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Ski Committee

          The Chapter's winter ski program includes nordic cross country and alpine downhill.  Typical trips include:

A few of our skiers on a trip to Lake Placid. (Click on photo to see full size.)

• Cross country day trips to touring centers which have groomed trails, set tracks, a warming hut and a trail fee.  Equipment rental and lessons are usually available.  The trails offer skiing for the novice and experienced skier.  Beginners can take a morning lesson offered by the center and then join the AMC group in the afternoon.
• Cross country day trips to state parks and forests where skiing is off track on woods roads and trails. No trail fees, on site equipment rental or commercial lessons.  Check the trip description or with leader for required skill level.
• Alpine downhill day trips for skiers and riders.  The group usually divides according to skill level and gathers at lunch or aprés ski.  Destinations are often ski areas which have bus service from Long Island, New York City and North Jersey available.
• Weekend trips to the Adirondacks, Catskills or Green Mountains.  Check with the leader regarding transportation, lodging and meal arrangements.

          Trip leaders usually do not provide lessons for first time skiers.  Lessons from professional ski schools are available at alpine downhill areas.  For novice cross country skiers the following areas within a 2.5 hour drive of NYC offer equipment rental and lessons.

• Fahnestock Winter Park - Hudson Highlands near Cold Spring, NY. (845) 225-3998
• Frost Valley YMCA - Catskill Mountains near Claryville, NY. (845) 985-2291
• High Point State Park - Located in New Jersey's North West corner. (973) 702-1222
• Mountain Trails - Catskill Mountains near Tannersville, NY. (518) 589-5361

Mohican Outdoor Center

          AMC's Mohican Outdoor Center in the Kittatinny Mountains has cross-country skis and boots, which members can borrow without charge. It's suggested you wait until Wednesday, then call Mohican Outdoor Center at 908-362-5670, and ask how conditions look for the weekend. If it looks good, reserve a bunk, skis and boots.

          Bus transportation is available from New York's Port Authority to Newton, NJ for $8 one way.  A van can meet the bus Friday evenings for the half hour drive to the Mohican Outdoor Center. The cost is $16. Get details from the Mohican staff when you register; be sure to tell them you'll be coming by bus. The staff can probably arrange a ride back, either to NYC or the train station in Denville.

          There are several good tours within a few miles, especially Blue Mountain Lakes which is a favorite. Ask for a list of suggestions of  tours.  Remember, ski with a partner, please don't go out in the woods alone in winter. Instruction books and video are also available.  The MOC Staff can show novices how to fasten the skis.

          Jill Arbuckle, a Ski Committee member, is often available to accompany and offer instruction to AMC members at the Mohican Outdoor Center.  Please call her at 973-890-9280.

More Information

          "Tips & Tales", a guide for newcomers to cross country skiing in the New York metropolitan area is available online by clicking: SkiTipsLink. 

          The AMC New York - North Jersey Chapter is a member of the Metropolitan New York Ski Council.  Through the Council, AMC members receive discounts at ski shops and ski areas.  Members may also take advantage of races and trips organized by the Council. For details, check the Council web site: http://www.metnyski.org.  Most discounts require an ski club card.  To receive your card, members may send a self addressed stamped envelope with your name, AMC membership number and membership expiration date to the Ski Committee Chair.

          For more information about the skiing program contact the Ski Committee Chair.

Join Us On Our Trips and Events

• To join us on our trips or for training you have to be a member or guest of the AMC. To request any membership option, get a copy of our online AMC Membership Application.
• The application form includes all the information that you need, but you can also read about the membership options.