Here’s where to get your future Olympian started.
THUNDER RIDGE SKI AREA
A very popular ski destination for local families, Thunder Ridge Ski Area offers 30 trails, three chairlifts and four magic carpets. Located 35 minutes from White Plains and 20 minutes from Danbury, Conn., Thunder Ridge is close enough for families to enroll their child in ski lessons, which are offered for all ages. Snowboarding is also a popular sport here. See their website for tips for first-time skiers and other information.
Thunder Ridge Ski Area
Rte. 22, Patterson
845-878-4100
HUNTER MOUNTAIN
Take to the mountain here for skiing, snowboarding, snowtubing and snowshoeing. There are three separate mountains offering a variety of terrains for every age and skill set. Kids can start with Mighty Mites seasonal ski lessons for ages 5 and 6, or a single group session for ages 4 to 6. Check their website for the informative, “Need to Know: Kids” for tips and rules.
Hunter Mountain
Main St., Hunter
800-486-8376
BELLEAYRE MOUNTAIN SKI CENTER
You’ll find 50 trails, parks and glades, a vertical drop of 1,404 feet, 8 lifts and 4 lodges here. The ski-or-snowboard KidsCamp is for kids age 4 to 12. An indoor Tiger Den Drop Off Center (ages 6 months to 6 years) lets kids play with toys and enjoy art projects. For adults and children with cognitive, emotional or physical disabilities there is the Belleayre Adaptive Snowsports Program.
Belleayre Mountain Ski Center
181 Galli Curci Raod, Highmount
845- 254-5600
WINDHAM MOUNTAIN
The I Heart Snowboarding Program is just for women and is designed to promote healthy hearts. The fun two-day event includes five hours of lessons, meals, presentations, yoga and wine. Great moms group weekend get-away. Lessons for kids start at age 5. With 54 trails and 12 lifts there’s plenty of opportunity to enjoy a run. Check their website for a variety of Learn-To Packages.
Windham Mountain
19 Resort Dr., Windham
800-754-9463
