About the Ski Resort
Belleayre Mountain, New York's Winter Snow Park, is owned by the State of New York and operated by the Department of Environmental Conservation. It is located in the heart of the Catskill Mountain Forest Preserve on land designated as "forever wild." Having the highest skiing elevation in the region, and a perfect northeastern exposure, Belleayre boasts the best possible natural snow coverage. With 96% snowmaking, state-of-the-art grooming and its expert veteran staff, the resort is often the first Catskills' area to open and the last one to close.
In the 1930's valiant skiers were lured to this wild, snow mountain, braving the climb to the summit by side stepping their way. By 1947, Belleayre's fame could no longer be ignored. The reams of skiers would find a staunch advocate in Senator Arthur H Wicks, of Kingston, NY. Two bills were necessary to permit a referendum to amend the State's constitution. Senator Wicks introduced the first bill which was passed by the legislature. A year later, a second bill was passed, paving the way for a general election ballot vote in which voters across the state put their stamp of approval on the ski center. The amendment permitted construction of the twenty miles of ski trails and appurtenances of the forever wild terrain on Belleayre Mountain.
Belleayre's summit reaches 3,429 feet with seventeen of its total 41 trails offering a wide variety of pitch and terrain. These are bounded on the east by Cat-accessed glade skiing and double black diamond Cathedral Brook, with its new convenient outlet. Part of the continuing expansion on the upper mountain this year includes intermediate trails Onondaga and the Horseshoe Pass. For a tamer experience, Roaring Brook is perfect (and great for practicing technique). On the western end, the Tomahawk Quad is ready to carry anyone who wants to cruise the 7000' Deer Run, or try the more challenging Dot Nebel, a fabulous intermediate/expert trail. The improved terrain park located on Utsayantha, and the widened half-pipe on the bottom of Belleayre Run are popular haunts for snow boarders.
Belleayre has enjoyed a long-standing reputation as the "best place to learn to ski in the east." Generations of young ones have begun their ski experience at this family-friendly mountain. The all-day KidsCamp in the lower area is open Friday-Sunday and holidays for ages four to twelve. Advance reservations are necessary. A nursery is also available for children, from one to six years whose parents want peace of mind while they're having a good time on the slopes.
Belleayre, New York's Winter Snow Park has something for everyone: Ski Magazine has selected Belleayre among its top ten choices in the east having "best snow, best value, best weather and best access"
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