Willard Mountain

Willard Mountain is located about an hour’s drive north of Albany along SR-4 near Greenwich. One of the smaller resorts in this area of the Adirondacks, Willard nonetheless possesses a charm that draws skiers back season after season. The summit at Willard sits at 1415 feet above sea level while the main base lodge rests at 910 feet, 505 feet below. There are 14 runs across 50 acres, with a difficulty spread of 30 percent novice, 40 percent intermediate, and 30 percent advanced. Night skiing is also available at Willard, with 35 acres of trails illuminated. Average snowfall comes in at about 80 inches per year, but snowmaking covers 35 acres when Mother Nature will not provide.

The Trails

There are two primary lifts that service Willard; the two double chairs run up the mountain from the base lodge. There are also three tows that service the tubing and learning areas. The trails are separated on the mountain in general by difficulty. The novice runs are all found to the left as you look down from the peak, with the Bunny Hop being a long and easy cruiser that leads into the wide open Meadow. Intermediate trails are found in the middle and to the right, with advanced runs mingling in. There is an advanced glade to the left, just off of the Bunny Hop as you pass the Billy O’Neil cutoff.

Willard also offers tubing as an alternative for individuals who want to just relax and enjoy a bit of fun. There is also a terrain park with a few great lines located off of the intermediate Joe’s Special Trail.

Bottom Line

Billed as “New York’s Coolest Little Ski Area,” Willard believes in family friendly service with a smile. With a ski school that caters to beginners and a staff that genuinely enjoy their jobs and provides a safe and fun atmosphere for you and your family, Willard excels at providing those little touches that give it a small mountain feel. It might not be the biggest resort in the area, but you’ll enjoy your time at Willard, whether you go for a night or a weekend away.