Charlotte Beecher, Reporter
@Charlottebcour1
As it begins to get colder many people would normally go away for the weekend to ski, however this year with COVID-19, doing a skiing day trip might be more convenient. There are many places to ski around here, but some popular places are Thunder Ridge, Mohawk Mountain, Mount Southington, and Ski Sundown.
Thunder Ridge- For Thunder Ridge, all high-schoolers would be considered adults (13+) so all of these prices are for the adult tickets. Thunder Ridge has 22 trails, three chair lifts, and four magic carpets. Due to COVID, Thunder Ridge does have a maximum capacity. This means that reserving tickets online or calling ahead would be wise. The prices listed do not include the rental of skis or snowboards. Monday through Thursday, their day time ski (10:00-5:00) is $39, the twilight ski (3:00-9:00) is $39, and the night skiing (5:00-9:00) is $35. On Fridays, the full day (10:00-5:00) it is $55, and the twilight ski (3:00-9:00) it is $45. There is also an option for a half day of skiing on Friday (1:00-5:00), and that costs $49. On Fridays through Sunday, the night skiing (5:00-9:00) costs $40. On Saturdays, Sundays and on Holidays for the full day(9:00-5:00) it costs $65, and the half day (1:00-5:00) costs $59. The Saturday twilight ski (3:00-9:00) is $45, and on Sunday the twilight ski (3:00-5:00) is $35. Thunder Ridge is around an hour away and is in Patterson, New York.
Mohawk Mountain- On Mohawk Mountain, there are 25 trails and I would recommend that you also purchase tickets ahead of time because there is a maximum capacity due to COVID. These prices do not include rentals. I have included two prices, the adult (16+) and junior (5-15). For adults Monday through Friday, tickets cost $32, and on the weekends and holidays it costs $67. The junior prices Monday through Friday costs $32, and weekends and holidays it costs $59. Mohawk Mountain also has tubing and it is $25 per session, with one session being an hour and forty five minutes. Mohawk Mountain is about an hour and a half away and is in Cornwall, Connecticut.
Ski Sundown-
Ski Sundown has 16 trails, three chair lifts, and two conveyors. Like Mohawk Mountain, I have included the prices for adults (15-64) and juniors (7-14). The prices given do not include rentals. For an adult ticket to ski for four hours it costs $56, and for eight hours it costs $62, and for night skiing (6:00-10:00) it costs $38. For a junior ticket for four hours it costs $48, for eight hours it costs $54, and for night skiing it costs $34. Ski Sundown is around an hour and a half away and it’s in New Hartford, Connecticut.
Mount Southington-
On Mount Southington, there are 14 trails and seven lifts. I have included the prices for adult tickets (13+). These prices do not include rentals. Again, I would recommend calling ahead because there is a maximum capacity. For an adult to ski for four hours it costs $57, to ski for eight hours it costs $62, and for night skiing (hours may vary, need to call) it costs $35. Mount Southington does specify that masks are required at the base of the summit. Mount Southington is about an hour away in Plantsville, Connecticut.
Walks-
Even though it’s cold, a short walk can be pleasant. Whether you walk with your family, friends, or dog a short walk can be a great thing to do with some extra time. Some places to go on short walks in town are Waveny, Grace Farms, Irwin Park, Mead Park, Colhoun Meadow & Woodlands, and the Land Trust. There are also some other places in the area with beautiful scenery as you walk such as the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, this is the only one you have to pay for, it is 10$ and it is only on weekends this time of year. There is also the Mianus River park in Stamford. Although it may be cold, a quick walk can be just the thing to clear your head.
At home-
Going out can be great, but sometimes a night in can be just as fun. Sometimes settling down with a blanket, some candy, and a bowl of popcorn can be just what you need. I know that I love laying on the couch watching Netflix.
