Astoria Park may get its own ski slope this winter

We’ve heard from multiple sources that Astoria Park may become home to a ski slope this winter. Community Board 1 voted last week to approve the proposal presented to bring a ski slope, equipment (including a snow maker), and a changing area to the park at the height of the cold season. The Vermont-based ski resort Sugarbush would build the temporary slope, and for six-weeks in February and March, the Great Meadow in Astoria Park will be the location of the ski slope. The slope would be operated by the Parks Department, and funded by Sugarbush.

On weekend mornings, there would be classes; all other times the ski slope would be open to the public. Dog owners would still be able to use the Meadow as an off-leash dog park before 9am, as usual.

According to CB District 1 Manager Lucille Hartmann, the project would be free: “It’s costing the city nothing and it’s costing the participants nothing.”

There are still hurdles to overcome before making this a done deal; something like this has never been done before in Astoria Park. Having the approval of CB1 is a big step, as city agencies (like Parks) often avoid implementing projects that the local Community Board does not approve (case in point: the failed Astoria Pedestrian Plaza).

Ski Slope May Be Coming to Astoria Park This Winter [DNAinfo]
Skiing coming to Astoria [Queens Gazette]