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Improvements for 2024-2025
A Reimagined Learning Experience
The earliest steps to becoming a lifelong skier and rider include that initial experience of sliding on snow, and it’s imperative to make it a positively memorable one. During this summer, a brand new novice learning area will be installed at the summit of Belleayre, near the Catskill Thunder Gondola. Featuring a wide open space and a carpet lift, it will provide a mellow, consistent grade that will help aspiring snow sliders make their first turns. The location of the new learning area will also allow Belleayre to have first-timer terrain available for virtually the entire ski and ride season, instead of waiting for cold snowmaking temperatures on the lowest, warmest part of the mountain in the early season and then melting out first in the spring. By having it at the top, it can be opened up in similar fashion to trails such as Dot Nebel and Seneca when the season begins in mid to late November. Plus, it gives the first time guests incredible views of the Catskill Mountains as they ride up the Gondola, surrounding themselves with other more experienced skiers, and feeling more among their fellow mountain adventurists.
The beginner’s area won’t be the only thing that is new in appearance at the top of the mountain. As you make your way back to the Gondola, a new structure will have been added to the top terminal – a maintenance garage for the gondola cabins! Belleayre’s lift maintenance crew will now be able to work on cabins for the Catskill Thunder Gondola without having to remove and transport them away from the lift. Adding approximately 1,440 square feet, it will be able to house 3-4 cabins at a time, as well as have space for ski patrol use.
This Bellwhere summit learning area is interesting. From a cost standpoint it shouldn't become a boondoggle, but if it were my hill I would only run that carpet until Christmas or until the Learning Quad/Discovery Center can be opened. I'd imagine no one wants to shlep their kids up top any longer than they have to.