Catskills XC ski resorts

[Jay H]

Any catskill area XC skiers can give me an opinion of the trails at Frost Valley near Claryville versus Mountain Trails in Tannersville? Is one site more woodsy that the other, any preferences between the two? I am a experienced beginner and would probably do the easy/intermediate trails. Both places say around 35km of trails whereas Frost Valley is $10 versus the $15 of Mountain Trails. I thought I'd check out them this friday when I am off just for the day. Perhaps checking that out before exploring some of the more backcountry ski ideas that I have in mind.

Jay

 

[hermit]

Hi Jay,
I think Mountain Trails is only open on weekends ,unless it's a holiday. Frost valley is open during the week and weekends. I have been going the extra distance and traveling to Lapland Lake.They are in a class all their own.I prefer Mountain Trails over Frost Valley, I think the trails are better.North Lake is free,and some friends told me it's been good.Wilson State Park is ok too.
Have Fun,
Ralph
If I didn't have to head south this weekend I would join you.

 

[Jay H]

I've been skiing a lot since Sunday, been going out at lunchtime blazing trails on the golf course by me at work and spending 2 hours after work with headlamps on, blazing more trails in the golf course. I ran into an older couple who were crazy enough like me to be out on golf courses and got to talking various locations. I mentioned Lapland Lake to them and they mentioned a place called Garnet Hill, which is north of Gore Mtn and by the Siamese Ponds further north in the ADKS. They say it's a lot better (at least more woodsy) than Lapland Lake. Have you been there? It's about an hour further north than Lapland though.

I've emailed mtn Trails to see if they are open this friday. They should have enough snow to be... What do they do during the weekdays? Seems odd for a place not to be open assuming they have enough snow which they should.

[ edit ]- Got a reply from Mtn Trails... Saturday/Sunday only. Looks like I'll be headed to Frost Valley.

Jay

 

[AMF]

For my money in the 'skills, I like Frost Valley; seems a little more "wild". If you are looking to go a little farther, imo one of the best is Prospect Mtn in VT - probably the same distance as Garnet Lake, I think a little cheaper & not as chic. Its a former dowhill area, with lots of good trails for kickin' & glidin' as well as some more challenging stuff. Also has good access to wildnerness area in the Green Mtn NF. A little further still (but the other direction) is White Grass in WVA, the best in the east!

But why travel when the snow is at your door?

 

[Jay H]

AMF, thanks for the VT and other suggestions. I've hiked through Frost Valley (not really on purpose but we were coming back from Doubletop and going south and hit the fence).

I figure I have a day off and thought I'd go see someplace different. I've hiked or skied or biked the parks and forests near me a hundred of times so it's nice to have a change of scenery. one weekend though, I'd like to do an overnighter someplace farther like Garnet Hill or Lapland Lake. I'll have to check out your VT suggestions though.

Jay