thiesd, the terrain is different (stepped levels of limestone with fewer boulders but some unique "rocky ground" areas; many trails) at the
Short/Long Champs than at West Point and it may be someplace you haven't been yet. There are beautiful views from the 100' limestone cliff at Thacher Park out over the broad plain that was Lake Albany (back in the last ice age)--on a clear day you can see mountains in the Adirondacks, Massachusetts, and Vermont.
You'll have a much shorter bus ride to start on Saturday (and a short walk from parking on Sunday) than you find at West Point, and if you sign up for the Sat. dinner it will be more varied and in a warmer building. :-) Heated dorm accommodations including meals are available on-site at Camp Pinnacle (adjacent to Thacher but you'll need a ride to day1 parking) and camping is also possible.
All this plus a US championship event with a experienced course designer; what more could you ask for?
Janet Tryson, Short/Long Champs registrar