A few weeks ago, Izzy and I joined his great friend J. for their first skiing adventure. We went to a nearby mountain,
Campgaw in Mahwah N.J. There, Izzy and J. maneuvered their skis on the ultra-easy, gradual bunny slope, perfect for the smallest of skiers. After their first hour-long lesson the two of them were whizzing down the tiny hill with ease. Although this was a good introduction to skiing, Izzy was eager to try something slightly more daring.
I researched some other local options and this weekend we tried
Tuxedo Ridge, perfect for us because you can get there from Hoboken via the NJ transit train. Not only that but the resort offered to send a van to pick us up at the station.
We set out early this morning with a group of Izzy's classmates. Everything went according to plan and we arrived at the slopes by 10:30. This time, I got myself a snazzy, warm ski outfit so that I wouldn't spend my day shivering, sniffly and miserable as I did a few weeks ago. I couldn't ski that day as I didn't have warm enough clothing and wasn't feeling up to it. This time I decided to do it right. I even signed up for a lesson, along with Izzy and his classmates.
Our instructor was a sweetheart and he patiently provided basic beginner skills, such as putting on skis, stopping and turning. Izzy was bored at first as he was eager to get moving, but I appreciated the review. You see I haven't skied in 20 years, since my days on the slope with my old beau Mr. B who was quite the daredevil skier. Back then he managed to get me on the black diamond slopes even though I had very little skiing experience at the time.
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| Shadowing Izzy.... |
It was exciting to be out on the slopes after all these years and today was the perfect day for it. At first glance, the bunny slope at Tuxedo Ridge definitely appeared more challenging than the one at Campgaw and it had a real ski lift instead of the "magic carpet"(which is perfect for first-timers or little ones but less so for Izzy). At first I couldn't imagine that Izzy or I would even attempt this bunny slope but after I taught him how to zig-zag, I decided he was ready ( and I hoped that I could manage it myself). By the afternoon, the two of us were gliding down the slopes with ease, Izzy following my trails and eventually going up the lift on his own.
Both of us were thrilled with the experience and hope to return to Tuxedo Ridge soon and check out some other nearby ski areas as well.
If you go:
Campgaw
pros: Bunny slope is ideal for first-time or very young skiers. The snow-tubing area is right next to the bunny slope. Close to NYC.
cons: Lodge is noisy, loud music. Food didn't look great, crowded, no intermediate ski-area.
Tuxedo Ridge
pros: Close to NYC, easily accessible by public transportation. Snow tubing, patient instructors.
Nice-sized bunny slope. Low-key. Two dining options.
cons: Bunny slope may be too challenging for little ones (kids 6 and under may find it difficult without a private lesson or a parent to accompany them).
Also, I recommend packing a lunch and snacks. We spent very little time eating as we wanted to maximize our time on the slopes.
