Plattekill Conditions

[TheGreatAbyss]

I would still like to see more water storage and pumping capacity (+ more air of course). They need more overall firepower to take advantage of short weather windows.

I couldn't agree more. I know comparing Belle to Platty isn't "fair" as Belle has endless state backing, but when Belle had 5 "Black Diamonds" open and Platty just had Powder Puff lower face and shredded I went to Belle.

In terms of priorities I would add that those front 5 trails are what you see when you pull up and on the web cam. Platty just looks better when they have snow on them.

 

[Harvey]

Snowmaking on Overlook should be the next priority in terms of laying pipe but I would still like to see more water storage and pumping capacity (+ more air of course). They need more overall firepower to take advantage of short weather windows.

This is right in line with current thinking.

 

[MarzNC]

Snowmaking on Overlook should be the next priority in terms of laying pipe but I would still like to see more water storage and pumping capacity (+ more air of course). They need more overall firepower to take advantage of short weather windows.

Being able to make snow on multiple trails without worrying about water makes a huge difference when conditions allow for 48-72 hours of continuous snowmaking. Also helps to have at least some automated snowguns. Especially the stick guns on the more mellow trails. Pretty neat to see 10-15 snow guns all start at the same time.

Wintergreen and Massanutten have continually added water capacity, automated snow guns, and sheer fire power over the last 10-15 years. The difference in the depth of the base they can create on core trails in 2022 compared to when I started skiing in the southeast is incredible. Both used to run out of water after about 36 hours.

 

[Harvey]

When looking at the entire mountain big picture I think it makes more of a difference. A few all natural jammers are critical but in a poor snow year the mountain that has 85%+ with manmade coverage is just way more appealing when compared to a mountain that only really has 60% max manmade coverage IMO. This all gets thrown out the window in a situation where there is 20"+ of natural in the picture.

I'm all behind 85%. Just leave Freefall and Ridge.

Think of it this way, would you be surprised that someone chose to ski or ride Belleayre over Plattekill on a day where everything between Overlook and Northface are out of the picture? You have Gore so this kind of thinking probably doesn't factor in, for us Cats exclusive folks it matters, I think?

Not surprised at all.

When you look at the crowds at mountains I will never ski, it's clear that the vast majority of skiers don't agree with me on much of anything.

If I lived in the Catskills, and I could ski weekdays, I'd get a pass to Belleayre or Hunter. If I could also ski most weekends, I'd get a Plattekill pass too. Actually I'd probably do what I do now, SKI3 and Plattekill.

 

[x10003q]

I couldn't agree more. I know comparing Belle to Platty isn't "fair" as Belle has endless state backing, but when Belle had 5 "Black Diamonds" open and Platty just had Powder Puff lower face and shredded I went to Belle.

In terms of priorities I would add that those front 5 trails are what you see when you pull up and on the web cam. Platty just looks better when they have snow on them.

Belle does not have "endless state backing". This is a fallacy.

 

[TheGreatAbyss]

If I lived in the Catskills, and I could ski weekdays, I'd get a pass to Belleayre.

Maybe I haven't been on the craziest days but the crowds at Belle on the weekend days I have been haven't been too bad IMHO.

 

[Harvey]

Maybe I haven't been on the craziest days but the crowds at Belle on the weekend days I have been haven't been too bad IMHO.

I wasn't implying that Belle had bad lines. (I don't really know). I'd still probably ski Plattekill on weekends.

 

[rebel1916]

I wasn't implying to that Belle had bad lines. (I don't really know). I'd still probably ski Plattekill on weekends.

Belle has a lot to offer. The lines are always manageable, the snowmaking is great, they get the second best natural snow in the Cats, they have the second best trees in the Cats, they have the best cliffs in the Cats. Conversely, I would argue that the Gondy to nowhere has made it worse in a lot of ways, the tendency to overgroom and be very conservative with trail openings has made it worse in all ways, the shift to the base lodge from the mid mt lodge is a downgrade in atmosphere and $90+ is an outrageous price for a weekday. On balance I prefer Platty and will virtually always pick Platty on a weekend.

 

[TheGreatAbyss]

On balance I prefer Platty and will virtually always pick Platty on a weekend.

I think we all agree when there's natural snow, hence the conversation above

 

[Ripitz]

The Gondy to no where is awesome. It pulls crowds away from other lifts. The delay in opening trails is good for the poachers. Not sure about the shift to the lower lodge. We still hang out at Overlook. I think Hunter wins in the cliff category. Platty will always be King.