Mohawk gets the jump on the other three by opening Nov. 29

By Lloyd Garrison

After two winters of dreary weather that crimped attendance, the region’s four ski areas are brimming with confidence that this year will be different.

For the first time in recent memory, weather forecasters are predicting an exceptionally long string of cold nights from now well into December. Barring an unforeseen shift in the jet stream, cold air from Canada should lead to building a formidable base of machine-made snow in time for the holidays.

More than half of Mohawk Mountain near Cornwall was covered with snow that was spewed across its trails by Thanksgiving, and it opened on selected trails Nov 29. “We are located in an area that seems to have its own micro-climate that gives us an edge,” says Guest Services Director Trish Morrissey.

Ski Butternut, located about 20 miles north near Great Barrington, has unleashed 14 new 30 foot tall HKD snow guns on Freewheeler slope, and is confident of opening on Dec. 6. Sundown and Catamount (about 20 miles to the northwest and east respectively) are also making snow with a vengeance with Dec 6 or 7 as opening day targets.

With the optimism comes news of welcomed changes at several sites. All four ski operators have invested heavily in improving lift capacity and longer runs on their beginner slopes.

Mohawk has replaced its creaky Arrowhead double chair with a new high speed triple and installed an upscale coffee bar and waffle station on the deck outside its lodge. Room for complimentary stowage has also been created at the ground level entrance to the lodge from the parking lot.

Although lift tickets are up everywhere this year, cost saving deals can be found at all four ski areas. A beginner can rent skis, boots, poles, join in a 90 minute lesson and practice the rest of the day on Butternut’s beginner’s slope for only $25. Catamount remains the only ski mountain in the East to permit those over 80 to ski free. All but Butternut have flood-lit trails for nighttime skiing and Sundown is offering youngsters a package of five nighttime introductory training sessions in basic racing techniques.

Catamount continues its tradition of offering the best value on season passes with adults paying $399 and juniors (seven to 13) $299. Butternut is right behind.

Mohawk and Sundown, being closer to major population centers, can charge more, and do. An adult season pass is $619 at Mohawk and $589 at Sundown. But in a deliberate move to corner the growing number of retirees who still ski, Sundown is charging seniors over 70 only $109.