Goodness, is the snowboarding in Aspen perfect. I’m no expert boarder, but regardless: you know perfect conditions when you see them.

I’d like to go at least once more this winter, so I did a little NYC-area research on the best sites and deals:

– New York is home to about 30 ski resorts: details on each mountain can be found here.

– Thunder Ridge (one of the most popular spots) can be accessed via Metro-North; no need for a car!

– Look for deals at skicoupons.com, cheapskiingguide.com, and powderpassport.com.

– Paragon Sports offers relatively affordable day trips to Hunter Mountain (about $84 per person including lift ticket, transportation, a light breakfast, and movies on the bus; there are additional fees for rental equipment). I’ve gone on these trips a couple of times, and the only disadvantage is the fact that you have to make your way to a store by 6:30AM. Also, they fill up early…so if you’re looking to hit the slopes before the season is over, book your trip now.

Any other tips for affordable NYC-area boarding?