The most wonderful time of the year is here, with the holidays, but also ski and snowboarding activities to enjoy in the snow with loved ones.

Maple Ski Ridge resort opened on Saturday, which means that those who have been waiting for it finally got to lace up their ski boots.

“It's great to be out here, said Billy McDonald, a resident of Schenectady County, visiting the slopes with friends and family. “It's good to get the kids outside in the winter. I was always told you had to find something to do in the winter, and it's a great place to go. It's close to home, so we're glad.”

The popular family-owned resort is considered a second home for many families during the ski season, and in 2023, they plan to celebrate their 50th anniversary, with many of those families that have been visiting for generations.

"People need to get outside and enjoy time with their families,” Maple Ski Ridge general manager Marilyn Peterson said. “This is a family resort. We love to have families and we love to have a good time."

For some in attendance, this was their first time participating in the winter sport. And In a recent study conducted by the Outdoor Foundation, they concluded that since the pandemic started, there has been an increase in outdoor activity among Americans. 

"I mean, ever since COVID, we've definitely seen an increase in skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross-country, anything to get people outside, enjoy the weather, and do something a little bit different," said Mike Casey, retail store manager at Alpin Haus. Over the past few years, all of those sports have grown tremendously."

You can find more information on lessons, hours of operation, and seasonal passes at mapleskiridge.com.