screen-shot-2016-11-10-at-6-24-27-pm
Photo Credit: Teresco.org

-ANDY JAMESON

In honor of America’s Veterans, we’re giving a big Ski Hill Shout Out to the Victor Constant Ski Area in West Point, NY!

Ski Hill Shoutout: Timberline Resort, WV

Victor Constant is located on the campus of the United States Military Academy and run by the military installation. Located just an hour outside New York City this ski hill is within reach of millions, but mostly unknown. Previously restricted to active and retired military personnel and their families, most civilians couldn’t ski here. As of the 2014/2015 season, the hill is open to the public on weekdays from 3 pm – 7 pm. If you’ve served America, you can ski your own private resort all weekend long!

Happy kids on the military ski hill | Photo Credit: Victor Constant Ski Area
Happy kids on the military ski hill | Photo Credit: Victor Constant Ski Area

Given the number of ski hills in New York, it’s not surprising that thousands of day trippers drive right past Victor Constant as they head towards bigger more well-known hills further north in the Catskills and Adirondacks. However, with a 475 vertical drop, five trails served by a triple chair, rope tow, and some incredible views– Victor Constant is certainly worth a quick visit for an afternoon of skiing.

New Cadet Todd Sullivan conducts weapons maintenance on his M-4 rifle at the Victor Constant Ski Slope | Photo Credit: Master Sgt. Dean Welch/DComm)
New Cadet Todd Sullivan conducts weapons maintenance on his M-4 rifle at the Victor Constant Ski Slope | Photo Credit: Master Sgt. Dean Welch/DComm

 

In addition to some decent stats for a ski area located one hour outside of New York City, the uniqueness of this ski area sets it apart. The hill is one of the few ski areas owned by an educational institution, one of the few government-run ski areas, and possibly the only ski area run by the US Department of Defense! Oh, and did I mention the prices? Military personnel can ski for under $20 a day! Authorized guests pay under $30.

https://westpoint.armymwr.com/files/9714/7706/0339/SkiMap.jpg

Random Facts

  • Ski Patrol is a school club! Cadets train at bigger mountains such as Okemo, VT before becoming certified ski patrollers and returning to their local hill.
  • The ski hill is located next to a US Mint! However, if you don’t have the $30 for a lift ticket, we would advise against trying to rob the mint. There are a few highly trained well-armed military personnel in the area.
  • West Point Cadet’s complete their summer of basic training with a 12-mile march that includes a gathering area at the ski area.
Photo Credit:
The yellow triple at West Point | Photo Credit: Victor Constant Ski Area

Mountain Stats

Annual Snowfall – 100?” (Unofficial estimate)

Vertical Drop – 475′

Chairlifts – 2 (1 rope tow)

Trails – 5

Snowmaking: Yup

Rentals: Yes

Adult Lift Ticket –  >$30 (discounts for Military Personnel)

I don't care if you tele privates! | Photo Credit:
I don’t care if you tele privates! | Photo Credit: U.S. Army Alaska (USARAK)

Find out more here: Victor Constant Ski Area

About the Ski Hill Shout Out:

Few skiers have the privilege of learning in fantastic destination resorts such as Jackson Hole, Whistler, or Squaw Valley. Instead, most of us fell in love with the sport shredding local hills. We came to these (often smaller) local hills because they offered easy access, low prices, and accessibility. Sadly, many of these local hills have either died or are struggling to survive. At Unofficial, we understand that these hills are the lifeblood of our sport. Through this feature, we hope to raise awareness of smaller ski areas, and if possible, direct a few readers their way.

Unofficial Networks Newsletter

Get the latest snow and mountain lifestyle news and entertainment delivered to your inbox.

Hidden
Newsletters
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.