PATTERSON – Winter may be coming to a close, but the skiing and snowboarding season is in full swing at Thunder Ridge in Patterson, the hot spot for winter recreation in Putnam County.
On Sunday, scores of skiers took to the slopes despite chilly, windy conditions.
Beth Vogel of Scarsdale traveled to the resort with her three-year-old son. “I just love this place,” said the schoolteacher. “It’s close to home and the skiing has been exceptional.”
For Marion Quinn of Putnam Valley, “Thunder Ridge is a dream come true. My family and I can get into our car and be on the slopes in less than an hour; besides the trails have been great this season.”
The Putnam landmark attracts up to 100,000 skiers annually.
Thunder Ridge proprietors Dean and Wayne Ryder, vice president and president respectively, of the Putnam County National Bank located in Carmel, experienced some off-years due to a lack of snow but they have promised despite any weather the ski area would remain viable.
Dean Ryder said Big Birch (former name of the ski area) was a critically important part of Putnam County’s history having originally opened in 1948. “I have been skiing here since 1950. My three daughters have grown up racing on the slopes of Big Birch and Thunder Ridge.”
Former New York First Lady Libby Pataki of Garrison described Thunder Ridge as “one of Putnam’s biggest tourist attractions.”
Wayne Ryder said Thunder Ridge was “family friendly. Skiers include toddlers from the age of three all the way to our cherished senior citizens. Many moms and dads drop their 10-, 11- and 12-year-olds off to ski and return later in the day to pick them up because they are comfortable with our surroundings.”
Dean Ryder said ski patrol members and dozens of instructors patrol the resort. “Our staff is so loyal and dedicated,” he said.