And then there is Titus
Titus Skibana
High speed detachable quads, gondolas, six-packs and eight-packs, bubble chairs and heated cushions are all part of the growing race to get us uphill faster, even warmer. And then, there is Titus, an independent family-operated, family-friendly destination near the Canadian border in upstate New York.
Titus Mountain Family Ski Center is a 1,200 vertical ski area tucked an hour’s drive north of Lake Placid and about 50 miles south of Montreal. There are 52 trails and glades, 38 with snowmaking. It is a mellow, well groomed layout. Ski it end-to-end and you’ll go through two tunnels and cross over a bridge.
What about the lifts?
There are six fixed-grip doubles and two triple chair lifts, all manufactured by Hall, the Watertown, NY, company that went out of business in 1982. So don’t expect a quick ride up the hill at Titus. And don’t expect that to change.
According to area operations and marketing manager Bruce Monette III, whose family has owned the former Moon Valley area since 2011, “We believe these lifts are just fine for us. It gives people time to talk on the trip uphill. We don’t see that changing.”
The Monette family is no seat-of-the-pants operator. In addition to the ski area, their business interests range from large scale maple syrup production to gravel mining operations that support infrastructure and road development in the area, to fuel distribution services throughout the region.
Need a place to stay while skiing at Titus?
They own the Holiday Inn Express in nearby Malone as well as several Airbnb slopeside chalets.
What does it cost to ski at Titus?
It is a bargain in today’s ski world. A ticket purchased on line is $59 on weekends, $49 on weekdays – add $5 if buying at the ticket window. The day tab for seniors 65+ is just $39 on weekdays, $49 on weekends. And that includes evening skiing on Fridays and Saturdays. A season’s pass for 70+ is $199.
And Titus is now part of the INDY pass network. https://seniorsskiing.com/indy-pass-adds-54-new-resorts/
Want to make it a weekend at Titus?
The Monette’s Holiday Inn Express in Malone offers a one-night ski-and-stay package for two for $249 total that includes breakfast, preferred parking at the hill and lift tickets. Compare that to a single day walk-up lift ticket on a weekend elsewhere these days.
Treat yourself to a heated Skibana
While the lifts may date back to an earlier time, Titus has one area feature that is cutting edge: Skibanas.
These are eleven regular and three larger Amish-built wooden enclosed cabanas near the main base lodge that can be rented by the day. They are heated, outfitted with comfortable seating, and can easily accommodate a family of four carting their own food and beverages. Another perk is they come with reserved parking.
Titus Skibana
Need to rent equipment?
Arrange in advance and it will be there in your skibana when you arrive. The cost to reserve: $99 on weekdays and $149 on weekends, which usually sell out days in advance.
If you are planning a road trip and want speedy lifts and fancy facilities, Titus is not your place. But if you want a family friendly area with an appealing ski layout at a modest price, this one is worth a try.
- Another Miracle: How Lake Placid Could Again Host The Winter Olympics - March 5, 2026
- Empire State, the Other Winter Games - January 19, 2026
- Drowsy Driving - December 18, 2025
Hi, I have the paper newspapers for the Lake Placid Olympics of 1980. I am happy to donate them to you or any other organization. I attended the Olympics as well.
Love this! Although I am far away in the West, this is the kind of ski area I love to ski.
It is certainly a great place to ski and an especially appealing one if the trip includes children and grandchildren.
I first visited this ski area when it was called Moon Valley. Sunset Strip was the flagship trail, at that time. Titus Mtn. treats their Senior skiers very well with reduced rates for 65 +. A great break for 70+ for a season pass. Seniors should make a point to visit Malone NY, and support Titus for their part of offering the Senior skiers a taste of the North Country.
One of the oldest ski areas in Minnesota was founded in the 1930’s… it was a quick cross-country jaunt from my home that led all the kids in our neighborhood to the top of the main run which was 250 feet atop the Minnesota River Valley bluff. The bluff was a southern exposure overlooking a splendid ancient glacial valley, a moon valley, and thus, it was called, Moon Valley. My memories of that wonderful place remain vivid. So much so that one of these days I’ll come and ski your Moon Valley!