The Catskills are ski paradise. With mountains far and wide, it’s seemingly impossible for fans of the winter sport to get bored. Here are some of our top picks for those wintry days.
Belleayre
Belleayre Mountain boasts 50 trails catering to beginners and experts alike. For the daring, there is a vertical drop of 1,404 feet. If you need some fuel, the Overlook Lodge has grab-‘n’-go stations offering comfort foods like pizza, burgers, and French Fries. For a fancier burger and a breathtaking view, visit the Sunset Grill, located at the summit of the mountain.
Windham
Visit this mountain for the most skiing within 200 miles of New York City. Home to 54 trails spread out over 285 acres and two peaks, plus six terrain parks, Windham is bound to leave you winded! Newcomers don’t hold back, there’s a beginner program to introduce you to the joys of skiing.
Hunter
The second-highest elevation in the Catskills, Hunter Mountain offers snow-tubing in addition to skiing and snowboarding. The terrain is equal-percent beginner, intermediate, and advanced, so bring all your friends.
Mt. Peter
Started in 1936 by Macy’s to promote their skiwear, Mount Peter is the oldest operating ski-area in New York. Known collectively as “The Friendly One,” this mountain offers a free beginner ski and snowboarding school and many more amenities for the whole family.
Catamount
With 12 trails, including the Meadows Learning Area, Catamount has the most green circle trails in the Berkshires. This peak is also home to the longest run in the Berkshires–a 2.5-mile Blue Square trail!
This article appears in Fall/Winter 2016.
