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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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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