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The Catskill Mountains are Perfect for Skiing and Tubing

posted by Teresa Farrell at 2024-01-21 13:28:00

Winter in Upstate New York brings with it some great skiing conditions, and there are plenty of places that downhill enthusiasts love to go. Whether you’re looking for skiing, snowboarding, or snow tubing,  you can hit the slopes at one of many ski mountains and resorts in the Catskills this winter and find something for everyone to enjoy.



Hunter Mountain is one of the best-known ski resorts in the region, with 58 trails spread over 240 acres, a 1600-foot vertical drop, and even a terrain park for freestyle skiers. Trails are pretty evenly split, with 30 percent each dedicated to beginner, intermediate and advanced level trails, and the remaining 10 percent allotted to expert trails. A learning center offers lessons for all ages and skill levels, for skiers, snowboarders or both, and rentals are available as well. Hunter’s on-site snow tubing park has the distinction of being the largest of its kind in New York State, at 1,000 feet long, with its own lift back to the top.



Family-owned Plattekill Mountain, in the northwestern Catskill town of Roxbury, prides itself on “authentic, good-old-fashioned ski resort charm and a laid-back independent vibe.” Its 40 trails range from two-mile-long beginner cruisers to steep double black diamonds with 1100 feet of vertical drop. Lessons and rentals are also available. A snowtubing park with its own lift rounds out the downhill offerings, and there are also snowshoe rentals and trails as well.



A little further south, in the heart of the Catskills, Bellayre Mountain in Highmount is home to 62 ski trails, including glades and parks, and a vertical drop of more than 1400 feet. The on-site snow sports school offers rentals and individual and group lessons for all ages, plus kids’ camps throughout the winter. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also available. About an hour south of Bellayre, Holiday Mountain in Monticello is a day-or-night destination, since it lights up its trails for later runs. Rentals and lessons are available at the snow sports school, and their new, 400-foot snowtubing run at the North Lodge offers 12 lanes of snow tubing and a lift to get back to the top.



Just outside of the Catskills, Catamount Mountain is located in the Hudson Valley town of Hillsdale, on Mount Fray, one of the Taconic Mountains. With seven lifts serving 36 trails, there’s plenty to enjoy for skiers of all ages and abilities, but perhaps its biggest claim to fame is with snowboarders, since its terrain parks offer ramps, banks, jumps, and plenty of other unique features to enjoy by board. The multi-lane snow tubing park has its own lift, with outdoor fire pits and a food truck close by for kid-friendly breaks in the action.  

 
Before you head out, be sure to check websites for hours, conditions, lift tickets, and reservation requirements—many tubing hills, for example, require online reservations ahead of time. Then hit the slopes of the Catskills for some winter fun!


PHOTO CREDITS

Aerial view photo credit Plattekill Mountain
Skier against blue sky photo credit Belleayre Mountain
Row of skiers below chairlift photo credit Catamount Mountain
Snow tuber photo credit Catamount Mountain

 

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