Hartford ski areas offer skiing, snowboarding, other snow sports

Powder Ridge has had a difficult financial history, but since it first opened in 1961, it has been a favorite of Connecticut and New York skiers. The area closed in 2007, but it was purchased, rehabilitated, and reopened for the 2013-2014 season, and welcomed with lots of goodwill from old-time fans who remember its most active years. Twenty trails from bunny to black diamond; a full half-pipe terrain park. Equipment rentals; lessons; racing teams. Welcoming to all ages.

Mount Southington ski area covers 51 acres of skiable and has two terrain parks and 14 trails for all levels of ability. Easy drive from New Haven and Hartford. Affordable and family-friendly. Deals include the Frequent Skier Passport, which may be used every day, once per day, and all season, for $60. A first-time package and an advanced package include lesson and lift tickets for a reasonable price. One hundred percent snowmaking. Cafeteria and other dining, shops, rentals, ski school and snowboarding school.