The state is expanding the “I SKI NY” bus service to make it easier for New Yorkers to hit 13 upstate ski slopes, Gov. Cuomo announced Sunday.
Only two ski mountains – Hunter and Windham – get regular bus service from the city to bring city skiers and snowboarders there.
The expanded I SKI NY Bus service will help the state’s ski resorts become more competitive with out-of-state rivals by making it easier and cheaper for New Yorkers and other visitors to get to their slopes, the governor said.
Under the new plan, the state will provide bus service to 13 different mountains from the city.
The cost of the program — and who will actually provide the bus service — was unavailable Sunday. The Empire State Development Corp. and the NY Ski Association are still working out the details, officials said.
“New York is home to some of the best winter resorts in the world, and with more operating ski areas than any other state in the nation, the region is the perfect winter getaway,” said Cuomo, who announced the bus service while hosting the 2014 Adirondack Winter Challenge in Lake Placid.
“With some of the best ski slopes, snowmobiling tracks, hiking trails, and scenic views, we want New Yorkers to know they should stay in New York and all out-of-state visitors to feel welcome to partake in all that Upstate has to offer.”
The new dedicated bus line will run from the Port Authority bus terminal to 13 ski mountains: Thunder Ridge, Belleayre, Plattekill, Hunter, Windham, West, Gore, Whiteface, Catamount, Greek Peak, Toggenburg, Labrador and Song.