Skiing the Mid-Hudson Valley
While it may not be well-known for it like the Rockies or the Alps, the Mid-Hudson Valley is home to a number of often underrated and overlooked ski and snowboard areas that offer diverse terrain for all abilities. Right here in the Mid-Hudson, Hunter Mountain, Windham Mountain, Belleayre and Catamount Mountain Resort provide a variety of opportunities for skiers and riders to enjoy their winter sports.
Catamount Mountain Resort is located about one hour from Poughkeepsie on the border of New York and Massachusetts. Under new ownership this year by the owners of Berkshire East, Catamount has seen several renovations this season, including a fully restored main lodge, addition of a new chair lift and construction of another base lodge. So far, they have managed to maintain many of their former season pass holders, while also drawing in a new crowd from their sister mountain. “Our mountain remains family owned and operated, which I think is one of the biggest draws for people to keep coming back,” said Rich Edwards, Director of Marketing at Catamount. “It’s great for beginners, with our Mountain Cats program for kids and our dedicated instructor staff, but we also have more challenging terrain across the mountain. And it’s all at a reasonable price and commute.” On a typical Saturday, an adult lift ticket will set you back $69. Catamount features a total of 36 trails and terrain parks and a vertical descent of 1,000 feet.
Nestled in the Catskills across the Hudson River, several bigger ski areas await. Belleayre, located in Highmont, NY, is owned and operated by New York State. With a full-day adult weekend lift ticket, you can ski or ride on 51 trails and two terrain parks for $64. Belleayre’s unique feature is the new gondola that was added to the mountain last season that offers skiers big mountain feel and comfort as they trek up-mountain. Belleayre is an hour and 20 minute drive from Poughkeepsie.
For the same driving distance, you can opt to ski at Windham Mountain. To access the 54 trails and six terrain parks at Windham, an adult all-day weekend lift pass will run $95. Considered the high-end ski resort of the area, Windham provides beautiful vistas of the Catskills, as well as lessons for all ages, abilities and interests with special focuses on adult and women’s groups for off-piste and alpine touring.
Popular with Hudson Valley locals and city folk alike, Hunter is a bigger mountain with 65 trails and terrain parks, located an hour and 15 minutes from Poughkeepsie in Hunter, NY. One of Hunter’s claims to fame is that it was the first ski area in the world to include snow-making coverage from summit to base. Today, the mountain continues to expand its skiable acreage, snow-making operations, après ski events, instructor staff and off-season activities. “Hunter remains dominant in the area as it grows every year in all aspects. As part of the mountain network including the likes of Vermont’s Mount Snow, we attract skiers and riders of all abilities,” said Gerry Tschinkel, Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Sponsorships. “Our terrain parks and events like college races, demo days, and even off-season Mountain Jam and Oktoberfest weekends draw in new crowds as well as people who have been skiing here their whole lives.” A full-day adult weekend lift ticket to Hunter costs $89.
Skiers of the Northeast are a different breed from those out west — they’re infamous for toughing through all kinds of snow conditions and having a blast while doing it. Above all, they make the most of what is available to them. “We’re all just happy to be here,” said Teresa Goggin, student of nearby Springfield College, on a snow day at Catamount on February 12. As soon as classes were cancelled that morning, Goggin and several of her friends made the trek to the mountain to take advantage of the day off, embodying the sentiment of many skiers of the area that day. With all the local opportunities to get on the mountain, there’s no excuse not to share the same attitude and ski the Mid-Hudson.
