Since Patterson is a quick drive for most Valley residents, an easy hop from Connecticut, and only about an hour from Manhattan on the Metro-North Train, Thunder Ridge draws lots of families and folks seeking a fun, unpretentious ski and snowboarding experience.
This family-run Putnam County facility has 22 trails, three chairlifts, and four carpet lifts. On an average day, you’ll likely spot everyone from tiny-tot beginners to seniors enjoying Thunder Ridge’s gentle slopes — with plenty of options for advanced skiers, too.
There’s a snowsports school (overall, Thunder Ridge boasts more than 200 experienced ski and snowboard instructors), plus plenty to keep the kids busy, with four bunny hills for youngsters and other beginners. Night skiing and a terrain park with updated features are also big draws.
Its Developmental Race Team has been deemed “very cool” by young participants. Designed for 6-to-10-year-olds, it teaches the basics of the sport to prepare kids for future racing. Older athletes (8 to 20 years old) hone their racing skills in the Race Team program, and parents can rest easy: Both programs are supervised by expert coaches. Thunder Ridge also offers ski and snowboard programs for Girl and Boy Scouts of all ages from throughout the region.
Patterson, NY; 845.878.4100
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