Toggenburg Ski Area

Toggenburg is a small ski area located in Fabius, New York, just south of Syracuse. The ski area has a modest base elevation of 1300 feet and a summit elevation of 2000 feet, giving Toggenburg an elevation of 700 feet. Snowfall on the mountain averages out at 160 inches (4.1 meters). Toggenburg’s location in upstate New York means that the snow is never cement-quality, but it does vary between fluffy and damp. Check the forecasts for the best result, but be prepared to see a lot of locals after a good storm.

The Mountain and Trails

There are 24 trails at Toggenburg with a fairly even distribution of difficulties. There are six novice trails, six intermediate, and seven advanced trails. Keep in mind that the difficulties are relative to the mountain, so an expert trail such as the Nubian Glade may not be challenging to someone used to Whiteface. Still, there is terrain for everyone at Toggenburg, but advanced skiers may get a bit bored.

Toggenburg has five total lifts in its system. There are two doubles and one triple that run to the peak, while two surface tows provide access to the learning areas on the lower left side of the ski area. Navigating the mountain is extremely easy. Novices will want to stay near the learning area and the wide-open Billy’s Butt hill. For those who want a gentle groomer, take one of the double lifts to the peak and head down Doc’s or the Main run. For a long winding novice rated trail, the Capricorn Caper takes skiers on a mile long trail around the perimeter of the ski area.

Intermediate skiers will find some fun tree lined runs on the right side of the mountain and a fairly challenging steep running right underneath the doubles. Advanced skiers will stay on the triple chair and blaze through the narrow tree-lined steep, Ole’ T Alley or head through the Nubian Glade. There is also off-piste skiing offered that opens up quite a few more acres of skiing for the advanced.

There are two terrain parks at Toggenburg located on the upper right side. Dot’s Run and In-saanen have quite a few loyal fans. The lines that are set through the parks are fun, with rails, boxes and medium sized jumps leading to tables and more rails. Freestylers will have a ball playing here.

The Bottom Line

Toggenburg is one of those local ski parks that has its fair share of fans. The locals are extremely friendly, however, and always willing to offer advice and share their best lines down the mountain. The ski school is geared toward families, and childcare is available on-site. The local restaurant, Foggy Goggle, is a favorite restaurant and is considered one of Central New York’s best and well worth checking out for a sumptuous dinner or fun lunch. The ski center continues to be one of Central New York’s favorite family ski areas for people looking to avoid the crowds at the larger resorts. For a vacationer making the rounds of New York’s ski areas, Toggenburg is a worthwhile stop for a weekend.