Plattekill 2/5/05

[trackbiker]

Skied Plattekill for the first time with my 14yr. old son on Sat.
Conditions were great on the slopes that had SM on them (Skiers left side of The Face, Powder Puff, Sundown, Shredded Mozzarella & Northface.) The rest of the trails were posted "thin cover" and they weren't kidding. I can't believe that the Catskills have so little natural snow this time of year (Feb.)!
The rest of trails were not only skied to the ground but there were actually rocks on the snow! I think from trying to groom them some of the rocks got knocked from the banks on the side of the trails onto the snow. Those trails are really narrow. Old logging roads obviously. Grooming on the SM trails was excellent, however.
Other than the lack of snow on the non SM trails I really enjoyed the area. No lift lines, great little classic lodge with plenty of room and a neat bar. We had lunch on the deck, it was so warm. A true skiers ski area.
Stayed at a nice little motel in Margaretville Fri night and my son skied free. $125 total for a room, breakfast, and two tickets.
Passed Belleayre on the way to CT afterwards. They actually had a cop directing traffic on Rte 28 to let people out of the resort! Is this usual? We waited once for the lift at Plattekill around 2:00 for about a minute.
Overall, I look forward to going there again when there is more natural snow. But for the usual distance for me, Elk skis just as big or bigger. (just a tip for some NY or NJ skiers until we get more snow. Otherwise I hope that those that are closer support Plattekill.)
Was anyone else there this weekend? Any comments

[James Michaud]

Plattekill is great, but as you noted, I'd rather wait for them to get some snow before heading up. It has the only real tree-skiing in the Catskills. If it's going to be an on-piste day, I'd rather go to Bobcat. Sounds like we had similar conditions.

I had a nice day at Elk last year, and wrote a quick piece on it:
http://www.snowjournal.com/page.php?cid=doc791

[dmc]

Originally Posted by Klugscheisser

It has the only real tree-skiing in the Catskills.

Definatley... !!
There is no better marked tree skiing in the "skills"...

[trackbiker]

Originally Posted by Klugscheisser

I had a nice day at Elk last year, and wrote a quick piece on it:
http://www.snowjournal.com/page.php?cid=doc791

Nice article on Elk. Very fair and accurate in MHO.
The reason I suggested ELK to NYC and NJ skiers was the lack of natural snow this year. With their snowmaking they have more trails open. Let's hope for a good storm for better skiing as well as off piste skiing at Plattekill and Bobcat this year
I'll be skiing Elk this Sun. with my son's school ski club. I'll write a report and use the form this time .