NY Taxpayer Ski Free Day?

Skiing is expensive, it gets more expensive every year is seems. I am not rich, and I have to be resourceful, and prioritize my expenses to be able to ski as much as I do. Every penny of it is worth it though. I know a lot of people who used to ski, but no longer do because it's just too expensive for them. I actually think that is kind of a pathetic excuse, but some people just have other priorities before earning tons of money, and I respect that.

I think it would be cool if the ORDA resorts offered at least one NY resident ski-free day. Just one of many ways the state could show some appreciation to it's taxpayers. Skiers would simply show a proof of residency (ie. drivers license) to receive a lift ticket.

Not sure how to get any leverage on this however. Any thoughts?

Could be a good idea, but would bring in massive crowds on whatever day they did it.  Would probably need to be late season when lots of terrain is open, but few people skiing.

Ethan Snow wrote

 Not sure how to get any leverage on this however. Any thoughts?

That's a great idea, Ethan. Leverage ? Contact the Politian's I guess. Beatty Little may be a good start. She rep's the north country but is kinda milque toast.

An alternative to having a specific date free, it could be 1 free day anytime. Spreads out any possible crowds, the expense for the mtn and makes it easier for peeps to get there as their schedule permits.

Great idea tho. The industry is always looking for ways to get new participants. This is one.

Ski free on your birthday is the way to do it, your 1/2 birthday for folks born in the summer

Ski free days bring out a few but for the poor people making the pathetic excuse that it's just too expensive you should probably include the costs of rentals, gas and lodging money, and the 15 dollar burgers if you want to see a significant impact.

Well, if you're dealing with NY state residents, lodging is not really an issue, because Gore and Belleayer are pretty centrally located, and anyone can drive there in a couole of hours. (excluding western NY) I think you're over thinking it.  These guys will bring their own lunch and their 30 year old straight skis, and ski in blue jeans and a wool sweater.

While I like the premise of this, imo it would be another kick in the balls for private ski areas...

Correct, the private Catskill areas would most definitely be opposed to this.

About the food prices, ORDA doesn't do passholder discount like most private areas do.    Probably because Centerplate doesn't allow it, while most private areas run their own food service.

Ethan Snow wrote

Well, if you're dealing with NY state residents, lodging is not really an issue, because Gore and Belleayer are pretty centrally located, and anyone can drive there in a couole of hours. (excluding western NY) I think you're over thinking it.  These guys will bring their own lunch and their 30 year old straight skis, and ski in blue jeans and a wool sweater.

Well shoot, I like your thinking! Great counter post and I fully support this message!

Darkside Shaman wrote

While I like the premise of this, imo it would be another kick in the balls for private ski areas...

And a fantastic counter point.

I want a free golf day at State owned golf courses, too. And free admission to state parks! And I want a pony! I want an oompa loompa now!

Somebody's got the Bah Humbugs.

mattchuck2 wrote

I want a free golf day at State owned golf courses, too. And free admission to state parks! And I want a pony! I want an oompa loompa now!

So you wanted to vote for Bernie? :D

My post was actually a snarky comment about people making pathetic excuses why they weren't skiing when in reality the activity has become stupid expensive for most regular working folk.

That being said, I thought Ethan's response was super killer and made a bunch of sense.

Darkside Shaman wrote

While I like the premise of this, imo it would be another kick in the balls for private ski areas...

What private ski areas are left other than Plattekill? Personally, I don't really think privately owned, and ski biz mix well.  The big corps have an advantage for sure. But then again Peak isn't doing so well either.

Agree that skiing is too expensive.

Unfortunately, we're stuck in a cycle: To make skiing more accessible, we need more feeder areas. Feeder areas are shutting down because of expenses and global warming. Since feeder areas shut down, the only place for lift serve skiing is the big resorts. Big resorts, with monopoly pricing power, raise prices to make skiing even more expensive.

Not sure what the solution is. Best I can come up with is the hope that the coming energy revolution makes snowmaking, chairlifts, and groomers super cheap to run, global warming slows, and local ski areas are able to bounce back.

If not, RA, maybe you'll be rich enough for those unlimited Heli runs by then.

Hunter and Windham are what I was referring to.

Hunter, Windham, Royal, West, Willard, Maple Ski Ridge, Royal, Jiminy, Berkshire East, Bromley, Mount Snow, Stratton, etc.

Just to name a few around Albany.

EDIT: hmmm, is he just referring to Mountains owned by an individual? That's a weird way to distinguish among mountains...

Not all of those are in NY.

snoloco wrote

Not all of those are in NY.

But, presumably they'd be pissed at free state ski days because they'd lose customers.

Hey guess what boys? I'm skiing some deep pow tomorrow! Merry Christmas! Much love from Arizona!