After all the hubbub of autumn and the cold weather holidays, the quiet respite of a winter getaway offers the perfect chance to rest and recharge. The season is a particularly dazzling time to pay the Catskill Mountains a visit, with the stark beauty of its high peaks and rolling valleys covered in fresh snow. Whether it’s a craving for hitting the slopes or just the serenity of time around a roaring fire with friends and family, here are a few can’t-miss spots to hit during a winter vacation in the Great Western Catskills.
Outdoor Abundance
Independent and family-owned Plattekill Mountain in Roxbury is known for its authentic, easy going vibe. With 1,100 feet of vertical and 38 trails for skiers and snowboarders—from gentle, beginner runs to double black diamonds—plus tubing for the kids and kids at heart, there’s something offered for every skill level.
Considered the busiest snowmobiling destination in the Catskills, Delaware County has over 350 miles of well-maintained trails, including 23 miles of the state’s C2 trail system. Enthusiast snowmobile clubs abound in the county, with special events hosted all winter long.
Cross-country skiers and snowshoers will enjoy an excursion on the Catskill Scenic Trail, a 26-mile path that weaves through fields, along the Delaware River, and past small towns. For a gentle introduction to the region’s wintertime beauty, go for an easy hike on the 3.9-mile Andes Rail Trail, located just minutes from the shops and eateries on Main Street Andes.
Majestic Mountain Accommodations
Looking for an accommodation within walking distance from Main Street shopping, dining, and more? Stay at the Andes Hotel, a recently renovated circa 1850 inn at the hamlet’s center. Its restaurant serves up crave-worthy spins on comfort food, and the large outdoor courtyard is a picturesque spot to enjoy the nip of a bonfire and a craft cocktail.
Have a flair for drama? The larger-than-life Roxbury Motel and the Roxbury at Stratton Falls feel directly pulled from a Broadway stage. Located in the quiet village of Roxbury, the vivacious sibling accommodations were created by former theater professionals. Roxbury Motel room themes range from the Wizard of Oz to Indiana Jones, while Stratton Falls has eight fantastical tower cottages and a circa-1800s mansion with rooms inspired by the property’s storied past.
Craving the timeless, full-service comfort one expects from a classic mountain getaway? Perched high on a hill outside of Margaretville, Hanah Mountain Resort and Country Club is a hidden gem of a hotel with rooms that offer beautiful views of its secluded 387 acres, the surrounding mountains, and the Delaware River below. The cozy indoor pool offers a retreat from winter’s chill, and its bar and restaurant serves farm-to-table American cuisine that showcases ingredients sourced in season from Catskills farms and purveyors.
Cozy Eateries
Located right off of Main Street in Andes are the restored red barns that are home to Wayside Cider’s taproom and bottle shop. Sip ciders made from wild and abandoned homestead apples and nosh on locally sourced small plates next to a wood stove, or steal away to the game room in the barn loft complete with a pool table, shuffleboard, and board games aplenty.
Centrally located on Route 28 in Arkville, Oakley’s is a favorite for wood-fired pizza and grilled classics. Located next to the wood stove, its large bar is a great perch for people-watching while enjoying a cocktail, glass of wine, or crisp draught beer from a local brewery.
Established in 1893, the stately Hidden Inn in South Kortright serves casual tavern food as well as juicy prime rib and filet mignon. With a roaring fireplace in the dining room, it’s a welcoming spot to enjoy a comforting meal and escape for a few hours from the bracing mountain air.
For more inspiration on where to go and what to do in Delaware County, visit Greatwesterncatskills.com.
This article appears in Fall 2024/Winter 2025.
