Maple Ski Ridge

Maple Ski Ridge is located just outside of Albany near the intersection of I90 and I88. This is one of the smallest ski areas in New York, covering a tiny 15 acres of skiable territory and 7 named trails. There is one novice run, three advanced trails, and three expert rated trails. The base elevation is at 750 feet and the summit is 450 feet above at 1200 feet. Average snowfall over the mountain is about 24 inches per year, but there is snowmaking over roughly 95 percent of the mountain.

The Trails

There are three lifts that cover Maple Ski Ridge. The Beginner Tow services the novice Bunny Hill. From the main lodge, the Double Chair Lift allows access to the intermediate trails, Spruce Run (which is split into Upper and Lower sections), and the expert runs, Hickory Way, and Ash Dash. A triple chair runs up the steep, Ridge Run, which heads to the starting point of the intermediate Turkey Run and the expert Ash Dash.

Maple also has a Tubing Park open on the weekends which is also serviced by the beginner tow rope. This gentle and fun diversion is a perfect alternative for younger kids or people who just want a short break from the slopes.

Bottom Line

This small hill is an economical alternative for families or someone just looking to brush up on their skills. This resort is aimed at the beginning to intermediate skier, with enough variety on the slopes to keep them amused and entertained for a weekend. There is no après-ski at Maple Ski Ridge to speak of. The base lodge offers basic service with snacks and hot beverages. Ski and snowboard rentals are available as well as free Wi-Fi. Maple also has a dedicated ski school that operates after-school and on the weekends as a set group of lessons. They also offer daily group lessons on site.

With Maple Ski Ridge’s proximity to the New York Capitol region, it remains a favorite of many locals. There are never any crowds on the slopes, and the lift lines are non-existent. For ski-cationers, Maple would make a fun stop on their way to larger resorts as a way to sharpen up on their skills.