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While New Yorkers don't have easy access to the sizeable Rockies or Tetons, nor do they have the luxury of skiing on powder (it's pretty much just ice), but they do have some nice options if they want to get some inexpensive skiing trip or two in during the season. It's called the Metro-North Railroad's one-day getaway to Thunder Ridge Ski Area in Patterson, N.Y. This may very well be the cheapest and easiest ski trip in the region. The round-trip train fare is just $51.50 ($50.43 if you order online) and includes an all-day lift ticket.

The weekend-and-holiday service has been around for at least 10 years, but it's not very well known. The trip is about 1 hour and 45 mins each way. This ski area is pretty small, however, with a vertical drop of just 500 feet, two main chairlifts (a double and a triple), a minor-league half-pipe and enough snowmaking machines to cover the ski area's 100 acres of short trails, which range from each to mildly challenging.

While this may not be the same as the skiing in the Rockies, Thunder Ridge is very hassle-free. And, it's a perfect place to just learn the basics. It's not too crowded, and with the train's flexible schedule, you can get plenty of rides in. Trains leave Grand Central at 7:46am, 9:48am and 11:48am. And, there's night skiing there, so you can leave as late at 8:55pm to head home.

All in all, I'd say this place is at least worth checking out. It may not be your new go-to spot, but you can get some inexpensive, hassle-free skiing in on a moment's notice, which is always an added bonus.

Source: http://frugaltraveler.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/13/rail-to-the-trails/

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