From T-Bars to Today: Greek Peak’s Lift & Terrain History
If you’ve ever ridden the lift at Greek Peak and looked out over the slopes thinking, “Huh… I wonder how all this came to be?” well, grab the safety bar and settle in. I’ve got a story for you. Because this mountain didn’t just appear out of nowhere. It grew, season after season, thanks to some determined folks, a whole lot of passion, and a fair share of elbow grease.
Let’s take a fun little glide through Greek Peak’s history. Nothing too serious, just the good stuff.
1958: Opening Day & A Governor’s Blessing
Let’s start at the very beginning, because Greek Peak’s opening chapter is a big one.
In 1958, none other than New York Governor Averell Harriman came out to cut the ribbon on Opening Day. He called Greek Peak a “first-class development” and predicted it would “make a real contribution to skiing in New York State.”
Spoiler alert: the man knew what he was talking about.
1958–1962: T-Bars, A-Frame Lodges & A Young Visionary
By 1960, the mountain had two T-bars spinning and construction was underway on the now-iconic A-Frame Lodge, the place where countless skiers have warmed up, geared up, and swapped stories over the years.
Then came a major turning point:
In 1962, a young Al Kryger was commissioned to build Central New York’s very first chairlift, and he did it right here at Greek Peak.
Yep. Greek Peak made regional ski history.
That early push toward innovation didn’t stop at lifts, either. Greek Peak quickly became one of the East’s trailblazers in:
- Snowmaking
- Night skiing
- Creating ski packages for local schools and colleges
That last one? Huge. It introduced generations of students to skiing and helped cement Greek Peak as a true community mountain.
Early 1970s: A New Vision Takes Shape
In the early ’70s, Al Kryger was thinking ahead again.
He led the effort to acquire land next to the ski area and develop a master plan for a full recreational community. Over time, that vision became reality with slope-side condos and townhomes rising up around the mountain.
Greek Peak wasn’t just a ski area anymore.
It was turning into a regional destination resort and, eventually, a year-round getaway.
2000s: Growth Continues & New Offerings Rise
As the 2000s rolled in, Greek Peak kept evolving.
Slope-side lodging came into full swing. Adventure activities began expanding. Terrain improvements helped shape a more complete mountain experience, especially for families and for those learning the sport.
The mountain was well on its way to becoming the four-season resort guests know and love today.
2013: A New Era of Ownership
A major chapter opened in 2013, when John Meier and Marc Stemerman (both longtime Greek Peak season passholders and dedicated snowsports enthusiasts) took ownership of the resort.
These guys weren’t just business owners.
They were home mountain skiers who knew exactly what mattered to guests.
During their partnership, they invested heavily in:
- Snowmaking improvements
- Grooming upgrades
- Base area enhancements
And in 2015, they brought Toggenburg into the family, creating the reciprocal Greekenburg Pass, giving guests access to both mountains.
2019: The Meier Family Becomes Sole Owners
In 2019, John and Christine Meier became the sole owners of Greek Peak and Toggenburg.
For the Meier family, this place isn’t just a business, it’s home.
They’ve spent over three decades skiing here. Their oldest daughter has taught in our ski school, and their younger kids are active in the racing program.
As John himself put it: “We were customers long before we were owners.”
That says everything you need to know about who’s guiding Greek Peak forward.
2020s: Big Upgrades, Bigger Snowmaking & A New Four-Year Plan
Now let’s talk about the present, because this decade is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet.
Greek Peak recently kicked off a four-year, $2.5 million snowmaking infrastructure investment, and as someone who spends a lot of time around snowguns… trust me, this is game-changing stuff.
Between now and the 2028–29 season, guests will see:
- New high-efficiency snow guns
- Upgraded hydrants
- Expanded pipe systems
- Increased pump capacity
- Faster, more consistent snowmaking across the mountain
Pair these upgrades with our award-winning, national-champion snowmaking team, and you’ve got a recipe for stronger early-season coverage, better midwinter conditions, and more days where the mountain rides exactly how you want it to.
You’re going to feel these improvements under your skis.
Final Thoughts
Greek Peak’s history isn’t just a string of dates or milestones. It’s the story of a mountain shaped by passionate founders, forward-thinking leaders, hardworking crews, and generations of guests who keep the energy alive.
And now? You’re part of that story too.
So as we kick off another winter at Greek Peak, remember: every turn you make is riding on decades of heart, vision, and dedication.
About the author:
Mountain Mike is your go-to guide for adventure at Greek Peak Mountain Resort. A seasoned outdoor enthusiast and a master of memorable puns, Mike brings his passion for the outdoors and his knack for storytelling to every article. Join him as he explores the peaks and valleys of adventure, inspiring readers to make every outdoor moment unforgettable.