Submitted by guest blogger, Eileen Mowrey

There's no denying it -- winter is here. Nighttime temperatures dip below freezing, there's a crispness in the air, and the first flurries of snowfall have been spotted on mountain peaks. While some people may bemoan our coldest season, skiers and snowboarders are rejoicing knowing it's time to hit the slopes again!

High elevations, cold temperatures, and generous snowfall make the Adirondack region ideal for skiing and snowboarding. Several mountains provide riders with spectacular slopes, but Titus Mountain Family Ski Center in Malone stands out as one of the best family-friendly ski areas in the region. In fact, Liftopia, the largest online and mobile market for lift tickets and mountain activities, rated Titus Mountain the number one family-friendly ski area in North America for the 2017/2018 season. They also named Titus the third best mountain for beginner riders. 

A family-friendly ski experience

Family-friendly doesn't mean everything is small or easy. Fifty trails, glades, and parks span over three interconnected mountains, the tallest of which reaches 2,025 feet with a 1,200 foot vertical drop. That's 380 acres of corduroy to shred! Variety is part of what makes Titus Mountain so family-friendly. Trails are broken up into sixteen green, seventeen blue, ten black, four double black, and three terrain parks, including a Forever Wild ungroomed park that gives experienced riders plenty of opportunity to show off their skills. That means everyone in the family can ride their perfect route! All trails can be reached by eight chairlifts, and fifteen trails are open to night skiing.

Never-ever skiers, or those who need a refresher, should visit the Titus Teddy Learning Area, a small, beginner run at the base of the mountain complete with a magic carpet lift. Titus Mountain's Snow Sports School can also help skiers and snowboarders get on their feet and down the slopes with confidence. Both private and group lessons are available for all ages and abilities, and the experienced instructors will listen to each rider's wants and needs, then develop a custom plan to increase their skills. 

Break free from bindings and swap skis or a board for a tube! Titus offers a two-lane tubing park open for both day and nighttime riding. Backyard sledding will never be the same. Titus even provides a rope tow for you and your tube back to the top of the run! Tubing does require a separate pass, so be sure to ask for both when purchasing tickets.

The longest ski day happens at Titus Mountain 

Titus offers the longest ski day in the region, so taking some time to relax is key. The Lower Lodge is a great place to rest, warm up, and grab a bite to eat at one of two dining venues. Mo's Moon Valley Grill offers tableside service in a spectacular setting on the main floor of the lower lodge, and Shredding Betty's Bistro, on the ground floor, provides fast service, hearty food, and lots of seating. The Lower Lodge is also a great base camp. Lockers are available for gear storage and cozy patio fireplaces are perfect for warming frosty hands. Titus Mountain's two friendly mascots, Titus Teddy and Shredding Betty, can often be found roasting marshmallows over the fires!

Get your pass

Save time the day you arrive by buying lift tickets in advance. Discounts of up to 40% are available for advance purchase tickets. Special rates are also available for members of the military, college students, and groups. And, because Titus understands there's no one-size-fits-all option for ski passes, separate rates are available for weekend/holiday, weekday, afternoon, and night passes.

If you live nearby, consider purchasing a season pass. It comes with lots of perks, including no blackout dates, direct-to-lift access, two Passholder Appreciation Days, unlimited day, night, and holiday skiing, Titus merchandise at the ticket counter, and Mo's Moon Valley Grill, and much more!

Titus Mountain pass holders can enjoy off-mountain benefits as well! Several local lodging properties offer ski and stay packages. Take advantage of a full day on the mountain without worrying about a drive home, and get a discount on your room as well! It's a win-win.  

Getting here 

Titus Mountain is a day's drive from several major metro areas. Just an hour south of Montreal, two hours from Ottawa, and three hours from Albany, Titus can be an easy day trip or a full weekend adventure. Make your trip to Titus a true vacation by renting a slopeside ski in/ski out cabin or chalet. Through Airbnb you can book one of six cabins or chalets, which accommodate anywhere from four to fifteen people. Make it a romantic weekend, a memorable family trip, or a reunion for all your friends.

It's never too early to start planning your ski season. Whether it's a day trip, a fun-filled ski vacation, or a full season on the slopes, make sure you include Titus Mountain Family Ski Center in your winter plans. And, until the first snows settle onto the mountains, enjoy sweet dreams of unparalleled family skiing.