Mt. Peter Ski Area officially opens for the 2018-19 season

WARWICK — There's been more rain than snow this December but it's been snowing almost every day on the mountain.
That's because the snow blowers at Mount Peter have been operating as often as temperatures permit.
On Saturday, Dec. 15, the Mount Peter Ski Area officially opened for the 2018-19 season with an 18- to 36-inch base on most trails.
Earlier this year Mount Peter received an $165,000 award from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), which had developed a program for ski areas to replace older snow guns.
Mount Peter added 11 new and more energy efficient snow guns to its huge fleet, which, although unlikely, has enough snow-making capability to carry it through the season without any help from Mother Nature.
And when temperatures are right, snow-making crews work around the clock.
By the way, in general and contrary to what some people believe, snow is snow no matter how it is made.
Mt. Peter, now in its 82nd year of continuous operation, is well-known throughout the Greater Metropolitan area for its friendly family atmosphere, free beginner ski and snowboard school, great snowmaking, expert grooming, a terrain park, snow tubing and top-notch racing and development programs.
"The Friendly One," as Mount Peter is known, is the oldest operating ski area in New York State and one of the few remaining family-operated ski areas in the country.
Professional PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors of America) and AASI (American Association of Snowboard Instructors) will take the first-time beginner up on the slopes and teach to his or her needs and age.
Almost every weekend Mount Peter hosts a special fun event for the entire family.
Conditions, hours of operation, special events and other notices are reported daily on a recording at 986-4940. Select No. 1 for the snow report or visit www.mtpeter.com.
- Roger Gavan