Things to do / Travel Guide
Known by many names, “The Catskills”, “Jewish Alps”, “Borscht Belt” and “that place where Dirty Dancing was filmed”, the Catskills is a mountain range of more than 30 peaks above 3,500 feet in the cold, crisp mountain air. Famous in history, Hollywood and in guests' hearts, visitors make the very short two and a half hour trip outside of New York City seasonally to experience the four wonderful ski resorts found in the area.
Skiing in and around the Northern Catskills
Catskill State Park is broken down into the four cardinal sections of Northern, Central, Eastern and Western sections and the majority of the ski areas are located in the Northern portion. Playing host to the very popular Hunter and Windham Mountains, crowds can be larger here than elsewhere as these are the largest offerings in the Catskills region.
Catering to the New York City crowd with trail names like “Broadway” and “Upper 42nd Street”, Hunter Mountain is only two hours outside of the Big Apple. There are three distinct mountains separated into beginner, intermediate and advanced areas. The 3,200 foot summit boasts 240 acres and 55 trails as well as two terrain parks. With some of the most reliable snow conditions on the East Coast, its no surprise that Hunter Mountain is constantly busy.
Nearby Windham Mountain is a monster both on and off the trail system. Three terrain parks, a 500 foot halfpipe, and 46 runs of groomed corduroy and mogul fields are crafted into the 730 acres of terrain that is sought out by the beginner and experienced alike every winter.
Fantastic lodging and restaurant choices onsite at both mountains make it difficult to leave the resorts for any reason other than possible crowds or your personal bank budget. The Katskills (yes, it's spelled that way on purpose) is comprised of three luxury condo buildings offered by Hunter Mountain when only the best will do at their lodging and spa resort village. Don't forget to try Van Winkle's restaurant for tender steaks and fresh seafood. The Winwood Inn, located at Windham Mountain has family lofts and single rooms and comes complete with a game room, movie theater and fitness center onsite. There are six additional lodging and condo options onsite, all less than four miles away from the ski base lodge. Trail's End Tavern & Grill has an extensive wine and microbrew selection and is appropriate for family dining or a romantic date at its best. Of course, there are other options in the towns of Hunter and Windham, from resorts to the local Red Roof Inn, not to mention bakeries, patisseries, pizza joints and burger stands all standard to every community in America.
Skiing in and around the Central Catskills
Located in the town of Highmount, Belleayre Mountain may have a fancy name, but don't be mislead. There are no glossy frills and commercialization in this ski area owned by the State of New York's Department of Environmental Conservation. Known to be “forever wild,” Belleayre Mountain has over 50 percent of the 39 trails graded at the intermediate level, five gladed areas and 9.2 km of cross-country trails. The two terrain parks feature rails and jumps as well as a halfpipe for those on a snowboard or freestyle skis. There is no lodging onsite, but there are four day lodges with cafeterias and a warm place to rest the feet.
The Big Indian Shangri-La offers an exotic winter retreat with comfortable lodging in a secluded forest and has been awarded the best Indian restaurant award in the Hudson Valley. Frost Valley YMCA strives to offer the best accommodations in the Belleayre region with a historic castle, private inn, and family and dorm style options. Fifteen more lodging facilities in the region round out the selection, ranging from private house rentals to B&Bs to hotels. Organic and natural food buffs will love the Catskill Rose Restaurant with their menu of organic and free range meat dishes as well as natural herbs native to the area. Full Moon Café has a continental breakfast buffet and elegant dinners with live music performed after dinner has been served. In addition to the 17 other restaurants located in the community, spend the night looking up at the stars, listening to some acoustic music at the taverns, and relaxing under the covers to make your Central Catskills vacation the best it can be.
Skiing in and around the Western Catskills
Come to Plattekill Mountain to avoid the crowds at the other resorts and be rewarded with pristine conditions, and as advertised – “big mountain terrain with small mountain charm”. With names like “Shredded Mozzarella” and the “Plunge” conjuring up some strong mental images, Plattekill sends its guests from the tame beginner trails to diving down double black diamond trails. Two terrain parks included in the 39 trails, along with some of the friendliest staff around, make Plattekill Mountain a great destination any day of the week.
Susan's Pleasant Pheasant Farm is idyllically located next to a waterfall and situated on over 65 acres of land and presents a hospitable Bed & Breakfast experience. Choose the historic Victorian Meadowood Inn where kids can stay and ski free, or delight your artistic senses at the Roxbury Hotel & Spa dedicated to making guests feel good artistically, physically and mentally. More than ten other selections are available for lodging in the Western Catskills area and specifically in Roxbury, home to Plattekill Mountain. Up for a swanky, hip place to eat and lounge? Check out the Public Lounge with their specialty cocktails, drink specials, and late night menu. The East Branch is a full service restaurant, bar and pizzeria serving up Italian, Mexican, and Continental fare, not to mention their downright delicious paninis and specialty soups. Never fear…if none of these are to your taste, there are ten additional styles of cuisine to choose from.
Hollywood has known for years, locals play all year round and as a visitor you will have the “Time of Your Life” in the Catskills every time November rolls around and the sky lets loose its first snowflake. Don't be left out in the cold – hightail it to this mountain range as soon as possible this season.
Ski Resorts in Woodstock, Cooperstown, New Paltz, Catskills and Hudson Valley
Skiing
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