oakapple
New member
Date(s) Skied: January 17, 2010
Resort or Ski Area: Thunder Ridge Ski Area
My son and I skied here a month ago, which is a long while ago for a trip report, but I thought I'd share my impressions.
This is a very small resort, with only two principal chair lifts (both fixed-grip) and just a 500-foot vertical. It’s a short driving distance from NYC (about an hour), which is its main selling point. But within a slightly wider radius there are other mountains that are far more compelling.
Conditions were the worst we’ve seen anywhere this season. Most trails were worn down nearly to bare ice, and we observed many patches with dirt showing through. I realize that the region did not get much snow in December and January, for which the snow-making here is apparently not able to compensate.
Thunder Ridge is the only ski area I’ve been where the rental equipment includes a mandatory helmet. That is not a complaint, just an observation. It is also the only place I’ve been where the rental poles don’t have wrist straps, and that is a complaint.
Thunder Ridge offers a “getaway” deal with Metro-North Railroad, which looks like a bargain until you take a closer look. I didn’t go this route, but thought I’d mention it.
For $51.50, you get round-trip train fare to Patterson, NY, your lift ticket, round-trip transfers between the train station and the mountain, and a $5 discount on rental equipment. This isn't bad, as a weekend lift ticket on its own is $50. But the train ride takes 1:45. Add the time you spend getting to Grand Central and the time spent waiting on either end, and you waste a good part of your day.
Oddly enough, there are railroad tracks right next to Belleayre, which like Metro-North is state-owned. I have no idea what those railroad tracks ultimately connect to, but if Metro-North wants to offer ski packages, I'd have to think there are better destinations than Thunder Ridge.
Resort or Ski Area: Thunder Ridge Ski Area
My son and I skied here a month ago, which is a long while ago for a trip report, but I thought I'd share my impressions.
This is a very small resort, with only two principal chair lifts (both fixed-grip) and just a 500-foot vertical. It’s a short driving distance from NYC (about an hour), which is its main selling point. But within a slightly wider radius there are other mountains that are far more compelling.
Conditions were the worst we’ve seen anywhere this season. Most trails were worn down nearly to bare ice, and we observed many patches with dirt showing through. I realize that the region did not get much snow in December and January, for which the snow-making here is apparently not able to compensate.
Thunder Ridge is the only ski area I’ve been where the rental equipment includes a mandatory helmet. That is not a complaint, just an observation. It is also the only place I’ve been where the rental poles don’t have wrist straps, and that is a complaint.
Thunder Ridge offers a “getaway” deal with Metro-North Railroad, which looks like a bargain until you take a closer look. I didn’t go this route, but thought I’d mention it.
For $51.50, you get round-trip train fare to Patterson, NY, your lift ticket, round-trip transfers between the train station and the mountain, and a $5 discount on rental equipment. This isn't bad, as a weekend lift ticket on its own is $50. But the train ride takes 1:45. Add the time you spend getting to Grand Central and the time spent waiting on either end, and you waste a good part of your day.
Oddly enough, there are railroad tracks right next to Belleayre, which like Metro-North is state-owned. I have no idea what those railroad tracks ultimately connect to, but if Metro-North wants to offer ski packages, I'd have to think there are better destinations than Thunder Ridge.
