Prospect Mountain

Though it's in Vermont near Bennington, it's important for lots of Hudson valley skiers because it's more likely to have enough snow, and snow that's been well-groomed. (And it is actually in the Hudson valley: the creek that flows thru the beaver pond of Prospect Mt drains ultimately to the Hudson River.) Great variety of groomed trails, gentle + moderate + steep (just not sustained really flat trails). Also connections to backcountry trails. Very nice base lodge for a cross-country center. Why Prospect Mt gets and holds more snow: It's in the "zone" to get hit by "lake effect" snow from the west (including moisture from the giant lakes Erie + Ontario) without being "blocked" by the Adirondack or Catskill mountains. Locally it's at the top of a valley that's well-shaped to funnel moist air from the west, and lift it to cool it and form and release snow. Then it's at higher altitude (base lodge at 2300 ft) than any other groomed-track cross-country ski center in the Hudson valley, so it stays colder to hold the snow. Prospect mountain also has lessons, equipment, packages, and kids 10 and under ski for free.

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