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Gore and McCauley Ski Areas: Favs of the Rafting Community

a man riding skis down a snow covered mountain

Maybe we’re a little biased here at Adirondack River Outfitters—but we’re still quick to proclaim Gore Mountain and McCauley Mountain as two of the top ski centers in the state of New York…heck, make that the best in the East!

Admittedly—our rafting bases in North Creek and Old Forge are virtually in the shadow of the two mountain ski resorts. But it’s exactly that proximity of the two ski areas to whitewater rivers—in our humble opinion–that lifts them above the competition.

You see—practically every criteria that produces epic whitewater weekends on the Hudson and the Moose also contributes to spectacular conditions for a ski vacation:

  • There’s the rugged Adirondack topography that produces gradient for a whitewater river along with varied terrain for skiers of all abilities…
  • There’s dump after dump of snow that blankets the mountains in winter before fueling the rivers in spring…
  • There’s the funky Adirondack villages of North Creek and Old Forge that feature comfortable lodgings and apre ski activities…
  • And then there’s the people…

Not surprisingly, Adirondack ski areas enjoy a symbiotic relationship with the whitewater industry. Whitewater season and ski season seamlessly dovetail into one another. When the leaves start to fall and snow fills the air—much of our staff tucks away their paddles and starts waxing their skis.

How deeply has the whitewater community infiltrated the fabric of the ski scene at the two mountains? Right to the top…

For instance–the mountain manager at Gore is owner of one of our respected competing raft companies on the Hudson. He is a long-time river guide, a great manager, and a thoroughly likeable guy. In fact—probably the only negative thing you can say about him is that he doesn’t work for ARO!

And at McCauley, the mountain manager is ARO’s own Steve Uzdavinis—a long-time guide who still makes appearances on the Hudson and Black Rivers when his busy schedule allows.

Add to that dozens of other river personalities who gravitate to Gore and McCauley during the winter. They might be working at the mountain as an instructor, patroller or lift attendant–or they might just be free-skiing locals with a season pass. Whatever. The point is—the river community contributes a definite attitude to the two mountains. Kind of an unpretentious, down-to-earth vibe.

Which is what makes Gore Mountain and McCauley so special.

But don’t take our word for it. Come up and visit this winter. You’ll probably bump into one or more of us on the slopes!

 

McCauley has some great deals for skiers including its special $12 Friday lift ticket or a block of five lift tickets for $99—a price available until December 1. Find out more about McCauley at mccauleyny.com.

To learn more about Gore Mountain, check out goremountain.com.

And if you are planning a ski trip to Gore, plan to stay at Adirondack River Beds—an Adirondack hostel located just steps from our North River Outpost and hosted by one of our guides—Dylan Smith. More info is available at adkriverbeds.com.

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