Song Mountain

Song Mountain is a smaller resort located just south of Syracuse in central New York. 93 acres of skiing host 24 named runs with a modest 700-foot vertical. Difficulty mix on the mountain is slanted toward easier skiing with a full half of the trails rated for novice skiers. Intermediate trails make up 29 percent with the other 21 percent rated at black and double black diamond. There are five lifts that cover the mountain, one triple, one double, and three tows. There is snow making coverage over 70 acres, so when Mother Nature doesn’t provide, Song Mountain has you covered. Night skiing is available for most of the mountain, so long as weather allows it.

Where to Ski

Song Mountain doesn’t really have zones where trails of set difficulty levels are clustered. Novice skiers are going to find trails all over the mountain. The Bunny Bowl and Old Smoothie are a great starting point, with a double chair servicing both runs. Once you’re comfortable, head up Lift E, a triple chair to the top of the mountain. Head left down Sentimental Journey to the Meadow, a wide open bowl that just begs to be explored. The slope is gentle and while the territory isn’t going to challenge an advanced skier, if you’re new to bowls, you’re going to find plenty to have fun with.

Intermediate skiers will find a couple of glades and some fun cruisers. Stardust is a great path that takes you between some trees and then opens up into a sider groomer at One More Try. Hello Dolly is a gladed area that can be found to the right as you get off the main lifts just past the gentle Moon Glow cruiser. If you’re in the mood for some wider paths, hit Stormy Weather then cut across to Lower Dipsy Doodle, a fun little steep with just enough edge to remind you of why you ski intermediates.

For skiers with a little more gumption and experience, your first run should be the fall line steep, Bali Hai. Take in the entire 700-foot vertical in one zippy steep. Thankfully the terrain is well groomed and there aren’t any significant obstacles to make you yard sale your way down. For something a little bumpier, take the Thunderbird T-bar up the left slope and dance with Jupiter. There are enough bumps and moguls to keep you on your toes.

Après Ski at Song

While après ski activities are limited because the ski area is small, they do make the effort on Friday nights during the regular season. Look for themed parties, especially the Friday Night Freakout. The two base lodges serve up regular cafeteria style fare and hot drinks for warming up between runs or for a nice lunch. If you’re looking for something a bit more formal, or something a little wilder during the week, one of the local towns of Cortland or Tully will provide. Both are open with friendly locals. Central City in Cortland is a local hangout with over 30 beers on tap and delicious pub food.