Plattekill Opening Day 2023

If you’re following me this year, get ready to hear more about how hard it is to respond to the alarm, and head north to the Catskills. It’s always been hard, but now somehow, it feels even harder.  I’m retiring next year so there’s also light at the end of the tunnel thing going on.  Bear with me, for now.

Route 28
Route 28 along the Esopus

I’ve always hated the expression “at the end of the day.” If something is true at the end of the day, isn’t it true all day long? In this case it actually makes sense to use it. At the end of the day, the reward for that early morning drive — a ski day — makes it worthwhile.  It’s the beginning of the day that gives me pause.

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Belleayre: Racking Up Miles

One more year as a flatland road warrior, and I’m going to have to rally. I admit it, working full time, having a family, and chasing snow from 200 miles away is tough. This could be my last season balancing all three. Then again, without logistics, who am I? What do I write about? I guess we will see.

early morning drive
Smoothing and soothing Miles

This weekend it actually worked out pretty well. Over the holiday I had three full nights sleep, rising without an alarm. I can’t remember the last time that happened. Then, for Sunday morning, I set my regular Belleayre alarm for 4am. I take an hour to make coffee and hit the road. If I leave for Belle at 5, I’ll arrive at 8, an hour before first chair. With my alarms, I can usually handle one delay, gas or food, and stay on schedule.

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Holiday Mountain Crunch Time

If you’re connected to New York skiing, it’s been hard to miss the blizzard of activity at Holiday Mountain, following the acquisition of the property by the Bridgeville Ski Company, in May.  Leading the effort is Mike Taylor. He was born in Monticello NY and grew up skiing the hill.

North Lodge base
Holiday Mountain Ski and Fun Park

I drove up on Sunday to meet with Mike and see it for myself.  We met in the outer lot, near the North Lodge and the Fun Park. Mike was driving a red Jeep Wrangler that would prove integral to our tour. The volume of work-in-progress inspired a million questions and Mike had the answers. I’ve got two stories to tell, first the backstory.

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