills?

www.slackpacker.com/dutchess.html

I'll give you the earn-your-turns option very, very close to Wappingers falls. Before you cross the Hudson on your way to Hunter, look left at the highlands above Beacon NY. There is an abandoned ski area there with some ski trails still usable. I skied The Incline Rail line in '96 after a doubleheader Nor'easter.

Excellent backcountry skiing...without the backcountry.

As someone who used to live in northern NJ, I would skip Hunter's crowds and go a hair further to Windham Mountain (vertical drop 1600').  I would most often go to Mountain Creek resort (max vert 1000').  Both are good choices.  If you're mid-week, then Hunter is a good choice (also 1600' vert).  

Got the ability to travel? - head north to Gore Mtn (2300' vert) or Northeast to Okemo (2200'vert).

www.slackpacker.com/dutchess.html

I'll give you the earn-your-turns option very, very close to Wappingers falls.  Before you cross the Hudson on your way to Hunter, look left at the highlands above Beacon NY.  There is an abandoned ski area there with some ski trails still usable.  I skied The Incline Rail line in '96 after a doubleheader Nor'easter.   

Excellent backcountry skiing...without the backcountry.

Wow, Duchess Ski Area! I remember this from Kindergarten days! A great little beginner place, I think they went broke after trying a big expansion (warmer winters likely did not help). If there is enough snow here and it is a weekend day, you would probably get to the top quicker by skinning here than by waiting in a lift line at Hunter.

MW8888888- you the man. abandoned ski areas sound like my style. proximity too. good suggestion.


after looking at some of the other options i already miss home. haven't even got on the plane yet too.

thanks for all the input fella's!