Catskill 4 Area Discussion

[SudsNBumps]

I had a day many moons ago when I got into the office when I was working in Albany. Signed in to my computer to an email saying the office was closed due to a snowstorm...I think Albany got 4". Then I got another email...From Platty 18" and still pounding...Powder Daize! I think it was a Monday because my ski stuff was still in the car. I was there in an hour!

 

[MarzNC]

Windham announced their major projects for the upcoming season.

Windham Conditions

cool shot of Hunter too the pics almost make Windham look fun

nyskiblog.com

"
Windham Mountain Announces Over $4 Million in Capital Improvements

Snowmaking upgrades, addition of environmentally friendly groomer, revamped children’s center among key items to elevate guest experience

WINDHAM, NY -- After a historic winter season, Windham Mountain announces plans for over $4 million in capital improvements for Winter 2021/22. As the premier destination in the Catskills of New York, the resort is laser-focused on providing an “Above & Beyond” experience for skiers and riders. The curated list of improvements is meant to prioritize quality service over large-volume crowds, with a commitment to limited daily lift tickets and season pass sales for next season and beyond.

Key to the announced improvements is extending automated snowmaking to fan favorite trails Wraparound, Wonderama and Warpath Chute - allowing for quicker snowmaking startups, faster recovery from freeze/thaw cycles, and the ability to produce higher-quality snow in less time. These additions build upon the mountains already-impressive automated snowmaking capabilities.
. . ."

 

[Q*bert Jones IV]

Is there some rivalry between Belleayre and Hunter that I don't know about? Or is it just one person?

 

[Tjf1967]

Probably but there is no comparison. Bell has 75 yards of a good pitch off of all the trails from the top. I have no idea what it has to offer if you go out of bounds but anything in between the ropes is gentle bordering on flat. I went there once. Not my cup of tea.

 

[Harvey]

Is there some rivalry between Belleayre and Hunter that I don't know about? Or is it just one person?

I think to some extent there is rivalry between all four ski areas in the Cats.

 

[jamesdeluxe]

Belle and Platte have always had a warm, mutually supportive relationship.

 

[MarzNC]

Is there some rivalry between Belleayre and Hunter that I don't know about?

My sense is that the situation in the Catskills has been shifting somewhat after Hunter changed ownership in the last decade. First by Peak Resorts and then soon after by Vail Resorts. Hunter being on the Epic pass must be a game changer from a marketing standpoint. Would seem to be a reason that Windham joined Ikon as a Partner.

Construction of Belleayre started in 1949. It was a project for the State of NY from the beginning. But there were trails cut by the CCC in the 1930s.

The History of Belleayre Ski Center

The ski area development was inspired by the 1932 Winter Olympics.

nyskiblog.com

As for Hunter, that was a family business that came on the scene in 1959.

The History of Hunter Mountain

In 1950’s Orville and Israel Slutzky created the Hunter Mountain Ski Bowl.

nyskiblog.com

" . . .
In 1980, Hunter Mountain became the first ski area to have snowmaking coverage on 100 percent of its trails. In the summer of 1987, The SnowLite Express Quad was built to replace the A Lift. In 1989, Hunter became the first area in the U.S. to install an automated snowmaking system.
. . ."

 

[MarzNC]

Probably but there is no comparison. Bell has 75 yards of a good pitch off of all the trails from the top. I have no idea what it has to offer if you go out of bounds but anything in between the ropes is gentle bordering on flat. I went there once. Not my cup of tea.

On the flip side, I would never recommend Hunter for a cautious intermediate who only skis on weekend. My friend who is in that category really liked Belleayre. She and her DH checked it out just before the gondola was put into service.

If I make it back to the Catskills to ski, Belleayre and Plattekill would be the reason. Not Hunter or Windham. For me, it's about the vibe more than the terrain.

My friend loved Roaring Brook, the blue that goes around from Belleayre Express.

 

[x10003q]

Is there some rivalry between Belleayre and Hunter that I don't know about? Or is it just one person?

Not really, other than they are ski areas in the same area.

 

[Harvey]

I have no idea what it has to offer if you go out of bounds

Belle has got some excellent side country when it is in.

Also Belle gets more snow that Hunter or Windham.