NEW HARTFORD, Connecticut — Ski Sundown in New Hartford is officially open for the season after weeks of struggling to make enough snow for the trails.
The slopes are running on extended hours this week, with a New Year's Eve party on Sunday.
Although it may feel like spring, at Sundown, it’s definitely winter! They have been hard at work making snow, and the trails are open for business.
“My younger daughter, this is her third year," said skier Howard Roth. "It’s great to see them continue to grow and get good at it."
Ski Sundown has ten out of its 16 trails open for the first runs of the season. Skiers can find anything from a bunny hill to a double black diamond to test their skills.
“We have programs this week," said owner Bob Switzgable. "We have ski team practicing, returning customers, pass holders–it’s a variety of people."
For Jamison Appell, this isn’t just a fun pastime but a generational way of life.
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"I've been skiing for 19 years; I have been out here since I was two," said Appell. "It’s always been here. I grew up here, my grandmother taught here as the director of ski school for many years and then her four boys raced here then they passed it down to us grandkids – and here we are!"
Appell said that Ski Sundown is the perfect place to pick up a new winter hobby.
“You don’t know until you try and it wouldn’t hurt to try it. The great thing about Sundown is it’s a smaller mountain," Appell said. "It has the spread of terrain [so] you can go to advance or the bunny hill is wonderful for beginners."
Ski Sundown is currently operating on extended holiday hours, so grab your tickets, grab your skis, and head on out! For hours, tickets, and information, head to the Ski Sundown website.
Brooke Griffin is a reporter for FOX61 News. She can be reached at bgriffin@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
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