*note: can't commit to FRAM 2022 yet but want updates in case you might be a last-min add? Or want to make sure you get the details for FRAM 2023? (tbh we're 50/50 on if it'll happen, but fingers crossed). Either way, drop your email HERE − no spam, just fram. 🤙

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OUR FAVORITE DAY OF THE YEAR IS BACK! THIS WILL BE #5. IF YOU'VE NEVER BEEN, IT'S SUMMER CAMP MEETS SKI MOUNTAIN, 1-DAY ONLY 👍❄️🙌⛷🏂🏔

What's Friends Rent a Mountain?

Once upon a time in 2017, a group of friends decided to rent an old-school gem-of-a-ski-mountain for the day. Long before the NYT article made it cool. People liked it, so we kept doing it. Here are some video montages from 2017 and 2018, along with glam shots from 2020 to give you an idea...

The whole thing is a bit magic. Everyone you bump into on a chairlift or in the lodge is a friend of a friend who's just excited to be there too. Instead of a normal Monday in February, you're at a Winter-y summer camp. Every year we have beginners who learn to ski or board for the 1st or 2nd time (the instructors are great), and more experienced folks ride a party wave with their pals right under the main lift.

The mountain is Plattekill. It's fiercely independent and full of character, with a rustic base lodge that's barely changed since the 80s. It's quirky with 1,100ft of vertical, a great learning slope for beginners, plenty of gentle meandering greens & blues for those who don't ski much, and a surprising array of steeps and trees for those who go hard. All under 3hrs from NYC.

What's different in 2022?

1) WE'RE PULLING OUT ALL THE STOPS for #5. The "Winter Olympics" will triumphantly return (stein-holding competition, ski-pole javelin throw, etc) with plenty more surprises to make the day worth your while.

2) FULLY-VAXXED: The plan is still for FRAM V to be a fully-vaccinated event, both for buses and drive-ups. We'll ask for a screenshots later.

3) SHORTER RENTAL LINES: you now pre-pay for ski/snowboard rentals ahead of time, so they're sized and ready to be picked up when you arrive.

First-Timer or Beginner?

Never skied or snowboarded before? Can't think of a better day to learn (pro-tip: skiing is probably easier). The mountain offers rental & lesson packages (with a certified instructor). You'll also have plenty of other first-timers to learn with. Even if you end up not loving skiing/snowboarding, it'll still be a fun day.

Ways To Be Part of FRAM

Option #1: Standard Signup (with Bus) | $129 | This is our most popular option but sells out quickly. We run 2 buses; one from Times Square, and the other from Jericho NY near the LIE. Includes: Lift ticket to our private mountain, Lunch Voucher, First Drink on Us, Après-Ski Games & Festivities, Round-Trip Coach Bus (bus snacks, waters, & driver tip included)

Option #2: “Drive Yourself" Skier/Snowboarder | $89 | Limited to ~50 because we don't want FRAM to get *too* big. Drive-up that morning, or even Sunday night. Nearby Airbnbs are cheap. Includes: Lift ticket to our private mountain, Lunch Voucher, First Drink on Us, Après-Ski Games & Festivities

Option #3: "Drive Yourself" Hanging Out (not Skiing/Riding) | $65 | Includes: Lunch Voucher, First Drink on Us, Après-Ski Games & Festivities. The lodge has wifi and is a decent place to work from if you need it!

For context, a Saturday lift ticket alone at Windham Mountain next door is $144 this year, and a bus + lift ticket from NYC to Hunter Mtn is $169). We don't make money off FRAM (pretty much the opposite), and know skiing/snowboarding can be expensive... so we work hard to keep this as affordable for our friends as possible. 

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FAQ

Q: What if I don't have skis or a snowboard? 

A: You can rent them at the mountain for $40 (paid to the mountain directly ahead of time).

Q: What if I'm a first-timer or a beginner and want a lesson? 

A: The mountain offers a "Learn to ski/snowboard package" that includes rental equipment + a beginner group lesson with a professional instructor for $75 (again, paid directly to the mountain ahead of time). It's a damn good day to learn, since Plattekill has great instructors, you'll be with plenty of first-timers, and your worst-case scenario is early Après Ski merriment.

Q: What if I don't have a car? 

A: We have buses! The Long Island Bus departs 200 Jericho Quadrangle (near exit 41) at 5am. The NYC bus departs 200 W 39th St (near 7th Ave/Times Square) at 6am.

Q: What if I buy a ticket but then can't go? 

A: It happens, and we try to be as reasonable as possible. We'll do full refunds (less a $5 processing fee) so long as you contact us 14 days before the trip so we still have time to fill your spot. 50% refunds if you contact us 7 days before. Within a week, unfortunately we cannot do refunds because everything is already paid for (but you're more than welcome to find someone else to take your place; it's a pretty easy sell!).

Q: Can I invite friends? 

A: Of course; FRAM is open to friends of friends. That said, if you're reading this right now, it's because someone else said you're good people. 🙏 So we're not trying to invite everyone we've ever met; just nice, friendly people who you think would really love being a part of this.

Q: What if I want to come solo?

A: If you're coming solo, this is the easiest day ever to make ski friends. Just hop on a lift with anybody. We're also happy to match you to a group with who you'd probably enjoy starting the day with.

Q: What if I don't have ski clothes?

A: You can certainly buy them. Or ask a ski/snowboard friend who's not coming if you can borrow their stuff -- if you're just getting into the snowsports, they'll probably be happy to lend you some gear.

Q: Can I do work in the lodge if needed?

A: Yep, it has wifi. A few quiet corners too early in the day if you need a quick video call.

Q: Why does it cost $10 more than last year? 

A: Inflation! Supply chain! But genuinely our costs got raised a good bit across the board. We're trying to keep 'em reasonable though.

Q: Will prices go up closer to the event?

A. Yep! Probably $15-20 more. Last-minute folks make planning harder. So try not to be one! If you're gonna go, get in early; we also almost always sell out the buses too.

Q: Can I ask other questions? 

A: Of course, email us at friendsrentaskimountain@gmail.com