Pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns decorate this doorstep on Ridge Road in Broadalbin Tuesday.

An All Hallows choir

Royal Mountain Ski Area will host its annual open house Sunday. The event will run from 1 to 4 p.m. at the ski area, which is located at 3072 State Highway 10 in Caroga Lake.

Royal Mountain Ski Area will host its annual open house Sunday. The event will run from 1 to 4 p.m. at the ski area, which is located at 3072 State Highway 10 in Caroga Lake.

Royal Mountain Ski Area will host its annual open house Sunday.

The event will run from 1 to 4 p.m. at the ski area, located at 3072 State Highway 10 in Caroga Lake.

“Guests can get a jump start on winter by signing up for our Trailblaiser program right at the mountain. Season passes will also be available, and we’ll be printing them on site,” said Brooke Tennis, who owns the facility with her husband Jake. “We’ll have brand-new merchandise for sale too, which is only offered in person. It’s a fun way to get everyone back together, talk winter plans, and start building excitement for the season ahead.”

Guests can purchase season passes at their lowest rates of the season as well as discounted day passes and gift cards. Season passes are available at the pre-sale rate until Nov. 15. To be on the family season pass, individuals must be on the same family tax return.

“There will be a station with the help of our volunteer ski patrol. Children are encouraged to bring a stuffed animal along for a ‘check-up,’ learn a little about ski safety, and leave with a fun souvenir,” Brooke Tennis said.

The open house will also offer an opportunity for those looking to become instructors at Royal Mountain.

In addition, guests can check out a historic ski gondola that Royal Mountain recently obtained.

“We have a gondola cabin (No. 57) that we recently acquired from Gore Mountain,” Brook Tennis said. “Visitors can step inside, learn about its history, and see how it now represents a special piece of Royal Mountain’s story.”

Information also will be available on the Royal Mountain racing team.

“We’ll have complimentary appetizers and drinks available. One fun new addition this year is our junior ski team serving walking tacos for $5,” Brooke Tennis said. “It’s a great way to support the team as they kick off their comeback season. The junior ski team has been a part of Royal Mountain for many years, and we’re excited to bring it back with a fantastic group of coaches and enthusiastic young racers.”

There also will be a cash bar in the Velcro Lounge.

“The open house gives us a jump start on the season, helping us get ready for snowmaking and preparing the mountain so it’s in top shape for our guests,” Brooke Tennis said.

Trailblaisers program

Those attending can also sign their children up for Royal Mountain’s Trailblaisers program, which offers beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. The six-week program, named after original Royal owner Jim Blais, provides on-snow training for all ages and abilities.

For the 2026 season, Royal Mountain has reformatted the Trailblazer program to be more accommodating for families, offering each level at every time period for all six weeks. These changes should help families with more than one child in different level classes along with providing smaller groups in each class for better learning. The beginner program is capped at 20 students per time slot, while the........

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