Tell me about the Catskills

[Buckeye Skier 1330]

We're heading up to the Cats in 2 weeks for 5 days of midweek skiing. We normally go further north into New England but the price of gas has us wanting to not go as far this year. Our plan is 2 days at Belleayre, 1 at Hunter, 1 at Windham, then Friday maybe going back to whichever one we like best, or hitting Elk over in PA. We've never been to any of these places. Just wondering if anybody can give any tips on favorite trails, places to avoid, lunch spots etc.


Windham looks like the kind of place my wife will like. I've heard it is kinda Stratton South. Lots of grooming, which is what we stick to mostly anyway.


Hunter's trail map shows a lot of double blacks. Are these all bump runs? As I approach 50, I'm usually only good for one bump run a day, and that is usually an adventure. Hunter definitely looks like an interesting mountain.

Elk and Belleayre look interesting also. Can't wait to get up there and make some turns.
Thanks for any info!!

 

[thinnmann]

Try searching the forums here: there is a ton of info that you want in previous posts. But, I gotta say, your plan looks solid. Just don't expect as much vertical as bigger New England destination resorts, and don't expect such a large selection of restaurants and off-mountain activities outside of the Hunter area.

 

[kingslug]

Hunter: Consistant fall line skiing. Steeper than Bell. and Windham and more variety. I have a place next to Bell but ski Hunter more often. Not considered a bump mountain, Belleyare has more bump runs,usualy. Toughest of the three.

Belleayre: Pretty much a ridge where all runs come down from. They let every other run at the top get bumped up and a few in the middle. most of the runs are pretty much the same in pitch, steep at the top, mellow in the middle. When conditions are good its a great place to spend a day, and they tend to get more natural snow than either Hunter or Windham. Not as crowded either.

Windham: Haven't skied there in a while. Steep top section, mellow in the middle, more upscale than either of the other two. Groomed a lot.

Hit them all, then decide.

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

Hit them all, then decide.

I agree...