Whiteface: Earning Opening Day

Thanksgiving is time to be appreciate, and gather with family to celebrate the approaching new year. For me, it’s also the start to one of the best times of the year: ski season. Shoppers are searching for the deals on Black Friday, skiers head to mountains with snow. Whiteface, Jay Peak, and Smuggler’s Notch to name a few.

tour start

Conditions are generally less than ideal in November, with most ski areas opening a handful of groomed trails for skiers of all abilities. This combination can feel chaotic to a reclusive skier, who’d rather seek solitude somewhere in the backcountry.

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A Walk in the Woods at Plattekill

Thirteen years ago, a noted New York skier, a friend of mine, came up with the idea of recruiting lopper-wielding powderhounds to trim tree lines at Plattekill. He asked me to promote it and recruit volunteers on NYSkiBlog, and I agreed.

Route 28

We had a crew of ten volunteers that first year, and the numbers have grown. Now it seems we can count on 40 to 50 volunteers each year. I believe it’s really the right amount allowing us to split up into groups and spread out.

In my years of writing about Plattekill and promoting the work day, this is my first time contributing with loppers. My landscaping skills are limited compared to some others, but on the upside my enthusiasm runs high.

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Plattekill Tree Skiing Work Day 2023

Plattekill Mountain and NYSkiBlog are stoked to present the thirteenth annual Plattekill Tree Skiing Work Day at the ski area in Roxbury NY on Saturday October 28th, 2023. Raindate will be Sunday the 29th.

Plattekill fall aerial photo

The tradition — first born in the mind of dedicated NY skier — lives on. We’re recruiting a motivated, smiling crew of lopper wielding powder hounds to continue our maintenance and expansion of some of the Catskills’ best tree skiing.

Our longterm goal is to clear as much terrain as possible under the legendary double chair. As regulars know, Plattekill is committed to helping skiers pursue their passion and find great lines all over the mountain.

free tree lines

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