off the beaten path Harrison is a competitive racer. “We do go to fancier places but the friendly people, hometown feel, and economics keep us coming back to Willard.” “For those starting out, the ski experience can be intimidating,” says Davis. “These smaller centers can really help people ease into skiing in a nonthreatening, family friendly atmosphere.” But the classic ski centers aren’t just for beginners. Mike Rogge, a senior correspondent for POWDER magazine, grew up near the Adirondacks and regularly skied Hickory Ski Center in Warrensburg. “I’ll always remember my first time skiing there and how a fresh storm made for some of the most underrated terrain in New York State,” he says. “Even today, after traveling the world for POWDER, the memories of that day serve as my example of pure, unadulterated skiing.” Rogge says that the financial stigma often associated with skiing keeps many would-be ski lovers from trying it in the first place. “Good, small ski areas are about skiing first, whereas the larger ones tend to look for lucrative real estate deals and turning their ski area into a four-season tourist destination. At POWDER, we call them ‘Little Areas That Rock,’ because they offer an experience that reminds us about all that is beautiful in skiing: being outside with good people and having the time of your life.” Davis agrees. “Skiing is exhilarating — and it makes you look forward to winter. There’s nothing better than being at the top of a sunny mountain in January and zooming down the slopes,” says Davis. “It’s really a great sport, and there are ways of getting around the high cost of it. Going to a classic ski center is a great way.” E
WILLARD MOUNTAIN PHOTO BY JEREMY DAVIS
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