Kissing Bridge Ski Area Profile

The "Colden Snow Belt" in western New York lies downwind of Lake Erie. Winter winds whipping over the lake guarantee a reliable supply of snow, so it's not surprising that someone should think of building a ski area on one of the high snow-catching ridges. That's where you'll find Kissing Bridge, about 20 minutes south of Buffalo.

KB, as it is known, is situated on a long ridge, typical of ski areas in far western New York. As such the terrain is divided into three general areas, South, Central, and North, with lodges and rentals at Central and North. In fact, KB spans more than a mile in width. Nine lifts, including two quads, carry skiers and riders to various points on the ridge, where they'll find three dozen trails, a ½ pipe, and a terrain park.

The trails may be divided into "pods" but that doesn't indicate their relative degree of difficulty. KB's convoluted ridgeline, folds, and gullies means that a black diamond like Thunder Run can be flanked by green circle Twinkle and the intermediate Hemlock. So pay attention to trail signs until you develop a feel for the place. On the other hand, if you're comfortable on any terrain, KB explored without a trail map is full of wonderful surprises.

You can enjoy all this in a number of ways, because KB offers a flexible ticket plan along with the standard choices. Daily lift tickets can be purchased for four or eight hour periods and are good from when you "step into your bindings" until the time expires. An "unlimited" ticket is good from the time you buy it until the place closes at night, so if you've got the stamina to ski or ride day and night, it's just for you.

A large, lift-served tubing park is located adjacent to KB North. Services at KB include a professional snowsports school, a retail shop, and rentals. There's a terrain park with three entrances and three degrees of difficulty, and a ½ pipe.

If you decide to stay in the area, there are several B&Bs and small lodges nearby, and several restaurants. The Dog Bar in West Falls is home to most of the action in the area.