Dry Hill Ski Area — Attraction in Town of Watertown

I have lived in the Watertown area for two years now and been a season pass holder at Dry Hill as long. My primary ski experience is mostly major resorts in Utah where I am from, and Colorado. Dry Hill was my first east coast ski experience. I have a family of five that all ski. Hopefully this is helpful for any looking for good ski locations. Also, I write this because I WANT Dry Hill to be awesome.

Bottom line up front, Dry Hill is a conveniently located Hill to Watertown with limited mostly beginner terrain. If you are an experienced skier/snowboarder and have young children that are just learning the sport or an adult that has never skied, this location is OK. If you are looking for much more than that, you will likely be disappointed.

Skiing with small children: I say "experienced," because there is no true beginner area (i.e. magic carpet) for young children to learn if their parent is not the best skier. There are lessons available, but from what I have seen at Dry Hill I think it is a real challenge for instructors with small children given that there is no true beginner area. I am in no way saying the instructors are not good. I have witnessed solid instruction there on a regular basis.

Skiing with kids 8ish and up: If you are new to skiing, this is probably the best age for this particular area given the lack of facilities available. The main run is forgiving enough that a new skier can make the mistakes they will make while learning and do so safely. If you have a household of children that have a few years under their belt, they will likely outgrow the area quickly.

Teen - Adults: For beginners, decent area. If you are an experienced skier or snowboarder you will likely get board of Dry Hill in about 30 minutes. On weekends the lift lines are pretty ridiculous. The T-bar seems like it is never operating at 100% and I cannot remember one day that I showed up and the T-bar was already running. I am sure there was at least one.

Facilities: Lifts work, but it doesn't look like there have been any meaningful upgrades in awhile. Also, the Dry Hill website advertises 3 lifts. there are not 3 lifts. There is 1 lift, 1 T Bar, and the snow tube area. I had never seen (I am sure others do) a resort advertise a snow tube area as a lift until now. Lodge, more of the same. The concession stand only accepts cash! I am sure the owner will reply to this will some mumbo-jumbo about "fees, and this and that." Who cares! It's 2020! Pro shop... there is not one.

Having spent a decent amount of time here, I have started to question if any money is being reinvested back into the business. Most resorts have a location on their website (maybe I missed it) that highlights the projects for the current year and upcoming future projects. I get that Dry Hill is limited on terrain, but the experience could be improved upon is what I am getting at. Reading a number of the other posts only hardens that thought. I have never met the owner, but based on a number of responses of his that I have read he seems rigid and hell bent on defending his position (right or wrong) to a fault. I understand being passionate about your business, but being able to hear the things that you suck at is a part of getting better. Again, I only say this because I want Dry Hill to be awesome.

Employees: Employees are always a delight. I have never had a negative experience with a Dry Hill employer.

Ski Tune Shop: Is functioning. Again, employees were super friendly. It did appear that they are hammered and maybe need another body. Turn around time is pretty slow. I have only had my ski's service there twice. Maybe it had something to do with when I went.

Overall, my family and I enjoy our time at Dry Hill when time does not allow us to reach out to larger...

When I tell you I have found my forever ski home believe me !! I first visited dry hill back in December of 22 and had such an amazing time taking a refresher ski class with Karry . She is an amazing instructor and encouraged me throughout our session, she definitely boosted my confidence. I love everything about dry hill from the food & drinks at the bar to the welcoming staff . The owners are amazing and are active in welcoming patrons and ensuring their comfort. Shout out to the guys in rentals they’re attentive and have a good memory for customers sizes/ rental needs. I had such an amazing experience there that when given the opportunity to visit Watertown again in February 23 that I speedily signed up for a month of the women’s lunch and learn program on the hill. The packages were reasonably priced . This gave me the opportunity to meet with others who have a love for the slopes. While at dry hill I had the pleasure of learning with two other amazing instructors , Tracy ( who was very instrumental in my progress, congratulations on ski patrol cert) and Danny who had the patience of a saint in taking me out on a snowboard 🏂 for the first time. I had such an amazing time over there that each time I went I brought along a different family member to join in on the fun. I love that there is no overcrowding and long lines compared to other places. Everyone takes caution and are mindful of newbies. By the time winter was done anyone watching could see a marked improvement in my ⛷️. I became such a regular everyone knew me by name. I can’t wait to come back for winter 23/24 to be part of this amazing ski family. I JUST LOVE LOVE...

We had to update our review. We have a 4 and 6 year old who have both been learning at Dry Hill. This is the second year they have skied here. The staff is top notch. I have been to a lot of resorts East and West and Dry Hill has the most friendly and accommodating staff I have come across. I don't know where they find their instructors who are mostly teenagers, but they always have smiles, are respectful, and great with my kids, who they are picking up time after time for the hour long lessons. The older gentlemen who run the school are awesome. They are looking after both the customers and their young instructors. Great interaction with my kids all around. The staff behind the ticket window are great and helpful at helping you figure out what the best deal is. Even down to the people at the food counter who don't seem like cafeteria staff just there to make through the day. Everyone just seems genuine and happy to be there. I don't really know many places at all like that. If you are a real aggressive skier who wants a lot of challenge this isn't your place. If you are learning to ski, or just want to get some uncrowded runs in do not pass...