Last year this column for the January Skier start off, "The 2010 - 2011 ski season opened in the Catskills on Saturday, November 27 at Belleayre and I was there to kick off my season to." This year this beginning of ski season has been a disappointment in the Catskills and south. There was no skiing this year on Thanksgiving weekend or the weekend that followed. Not until the second weekend of December did the Catskill lift start to spin with the offerings of very limited terrain and as I sit here now at mid December a time when trail counts normally grow daily, it is warm. Let me lament. This is the worst see soon start in a very, very long time. I dug up my skiing records going al the way back to the start of 1988-89 season. Only three times in the preceding 23 years, there were only three times that, I did not open the season skiing at Belleayre Thanksgiving weekend. And, in the three years that I did not open the season Thanksgiving weekend, I was skiing the first weekend in December. I sure hope that when you read the January 2012 Skier thing will have drastically improved and that when we get to Gore for instruction weekend it will be 100% open.

Can't decide where to ski, check my suggestions on the Local Skiing Calendar (above). It features special events at the Catskill areas. Remember that it is not how much snow is your back yard that is important, but the snow in the mountains. So don't hesitate about going skiing and make use of the discounts you club membership card will get you at Plattekill ($8 non-holiday periods), Belleayre ($10 anytime).

For those of you fifty and over and midweek time to ski, Windham is offering Senior Week from January 9 through January 13. They will be offering significantly reduced prices on lift tickets, lessons and ski-and-stay packages at The Winwood Inn. Additional discounts will be available at Rock'n Mexicana restaurant, Legends Bar & Grill, Windham Mountain Sports and the Demo Center. If you go you must present their ticket or I.D. for age verification to receive discounted rates.

However, remember you must have your ski club ID with you to receive a discount of any kind at Belleayre, and Plattekill. Also, be prepared to show a photo ID.

WinterFest at Belleayre will be happening again this year. This celebration provides the opportunity to ski a discount ticket prices from Monday January 23 through Friday January 27. Check the Belleayre website for more about Winterfest activities. While visiting their web site also check out skiing for free on your birthday. Also, every non –holiday Wednesday and Friday the price of lift ticket at Belleayre is only $38.

Please note the following concerning Belleayre:
Helmets are required for all on-hill competitions, including races, NASTAR and terrain park events
If you need to rent equipment, rentals are only available at the lower mountain base lodge (Discovery Lodge).

 

Check the calendar below for special events, deals, or just where to go.

DAY	DATE	AREA	EVENT
Saturday	1/7	Gore	Instruction Weekend
Sunday	1/7	Gore
Saturday	1/14	Belleayre	Belleayre Cup Race
Sunday	1/15	Belleayre	Coalition Cup Race
Saturday	1/21	Plattekill	Plattekill Cup Races
Sunday	1/22	Windham	51st Anniversary Extravaganza
Saturday	1/28	Hunter	Mogul Workshop
Sunday	1/29	Hunter	Mogul workshop
Snow Phones
Belleayre 1-800-942-6904		Hunter 1-800-FOR-SNOW
Windham 1-800729-4SNO		Plattekill 1-800-NEED-2-SKI
Looking forward to skiing with you, so give me, Bob Reich, a call! (my number is in the Club Roster)

Ramapo's X/C contingent generally plans their outings at club meetings, so if you are interested in getting together with a group going to a nearby X/C Ski Center, it is best to come to a meeting! As weather and snow conditions permit, we often have groups going to Minnewaska or Fahnestock as well as many other locations, occasionally skiing trails in Harriman Park. We would love to have you join us!