SAM Magazine—Turin, N.Y., Aug. 9, 2023—An apparent EF-3 tornado with peak wind speeds of 140 mph damaged all three chairlifts and several structures at Snow Ridge Ski Resort on Monday evening. 

The National Weather Service reported that the tornado touched down around 7:42 p.m. in the town of Lewis, N.Y., where it uplifted the roofs of two homes and caused other damage before it continued northward. The heaviest damage occurred at Snow Ridge and in the surrounding area. The haul ropes on all three of the ski area’s chairlifts snapped and the lift buildings were overturned or otherwise damaged. A tree struck the cabin of Snow Ridge’s Pisten Bully 200 snowcat, and a yurt on the property was lost.

“The Ridge got hit pretty hard by last evening’s tornado,” read a message posted to Snow Ridge’s Facebook page. “Everyone is safe, which is the most important thing, but this damage really hurts.

“We cannot begin to express our gratitude for the outpouring of support from our community,” the post continued. “While we continue to assess the full damage, our hearts are warmed by the backing of everyone who has reached out to us and are willing to help us start this journey of rebuilding. We will keep everyone updated on future plans of clean up days in the coming days and weeks. Thank you again from bottom of our hearts.”

Nearby, the tornado destroyed roofs, walls, and windows on other buildings, including a multi-story building that was shifted from its foundation. The tornado traveled 16 miles and left a 700-foot-wide path of destruction. 

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