Mount Peter Ski Area officially opens for the 2012-2013 season

WARWICK, N.Y. — “We are open and welcome to the 2012-2013 season,” read the long-awaited announcement on the Mount Peter Ski Area Web site last Wednesday, Dec. 26.

Mother Nature hadn’t cooperated much up to that date but crews at the Mt. Peter Ski area were making snow as often as temperatures permitted. And by Sunday, Dec. 30, a welcome snowstorm had delivered an additional five inches of fresh snow. Skiers and snowboarders enjoyed clear blue skies, bright sun and a 15 to 20 inch base. Almost all trails were open.

Conditions permitting, night skiing was scheduled to begin Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013.

Mt. Peter, now in its 77th year of continuous operation, is well known throughout the greater metropolitan area for its family-friendly atmosphere, free beginner ski and snowboard school, great snowmaking, expert grooming, a terrain park and top-notch racing and development programs.

“The Friendly One,” as Mt. 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.

Each season, parents can be seen toting their children to ski or snowboard for the first time, and, in many cases, they themselves had learned to ski at Mount Peter when they were their children's age.

Beginners are encouraged to take advantage of Mount Peter's free beginner ski and snowboard lessons on weekends.

Professional Ski Instructors of America and 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 845-986-4992 or by visiting www.mtpeter.com