Getting to Greek Peak is easy by car. The resort is conveniently located 2.5 miles from I-81, less than an hour from Syracuse, Binghamton and Ithaca. Greek Peak is located in Virgil, New York, just east of Interstate 81. The...
Greek Peak
Greek Peak is Central New York's largest ski resort and also offers some of the region's best terrain. Greek Peak offers skiing on three distinct small peaks and although Greek Peak's 952' vertical drop is small, the resort's slopes are graced by a heavy fall of lake effect snow each winter.
Legitimately steep expert terrain, deep snowfall, tree skiing and a resort with three separate mountain peaks in New York State? Surely such a resort must be in the Adirondacks, or at least the Catskills. No – Greek Peak is a family-friendly resort is located in Central New York’s Fingerlakes Region. Set amongst a series of large hills (as opposed to real mountains), the ski area provides surprisingly good skiing aided by a solid dose of lake-effect snowfall from nearby Lake Ontario.
The resort’s name pays tribute to the Greco-Roman themed towns that dot the region. Almost all of the trails are named after figures from Greek mythology or Hellenic concepts. Whether tackling the steeps of Iliad or cruising beginner runs like Poseiden or Castor, it is hard to miss Greek Peak’s playful theme.
Greek Peak is popular with skiers from the nearby cities of Syracuse, Binghamton, Cortland and Ithaca, but skiers visit from Pennsylvania, Canada and even New York City. Drawn by Greek Peak’s new indoor waterpark hotel, day and night skiing and family-friendly atmosphere, they return again and again because of Greek Peak’s tremendous value.
On the whole, skiing experience at Greek Peak is relaxed, casual and somewhat spartan (we couldn’t resist…). The mountain experience at Greek Peak has not changed much since a generation prior. Greek Peak’s lifts are slow and its snowmaking firepower cannot match that of its Catskill or Adirondack competitors. However, the resort has shown a willingness to update this aging infrastructure. New ownership has invested heavily in much-needed upgrades to snowmaking and installed a new fixed grip quad.
Across the road, however, the new Hope Lake Lodge with indoor waterpark and mountain adventure center has proven to be a tremendous hit with families. With its indoor/outdoor pool and a large indoor waterpark, skiing is only part of the attraction for many visitors.
Greek Peak Pros & Cons
+ Good advanced terrain
+ Lake effect snowfall
+ Off-slope activities
+ Hope Lake Lodge
– Slow lifts
– Limited snowmaking
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Greek Peak has two main lodging options. The Hope Lake Lodge and Cascades Indoor Waterpark, located across the street from the ski resort, is a favorite with families. Hope Lake Lodge and Cascades Indoor Water Park The Hope Lake Lodge...
Greek Peak Ski Area Greek Peak ski area's many faces and pods of terrain makes this small Central New York resort feel bigger than it is. With three distinct peaks and backside terrain, Greek Peak offers a ski experience that...
Greek Peak Beginner Skiing At Greek Peak, beginner skiers have freedom to explore the entire resort. Greek Peak offers beginner runs from the top of each of its four peaks, with the longest run topping out at a mile and...
Greek Peak Intermediate Skiing Intermediate skiers will enjoy Greek Peak's mainly open blue slopes. Each face of the mountain offers "more difficult" runs and several of Greek Peak's black diamonds are suitable for advanced intermediate skiers. Intermediate skiing at Greek...
Greek Peak Expert Skiing For a resort of Greek Peak's size, it has remarkably good expert skiing. The double black diamond Olympian trail is one of the steepest runs in New York State. Somewhat surprisingly for a resort which caters...
Greek Peak Backcountry & Off Piste Greek Peak's off piste skiing is limited three gladed runs. There is no backcountry skiing of any note available at or near the resort. Although all of Greek Peak's gladed trails are rated as...
Greek Peak Mountain Restaurants Greek Peak has a cafeteria and bar. Both are located in the base area, a short walk from the quad chairlift. A new sundeck overlooking the slopes is planned for winter 2014-2015. Taverna Cafeteria The Taverna...
Greek Peak Village Greek Peak has a small condo village on a hill across the street from the ski area. The Hope Lake Lodge and Cascades Waterpark is also located across from the ski resort and adjacent to the condo...
Greek Peak Restaurants & Bars Apart from the food at the ski resort itself, Greek Peak has several on-site restaurants in the Hope Lake Lodge. Nearby Cortland offers more dining options, while Ithaca (25-30 mins away) has a number of...
Greek Peak Other Activities Greek Peak has a wide variety of indoor and outdoor off-hill activities, so the fun doesn't need to stop when the skiing ends. Greek Peak Cross Country Skiing The nordic center at Greek Peak offers 10...