ADD THUNDER RIDGE SKI AREA

Brrrrr....
Winter in the Valley!
The Best Kept Winter Sports Secret in the Northeast

For winter fun, do you think of glorious mountains covered with snow, brisk winter air, roaring fires in the lodge, spectacular scenery and friendly people?

In no time flat, you can be enjoying all that in the majestic Hudson Valley. By 9 pm on Friday night, you’ll be unpacking your bags or relaxing in the lodge, while others are still driving! Saturday morning you’ll be rested and ready to hit the trails – for skiing, snow boarding, cross-country or snow trail tramping.

The Hudson Valley is much closer than you think. Chances are you have driven right by it as you’ve headed up the Thruway, without knowing the winter treasures you were passing. So, next time plan on saving time and gas by choosing the Hudson Valley for all your winter fun!

Just have an afternoon and want to swoosh down the slopes? One hour north of the City in Orange County is Sterling Forest or family friendly Mount Peter. Want to spend the day following developed cross-country ski trails? Just one hour north of the City on the east side of the river in Putnam County is Fahnestock Park, or a little further in Dutchess County is James Baird State Park, or about an hour and a half up the west side of the river is the spectacular locations of Lake Minnewaska State Park Preserve and the Mohonk Preserve.

Want to spend the weekend really experiencing the thrill of downhill skiing? About two and a quarter hours north of the City in Greene County set amidst the splendor of the Catskill Mountains is a cluster of major ski resorts; Hunter Mountain, Belleayre Mountain and Ski Windham. Or across the river in Columbia County is Catamount in the Berkshire Mountains.

If your interests lie more along the lines of the newly revived sport of snow shoeing, the possibilities become nearly endless. All our State and County Parks are open for you. There are the many unique small trails like the Hudson Valley Rail Trail in Highland, Ulster County, or any of the other hundreds of miles of developed trails in the Valley just waiting for you to tramp. And then there are the magnificent Catskills with all the interconnecting trails, overlooks and rugged terrain open for you to enjoy. Experience the Shawangunks, walk the new Croton Aqueduct Trail in Westchester County, weekend on the Long Path as it meanders through Orange, Ulster and Greene counties, or show shoe the Appalachian Trail thru Putnam and Dutchess counties; there's a lifetime of opportunities for you to enjoy.

The winter is a very special time in the Hudson Valley. Everyone has gone home, the hoards of tourists are tucked snugly in their houses and apartments. The entire valley has turned its attention to a different sort of visitor. Beds & Breakfasts have lit the fires, restaurants have switched their menus, Country Inns have groomed their private grounds and trails, everyone is ready and waiting for you. Everyone in the Valley is celebrating the change in seasons and invites you up to experience one of the best kept secrets on the Northeast.

Really want to know what the secret is? All you have to do is be willing to drive one third the distance, be ready for the best in winter sports, be set to find the friendliest people, the most luxurious accommodations and simply the most spectacular facilities and trails.

And don't forget the kids! Everywhere you will find special programs and activities tailored just for them!

So give yourself a break! Come to the Hudson Valley and enjoy the winter. You will never want to drive all day to get to the slopes again...

First Time Skier
Goal: Learn the basic skills like walking and gliding to develop wedge turns and stopping.

Apprehensive Novice
Skied once or twice before with limited success, some may even be able to turn slightly and stop. The ski lift and green circle trails cause anxiety for the apprehensive novice skier. Goal: Review basics and develop linked wedge turns on easiest terrain.

Comfortable Novice
You can turn both ways in a controlled wedge on easiest terrain. Goal: Learn to skid the tails of your skis parallel at the end of the turn.

Improving Novice
On green circle trails you skid the trails of your skis parallel. Occasionally you venture onto "Blue Square" trails. Goal: Start to bring your skis parallel earlier in the turn. Begin to explore easier blue square terrain.

Conservative Intermediate
You parallel your skis in the middle of your turn. You ski all green circle and easier blue square trails comfortably. You ski other more difficult blue square trails with some apprehension. Goal: Ski more varied terrain and snow conditions. Continue working to bring your skis parallel near the beginning of the turn.

True Blue Intermediate
You can ski most blue square trails by starting your turn with a slight stem and then bringing them parallel. Goal: Learn to make consistent smooth rounded turns occasionally using a pole plant to assist your rhythm.

Aggressive Intermediate
You can make rhythmic open stance parallel turns with pole plants. Usually you ski on blue square trails but sometimes make a humbling voyage onto easier black diamond terrain. Goal: Learn short, carved turns and gain confidence on blue square and easier black diamond runs.

Advanced
You are starting to carve your parallel turns with control and confidence on easier black diamond trails. Goal: Tame the bumps and variable snow conditions on more advanced black diamonds.

Expert
As a strong parallel skier, you enjoy the challenge of most terrain and conditions. Goal: Develop technique and your own style on the steeps, in bumps, and all snow surfaces.

Get in shape
Don't try to ski yourself into shape. You'll enjoy skiing more if you're physically fit.

Obtain proper equipment
Be sure to have your ski or snowboard bindings adjusted correctly at a local ski shop. You can rent good ski or snowboarding equipment at resorts.

Take a lesson
Like anything, you'll improve the most when your receive some guidance. The best way to become a good skier or snowboarder is to take a lesson from a qualified instructor.

Drink plenty of water
Be careful not to become dehydrated.

Curb alcohol consumption
Skiing and snowboarding do not mix well with alcohol or drugs.

Dress in layers
Layering allows you to accommodate your body's constantly changing temperature. For example, dress in polypropylene underware (top and bottoms) which feels good next to the skin, dries quickly, absorbs sweat and keeps you warm. Wear a turtleneck, sweater and jacket.

Be prepared
Mother Nature has a mind of her own. Bring a headband or hat with you to the slopes, 60 percent of heat-loss is through the head. Wear gloves or mittens (mittens are usually better for those susceptible to cold hands).

Wear sun protection
The sun reflects off the snow and is stronger than you think, even on cloudy days!

Always wear eye protection
Have sunglasses and goggles with you. Skiing and snowboarding are a lot more fun when you can see.

When buying skiwear, look for fabric that is water and wind-resistant
Look for wind flaps to shield zippers, snug cuffs at wrists and ankles, collars that can be snuggled up to the chin and drawstrings that can be adjusted for comfort and keep wind out. Be sure to buy quality clothing products.

Know your limits
Learn to ski and snowboard smoothly--and in control. Stop before you become fatigued and, most of all have fun!

Your Responsibility Code

NSAA Safety Initiative Sourcebook

Skiing and snowboarding can be enjoyed in many ways. At areas you may see people using alpine skis, snowboards, telemark skis, cross country skis, and other specialized equipment, such as that used by the disabled. Regardless of how you decide to enjoy the slopes, always show courtesy to others and be aware that there are elements of risk in skiing that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. Observe the code listed below and share with other skiers and riders the responsibility for a great skiing experience.

1. Always stay in control, and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
2. People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
3. You must not stop where you obstruct a trail, or are not visible from above.
4. Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others.
5. Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
6. Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
7. Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.

Know the code. It's your responsibility.

Have your child memorize the “Your Responsibility Code.” It’s the seven rules of the slopes and many accidents can be avoided by adhering to the Code.

Ski helmets are a good idea. If your child wears a ski helmet, remember you may have to raise your voice more to get their attention because a helmet may impede their hearing. Make sure the helmet fits correctly. A ski helmet is not an item you buy for your child to grow into. Educate your child about the benefits and limitations of the helmet. Wearing a helmet doesn’t give permission to ski or snowboard faster or recklessly.

Dress in layers. Layering allows you to accommodate your body's constantly changing temperature. For example, dress your kids in polypropylene underware (top and bottoms) which feels good next to the skin, dries quickly, absorbs sweat and keeps you warm. Your kids should also wear a turtleneck, sweater and waterproof jacket.

Be prepared. Mother Nature has a mind of her own. Kids should wear a hat or headband, 80 percent of heat-loss is through the head. Kids should also wear gloves or mittens (mittens are usually better for kids who are susceptible to cold hands).

Be sure they wear sun protection, even on cloudy days. The sun reflects off the snow and is stronger than you think! A ski vacation with a sun burn is no fun!

Kids should have sunglasses and goggles with them. Skiing is a lot more fun when you can see. Always wear eye protection.

When buying skiwear, look for fabric that is water and wind-resistant. Look for wind flaps to shield zippers, snug cuffs at wrists and ankles, collars that can be snuggled up to the chin and deep pockets. Be sure to buy your children quality clothing products.

Be sure you child has the name and phone number of your hotel written down on a piece of paper and it's in a secure pocket. If you carry a cell phone, include this number too.

When you've decide what area to take your ski trip, call the ski resorts in the area and research how each area's children ski school programs are structured. Ask about the number of kids in the class? What if your child gets cold? What if your child wants to stop skiing after one hour? Does the ski school offer pagers?

Put your kids in ski school to get them on the right track. Children’s instructors know how to teach kids, it's their business. Then you'll enjoy skiing with your kids and they will be proud to show you their skiing abilities.

An observance from a long-time skier is that when his daughter skied with him, she regressed, as opposed to skiing with her peers in a lesson. "She wanted to ski in-between my legs and fell down more often. We had fun with her being silly, but a lesson allowed her to focus on her skiing and she really excelled."

Although it is very unlikely that your child would get separated from the instructor, be sure your child has a trail map and is able to remember the instructor's name.

Make sure your child knows when to stop skiing. For example, if the clothing layer next to their skin stays wet and they’re chilled, if they’re injured, have a problem with equipment or even if they’re simply worn out. Educate them that it’s alright to stop before the end of the day and breaks are fun.

Make a meeting place if you get separated, for example, at the bottom of chairlift #2. The walkie talkies now available are convenient and a big hit on the slopes.

Starting your kids early, opens a world of adventure, fun, laughter and beautiful scenery unsurpassed, from many other sports and interests. It's a tremendous feeling to learn that your kids' fondest childhood memories were of your family ski vacations and now skiing has become an important element in their lives. Your kids will be forever grateful to you when they become adults!

DID YOU KNOW:

Nationally, 43 percent of skiers and snowboarders are part of a family with children (living at home), according to the NSAA National Demographic Study.

In 2000, when parents were asked what their kids do on the slopes (kids would be 15 years and under), parents say that 66 percent of their children ski only, 30 percent snowboard only, 19 percent do both and 10 percent don’t do either (may be too young), according to the National Skier/Boarder Opinion Survey.

Of all the children on the slopes, 13 percent are under age 5 years, 41 percent are between the ages of 5 and 10 years and another 46 percent are between the ages of 11 and 15 years), according to the National Skier/Boarder Opinion Survey.

Prepared by the National Ski Areas Association