Mt. Peter Ski Area officially opens for the 2020-21 season

It had already been snowing on the mountain because the snow blowers at Mount Peter were operating as often as temperatures permit. And then Mother Nature cooperated last week in a big way with a major snow storm.

And so last weekend, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 19 and 20, Mt. Peter Ski Area opened for the 2020-21 season.

Initially it was for pass holders only followed by a general open-to-the-public day on Wednesday, Dec. 23. The tubing hill also opened to the public last Sunday.

Opening around mid-December is not unusual for the ski area. But this year was different.

Skiers and snow boarders were handed “Welcome to Mount Peter” fliers describing new protocols for this season as a result of the COVID-19 rules.

For example, face masks were required at all times except when actively skiing, snowboarding or while eating or drinking. And social distancing must be practiced at all times.

But on opening day and throughout the weekend, there was a huge turnout with everyone following the rules and still having a great time on the slopes.

To insure additional safety for this season Mount Peter also installed ultraviolet (UV) lights across the property.

The UV lights are Sterile-Bright, a product of Ultra-Tech Lighting, which uses a multi-tiered approach to surface and air sterilization using a combination of powerful UV light that directly eliminates and sterilizes surfaces and spaces from pathogens.

It is described as environmentally friendly and safe for all ages.

The lights were installed in Mount Peter’s main lodge as well as its sunrise lodge and at the tubing hill and rental location to disinfect all equipment prior to the next guest.

Once a space is treated, the pathogen-free environment can be sustained as long as proper procedures are followed.

The facility also has a portable hand-held unit controlled via Bluetooth technology that can sterilize areas such as chair lifts, bathrooms, food services areas, and locker rooms in as few as five minutes and leaves no chemical residue behind.

This season Mt. Peter will celebrate its 85th year of continuous operation.

It is well known throughout the Greater Metropolitan area for its friendly family atmosphere, free beginner ski and snowboard school, great snowmaking, expert grooming, a terrain park and top-notch racing and development programs.

“The Friendly One,” as Mt. Peter is known, is the oldest operating ski area in New York State, and one of the few remaining family operated ski areas in the country.

Professional PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors of America) and AASI (American Association of Snowboard Instructors) will take the first-time beginner up on the slopes and teach to his or her needs and age.

Almost every weekend Mt. Peter hosts a special fun event for the entire family.

Conditions, hours of operation, special events and other notices are reported daily on a recording at 986-4940. Select No. 1 for the snow report or visit www.mtpeter.com

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PICS: 2 photos and captions uploaded to MyCapture.

1. On opening day at Mount Peter Ski Area and throughout the weekend, there was a huge turnout with everyone following the rules and still having a great time on the slopes.

2. Sara Walicki, 5, is having a great time skiing on the first opening day of the season at Mount Peter Ski Area.

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