Toggenburg Mountain

Not all ski destinations need lots of acreage or big dumps to provide family fun on one or two planks. Toggenburg Mountain, located just south of Syracuse, New York, offers skiing opportunities close to city amenities.

Those looking to fly will use Syracuse Hancock International Airport. Interstate 81 lies to the west of the ski area and is used to get in the vicinity. From there, state highway 80 will take visitors the rest of the way. The resort and mountain are less than 15 miles from downtown Syracuse.

Big Fun in a Little Package
Toggenburg Mountain offers only 83 acres of skiable terrain, but that does not stop visitors from enjoying what the ski area has to offer. The Syracuse area sits in a humid continental climate, giving the resort four distinct seasons. Ski bums note that the city gets more average snowfall each year than any other metropolitan area in the United States.

While the annual snowfall average of 120 inches may not stack up to the totals experienced by resorts in the West, plankers have been able to carve first tracks after Thanksgiving and continue to ski into April. Toggenburg Mountain ski area provides plenty of opportunities to get dumped on while on the trail.

Once visitors finish with the snow, or even before they enjoy it, the Foggy Goggle Restaurant and Bar offers some of central New York's finer eating. The popular dishes include oysters, various shrimp entrees, and burgers made with free-range lamb. Its signature Buffalo Blue Cheeseburger and award-winning chili will fuel the day's fun on the trails and have built a reputation outside of Toggenburg Mountain.

Straight Runs from Top to Bottom
The summit at Toggenburg Mountain sits at 1,780 feet. Its vertical drop measures760 feet, providing the elevation drop bombers (intentional and unintentional) need to get going. The trails here merge at the resort base, resting at 1.020 feet.

Some trails meander through the trees, but the expert-rated straightaways are the dominant feature that keeps the park rats around. There are 22 trails on Toggenburg Mountain. Beginners have 35-percent of the mountain geared towards their skill level, 30-percent is rated intermediate, and 35-percent of the terrain is considered advanced. The longest run at the ski resort is roughly one mile in length.

Lifties operate five lifts on Toggenburg Mountain with a capacity of 6,400 skiers each hour. That includes two double chairs that run just outside of the lodge. Skiers and snowboarders can experience slow lines to the top during visitor peaks, but it usually is not a problem on most days.

A privately owned facility, the Toggenburg Mountain ski area gives off a small family-oriented vibe. That attracts relaxed skiers looking for fun more than the hardcore rippers or shredders. The grounds are well-groomed and clean, which adds to the picturesque scenery.

WiFi is available in the cafeteria and mezzanine to help keep everyone connected when they are not skiing. Chilly Choices ski shop offers a decent selection of clothing and trinkets as well.