Sawkill Ski Getaways

Sawkill, not far from Kingston, is a fine example of a ski area at its most elemental: A large field, a rope, tow, and no pretensions. It harkens back to an earlier time, when throughout the Northeast every community seemed to have its own small hill or pasture with a rope tow or two.

Of course, Sawkill is a bit more than that. For one thing, it has snowmaking. For another, there's a rental shop and ski instruction. And the community ski areas of the 30s, 40s, and 50s never heard of a terrain park or a half pipe, two modern-day necessities that Sawkill has.

Nevertheless, Sawkill remains without frills. It does not overwhelm; one rope tow serves 70 vertical feet - just enough to keep beginners and park puppies happy - and enough to make for a good run in the tubing park. It also maintains a two kilometer cross-country trail. All in all, it's not a big place, but it is the kind of place you where you can drop the kids off without extra worry, confident that they're going to have fun.