PATTERSON- The skiing and snowboarding season is in full swing and Thunder Ridge in Patterson has become the hot spot for winter recreation in Putnam County.
Repeated storms have resulted in outstanding conditions on the slopes resulting in thousands of skiers visiting the tourist attraction off Route 22.
Beth Vogel of Scarsdale traveled to the resort with her three year old son. “I just love this place,” said the school teacher, who added: “It’s close to home and the skiing has been exceptional.”
For Marion Quinn of Putnam Valley, “Thunder Ridge is a dream come true. My family and I can get into our car and be on the slopes in less than an hour; besides the trails have been great this season.”
The Putnam landmark attracts up to 100,000 skiers annually.
Dean and Wayne Ryder, vice president and president respectively, of the Putnam County National Bank located in Carmel, experienced some off- years due to a lack of snow but this year they are overjoyed promising despite any weather to keep the ski area viable.
Dean Ryder said Big Birch was a critically important part of Putnam County’s history having originally opened in 1948: “I have been skiing here since 1950. My three daughters have grown up racing on the slopes of Big Birch and Thunder Ridge.”
Former First Lady Libby Pataki of Garrison described Thunder Ridge as “one of Putnam’s biggest tourist attractions.”
Wayne Ryder said Thunder Ridge was “family friendly. Skiers include toddlers from the age of three all the way to our cherished senior citizens. Many moms and dads drop their 10, 11 and 12 year olds off to ski and return later in the day to pick them up because they are comfortable with our surroundings.”
Dean Ryder said the resort is patrolled by ski patrol members and dozens of instructors. “Our staff is so loyal and dedicated,” he said.
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