Buffalo Ski Club

Buffalo Ski Club, formerly known as Tamarack, is a short drive southeast from Buffalo. This ski area was formed through the combined efforts of three separate ski clubs: Buffalo, Sitzmarker, and Tamarack Ski Clubs. Even though membership is encouraged, non-members are welcome to ski, although members do enjoy a substantial discount on mountain prices. The ski area has 225 acres of skiable terrain with 43 runs and one terrain park. The difficulty mix at the ski area is 20 percent beginner, 46 percent intermediate, and 34 percent advanced. This breaks down to 13 novice, 16 intermediate, and 12 expert trails. The mountain has a modest vertical of 500 feet, with six lifts serving to ferry skiers up and around the mountain.

All Around the Mountain

Each ski club hosts their own lodge at Buffalo Ski Club, with Tamarack at the base and Sitzmarker and Buffalo at the peak. From Buffalo Lodge off Lower East Hill Road, there are four novice runs, three advanced runs and three expert trails. The Buffalo T-bar provides movement back up the mountain from the base.

Sitzmarker Lodge is the centermost of the three and is also located at the top of the mountain. From there, access to four expert runs, four intermediates, and the terrain park at the base. The Sitzmarker chair runs from the base to peak, while the Sitz T-bar runs from midmountain to the peak. The terrain park has its own dedicated T-bar as well.

Tamarack Lodge is next to the ski school and is home to the learning area. The small bunny hill has its own T-bar lift. Access to the rest of the mountain comes from the Tamarack Chair, which leads to the remaining runs on the mountain.

The majority of the center of the mountain is lit for night skiing, with all but 12 trails lit. The average snowfall at Buffalo Ski Area is about 120 inches per year, but the ski area offers snowmaking over 150 acres to supplement during less active snowfalls.

After Hours and Amenities

For après ski activities, each of the three lodges has its own atmosphere to offer skiers. The Tamarack Lodge has a childcare center as well as a snack bar that serves hot food and drinks in a casual atmosphere. Sitzmarker offers picnic tables, grills to cook on, and a fireplace to warm yourself between runs. Buffalo Lodge has a fireplace as well as social events for members. With the ski area only a short distance from downtown Buffalo, skiers can find any number of activities in the city. Whether its pizza, authentic buffalo wings, or any number of craft brews, there is something for everyone.