Courtesy Okemo Mountain Resort, Vermont

Owner Mike Barbone beside snowmaking canon Photo By Fred McKinney

With more New York State skiers/riders apparently opting to ski close to home this season, West Mountain in Queensbury, N. Y. just south of famous Lake George, has benefited. Developed, owned and operated by pioneer ski resort operator/snowmaker, Mike Brandt, for over 40 years, decided two years ago to retire. He sold the area to his trusted, long-time mountain manager Mike Barbone. The change over in management, abetted by a bountiful 2008-09-snow year, has increased business “ Big time,” says Barbone. In addition, major capital improvements have drawn more and more visitors. For example, a $400,000 base lodge renovation, including the newly spruced up Grille On The Hill restaurant and redoing of the lodge exterior in rustic siding was completed on time for this season. Adjacent to the Grill is the Adirondack Room, with wide, full windows commanding a magnificent view of the main slope. The Adirondack Room has 15 tables that accommodate 65 to 70 dinners. It’s fine dining in a relaxed setting. The Grill, however, is open for lunch and dinner year-round. For the convenience of early weekend arrivals, breakfast is served Saturdays and Sundays.

Barbone said there are many other areas he could spend money on, such as a new summit lift and related equipment and more renovation, but he insist that making visitors comfortable once they come to West was a much needed priority. “ You have to have up-dated eating and dining facilities for families in order to keep them coming back.” Barbone said. “ I’ll be addressing addition of lifts and renovation of the cafeteria in future budgets.” He says both days and selected nights at West Mountain. The lighting has been improved from top to bottom. Tubing was practically invented at West Mt., and remains a strong attraction. The resorts ski-racing program is highly respected and many ski clubs and other organizations train on Tuesday evenings on the lighted trails. Full ski and snowboard rental equipment is offered at what Barbone describes “ Reasonable rates compared to other resorts in the northeast region.”

In past years skiers headed up interstate highway I-87 and often continued on to Gore Mountain, Lake Placid, or turned east into Vermont. Barbone feels he has somewhat stemmed this tide because in the current financial climate skiers are rethinking their recreational spending habits and its favoring our mountain. He contends a lot has to do with his close proximate to fairly major population basis. “ We’re an hour’s drive from Albany’s Tri Cities Capital Region, and three hours from New York City,” Barbone points out. “ There’s a large bed base in these nearby cities and towns, and the lodging rates are a lot less expensive than those offered at a major household named resorts.”

Snowmaking towergun at West Mt in New York blowing snow creating a rainbow Photo By Fred McKinney

Saratoga Springs, a scant 15 minutes south of West Mountain, is one the hottest real estate markets in the country. When the famous thoroughbred Race Course is open in summer months Saratoga’s estimated 30,000 population increases to 60,000 or more. Yet in winter, the town has ample of hotel, motel and B&B rooms available.

With Saratoga condos selling for $250,000 to over one million, Barbone feels his newly refurbished lodge- an improved ski facilities- will give Saratoga’s up-scale dwellers a viable alternative to frequent West Mt more often.

“ When you pack in a tough workday, we’re a short drive up the road where you can dine and ski in the evening in a fantastic atmosphere, glowing fireplace and all” says Barbone.

Of course West Mountain is located in the foothills of the 6 million acre Adirondack State Park – the largest of its kind in the United States – so even in summer a visit to the area is recommended. Hiking, boating canoeing, fishing, backpacking, and horse back riding are favorites in the warm months.
If you have a ski group interested in visiting, West Mountain, I’m sure, Rob Rajeski, marketing director will be happy to assist you.
 

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