Greek Peak, located on the eastern edge of New York’s Finger Lakes region, is one of the largest ski resorts in the state, and there is more to this resort than fun in the snow.
Greek Peak is a gathering spot for friends and families. (Photo: Matt Baldelli)
In 1958, members of the Cortland Ski Club founded Greek Peak. In 1960, the mountain with 220 acres of ski terrain had two T-Bars and in 1962 the first chairlift in central New York was built here. Greek Peak became a community hub, offering classes and school packages, and in the mid-1970s implemented an adaptive snowsports program. With quick access from I-81, the mountain has become a destination for locals and visitors from all over the northeast.
The largest mountain in Cortland County is Virgil Mountain, and Greek Peak covers its northern face. The mountain’s elevation is 2129 ft. and Greek Peak’s ski lifts climb almost to the summit. Today, there are 55 trails, terrain parks, and open glades nestled into the Allegheny Plateau mountain. Average snowfall is 122 inches. Terrain difficulty is evenly split between beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Night skiing is an option.
The grand entrance of the Hope Lake Lodge welcomes guests. (Photo: Michael C. Upton for TravelMag)
Most visitors to Greek Peak come for an extended stay, and weather, fatigue, or just a change of pace keep some off the mountain for at least a day or two. There are plenty of options to occupy the time. Some guests choose to relax in a spacious room or at the spa, and some find new adventures elsewhere in the resort. Not everything can be done in 24 hours, but here is a guide to get started.
Where to stay
In 2009, Greek Peak opened Hope Lake Lodge (2177 Clute Rd, Cortland), which serves as the heart of the resort. Decked out in an Adirondack style, the building contains 106 time-share units available in the form of hotel occupancy. Guests do not receive a timeshare ownership pitch. Nine different suite styles are available in the five-story complex, and all come with a full kitchen. Some come with lofts and fireplaces. A variety of stay packages allow guests to include the entire range of activities and amenities.
Suites at the Hope Lake Lodge are spacious. (Photo: Michael C. Upton for TravelMag)
From April through November, RV owners can stay at one of the 26 sites at Campground at Hope Lake (1855 State Route 392, Cortland). Campground at Hope Lake does not allow golf carts, but regular shuttle service makes getting around the resort easy. Sites can accommodate trailers up to 50 ft. There are also 15 tent sites available.
Located next to Hope Lake Lodge with views facing the slopes, Arcadia Village is a collection of privately-owned townhomes. Some of these homes are available for rent through local agencies and third-party sites like Airbnb. Village townhouses offer spacious accommodations for families traveling together for a ski getaway.
What to do
Skiing is what founded Greek Peak and it remains the area’s number one attraction after more than 60 years. Greek Peak claims to be the largest ski resort in Central New York. The mountain welcomes all skill levels, from those riding the five expert level trails to anyone on the 20 easy trails. The longest run is the 1.5-mile Arcadian Gate, and the steepest run is the Olympian at 40 degrees. Skiing and snowboarding lessons are available. Equipment rental is conveniently located in the lodge at the base of the mountain.
Greek Peak offers skiing for all levels. (Photo: Matt Baldelli)
There are other ways to have fun in the snow at Greek Peak. Snowtubing is great for almost any age. The gravity powered Snowcoaster takes riders through the wilderness where spotting some wildlife is almost guaranteed. Available year round, guided zip line tours offer a trip through the mountain canopy. The resort also has a Nordic Center with easy access to groomed cross country and snowshoe trails.
During the summer months the mountain offers a High Aerial Challenge Course—ropes course and climbing challenges. The Bike Park attracts cyclists of all skill levels. It is all downhill, as the Visions Quad chairlift brings riders and bikes to the top of the mountain. The bike trails are rated in difficulty level, green, blue, black, and double black just as the ski slopes are in the winter.
Greek Peak Mountain Resort. (Photo: Matt Baldelli)
For those looking to get off the mountain for a day, Cascades is a 41,000 sq. ft. water park located inside Hope Lake Lodge. Water fun includes a wave pool, slides for all ages, and an outdoor pool and hot tub. For the youngest visitors, The Bearfoot Den in Hope Lake Lodge is filled with craft ideas, games, and toys. The Den is open on weekends.
Where to eat and drink
All the skiing, snowtubing, and swimming can build up an appetite. Trax (ski lodge, 2000 State Route 392, Cortland) offers casual mountainside dining and a wide selection of beer, wine, and spirits. Seating is indoors and outdoors during the warmer months. Rotating specials like Taco Tuesday compliment a menu of pizzas, sandwiches, and salads. The most popular items are the Trax Mac skillets and the Trax Nachos.
The signature nachos at Trax are a hit with guests. (Photo: Michael C. Upton for TravelMag)
Also located in the ski lodge, Marty’s Deli and Taverna provide quick responses to hunger pains. Marty’s specializes in New York deli-style sandwiches to go, pizza by the slice, and coffee. Empire Staters enjoy the familiarity of the Beef on Weck and the Buffalo Chicken Wrap. Open only during ski season, Taverna is a cafeteria style eatery serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Greek Peak’s upscale eatery is Carvers. Located in the Hope Lake Lodge and decorated with deep wood accents and large tables, the steakhouse serves signature beef cuts, such as the 48-ounce tomahawk ribeye, a 12-ounce wagyu strip steak, and a 30-day dry aged strip. The restaurant also offers gluten free and vegetarian menus. Carvers is also open for breakfast and lunch.
The resort’s fine dining is found at Carvers in Hope Lake Lodge. (Photo: Michael C. Upton for TravelMag)
Poolside bites are quick and easy at the Edgewater Grill (inside Cascades Waterpark). The menu is built to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters with hot dogs, burgers, and chicken tenders. Mountain Bites food truck offers on-the-go lunches seasonally at the Adventure Center (1856 NY Rt. 392).
Events
Greek Peak is booming with activity year-round, whether it is themed weekends at Hope Lake Lodge or full-blown festivals on the mountain. The festivities kick off with Winterfest in February, when live entertainment and vendors welcome all, particularly the new season pass holders. Winterfest includes a retro ski parade, Special Olympics events, and a party on the Trax deck.
Local and regional breweries show up for Greek Peak events. (Photo: Michael C. Upton for TravelMag)
On the last weekend of ski season, guests are welcome to Pond Skim, Hot Dogs, & Hot Tubs. And the AMA-sanctioned cross country Ditch Banger race heralds the middle of summer every year. The Greek Peak brewfest, Hops & Swaps, takes place at the end of September. More than a beer festival, the event is a swap meet for ski gear and includes fun for the whole family. Things get scary with Freak at the Peak haunted coaster and zombie zipline in October, and the new year’s arrival is celebrated every December 31.
Off mountain
Known as The Crown City because of its elevation, Cortland was settled in 1791 on territory of the Iroquois Nation. Today, the county seat is a hub of the arts, a host for outdoor activities and annual festivals, and a revamping downtown with thriving food and shopping scenes. Social foodies gather at BRIX Pubaria (60 Main Street) and the Caribbean-inspired Gorgers (101 Main Street). Shoppers can find out of this world books, games, and décor at Area 51 (75 E Court Street) and eclectic gifts and unique items at Cinch Art Space (75 E Court Street).
Cortland offers shopping, dining, and seasonal events. (Photo: Michael C. Upton for TravelMag)
Cortland is also known as the gateway to the Finger Lakes. Several towns within driving distance make it worth the trip. Quaint downtowns can be found in nearby Homer—home of Dasher’s Corner Pub (2 North Main Street, Homer)—and Owego. Owego’s downtown is thriving with shops, cafes, and restaurants. The closest and largest lakefront town is Ithica to the west.