Diagnosis: Stir Craziness, The result of cramming a family of 4, 5 or even 6 into a house in the dead of winter, spending endless days in the playroom (basement). Can result in frayed nerves, voice-raising, and yet a few more gray hairs.
Treatment: A day of winter activity, a.k.a. “hitting the slopes” which may include skiing, tubing, boarding or all of the above. Including, but not limited to heavenly silence on a snow-covered mountaintop (like you could hear any fighting or complaining underneath all that fleece anyway?)
Here are a few of our area’s best spots to take advantage of the snow
Day trippin’
Camp Gaw: Bergen’s very own mini-mountain works wonders and is low commitment. In just a few hours, you can catch a few runs to satisfy your urge to hit the slopes. (Daily Passes range from $15 to $34 per day, 7 trails total)
Tips: Buy some tubing tickets on-line prior to your visit, and take a few runs bouncing down the hill post skiing and set up a skiing or boarding lesson for your tot prior to your visit, $60 for one hour of private, $25 for semi-private.
Chow: On your way home hit The Flatz Co. in Wyckoff for fresh pizzas (they’re healthy, we swear) and frozen yogurt smoothies. (314 Franklin Ave, Wyckoff)
Tuxedo Ridge: Just up Route 17, over the Jersey border, Tuxedo Ridge is close enough to “test” your skills. This self proclaimed “little mountain” boasts 7 trails for skiing and boarding and 4 tubing lanes with a lift to take you to the top. (Daily Passes range from $18 to $50 per day)
Tips: Grab one of the 12 varieties of beer or settle for a hot cocoa at the Ridge Pub, located in the lodge overlooking the slopes.
Chow: Did you work up an appetite? Pop into Mr. Fuji restaurant for some of the funniest hibachi chefs around. (296 Route 17N, Hillburn, NY)
Mountain Creek: Approximately an hour from Bergen, this ski resort is about as full service as you can get for just a day trip. With 41 trails on 4 peaks, the Creek offers skiing, boarding, and a Tube Park open from Thursday through Sunday. ($35.99 to $61.99 per ticket)
Tips: Go on a Sunday for the Twisted Kids fun session which includes free instruction at the mountain’s brand new Terrain Park or book a “Sacred Stone Massage” at Elements Spa to soothe tired and achy muscles at the end of the day.
Chow: Stop by Pasta Cucina in Suffern, NY on your ride home for crowd-pleasing pastas (and you don’t have to worry about wearing your jeans). (8 N. Airmont Road, Suffern)
Overnightin’
Windham Mountain: Just a two hour journey up the New York State Thruway, Windham is home to 46 trails for skiing and boarding, snow tubing, and five terrain parks and has gone upscale, with uniformed valets who unload and store your skis and a well appointed private locker room. ($10 to $68 per ticket)
Tips: The mountain also offers ice skating (with a warming hut) and cross country skiing for those who prefer level ground.
Chow: Spice it up at The Windham Inn’s Rock’N Mexicana Cantina for Queso Fundido and a margarita après ski. (Main Street, Windham) Or grab a waffle at the on-hill waffle hut that allows skiers and boarders to glide up to the window for service.
Crash: At the slope-side Enclave Club with mountain views and ski-in, ski-out access to all the trails on Windham Mountain, and a year round heated pool and spa. (Condos start at $695 per night, 518-734-5333)
Camelback: Head south two hours to Pennsylvania and check out the 36 trails, tubing on 18 double and single chutes and 20 acres of terrain parks. Great kid’s programs for half day and full day sessions. (Open to close tickets range from $35 to $58)
Tips: Get your shred on at the Burton Learn to Ride program which arms you with the best in equipment, teaching and programs for aspiring snowboarders.
Chow: Catch a glimpse from the summit while you enjoy breakfast or lunch at Cameltop Lodge on the mountain’s peak.
Crash: At Great Wolf Lodge, and hit the indoor water park if your kids still have the energy. (Rates start at $203.99 per night)
Weekendin’
Jiminy Peak: A three hour trip to the Berkshires will take you to Jiminy Peak in Hancock, Mass. The resort has 45 trails, three terrain parks, and is surrounded by spectacular views and wind farms used to generate the power for the lifts. (Tickets range from $20 to $40)
Tips: Ride the “Mountain Coaster” for 3600 feet of twisting turning fun.
Chow: Bypass the food at the Lodge and dine in Lenox. Mama loves Alta Restaurant and Wine Bar(34 Church Street, Lenox) and kid-pleasing Arizona Pizza Company (395 Pittsfield Lenox Road, Lenox)
Crash: Also in Lenox, at Cranwell Resort and Spa. With its 35,000 square foot spa, indoor pool and cross country skiing, you’ll really feel like you’ve had an escape. (55 Lee Road, Lenox; 413-637-1364, rooms start at $300)
So take two skiis, hit the slopes, and call us in the morning.
