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After more than 60 years of operation, the Four Seasons Golf and Ski Center in Manlius will close its doors permanently on November 15. The beloved recreational spot, located on East Genesee Street, has been a staple for local families, offering skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing during the winter months, and mini-golf, soccer, batting cages, and a driving range from April through October.
Owner John Goodfellow, who has managed the center for over 50 years, decided to put the 13.5-acre property up for sale in January. The property was listed for $2.5 million, and a buyer has been secured, although the sale is still pending. According to Goodfellow, the new owner has different plans for the land, and it will no longer serve as a ski center.
The center, originally named 90 Acres Four Seasons, began with a simple rope tow in 1962, and skiing was introduced the following year. It was renamed Four Seasons Golf & Ski Center in the late 1970s, expanding its offerings with snowmaking capabilities added in 1974.
As the center prepares to close, it remains open on Fridays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to sell its equipment. Goodfellow expressed his gratitude to the community, stating, "While this marks the end of an incredible chapter, we want to express our deepest gratitude to all who made Four Seasons so special" as noted on their website.
The closure marks the end of an era for many Central New Yorkers who have cherished memories of winters and summers spent at the center. Goodfellow previously shared his hope that the property would continue to be used as a ski resort, but he acknowledged it was time for him to retire as reported by CNY Central.