  Belleayre
Mountain, located off County Route 28, just hours from New York City,
was declared “Forever Wild” by the New York State Forest Preserve in
1885. Early on, Skiers would side-step or hike their way more than 3,000
feet to be the first to make tracks down unnamed and woody trails. But
since it’s first lifts were installed in 1949, each new year has
brought improvements. From new lifts to new lodges to new trails,
Belleayre strives to continually break new ground - and stay at the
forefront of the Ski Industry - by successfully operating for over five
decades with it’s extraordinary staff, state-of-the-art equipment, and
constant vision of the future.
Since the very beginning of the American skiing experience, skiers
gazed at the steep, rugged inclines of Belleayre Mountain and dreamed of
refining them. Skiing enthusiasts in the 1940's pressured politicians to
develop Belleayre, making it safe and fun for families and extreme
skiers alike. Finally, in 1947, bills were introduced allowing the State
of New York to create Belleayre Mountain. Construction began in 1949,
and the Belleayre began it’s premier winter season with five trails,
an electrically powered rope tow, New York’s first chairlift, a summit
lodge, a temporary base lodge with a cafeteria and dirt floors, and
parking for 300. It would become the center for winter sports in the
region and an economic catalyst for surrounding communities.
From the beginning, Belleayre was an immediate hit, and local
residents still remember how skiers pitched tents outside the lodge to
be the first in line. As business increased, Belleayre expanded, adding
an additional 12 trails, 3 lifts, and a new base lodge in the 1950's.
Major expansions were also made in the 60's and 70's, which brought the
innovation of snow making technology. Throughout the 80's, every year
saw improvements, refinements, and other expansion. Between 1985 and
1993, 6 million dollars were spent to upgrade machinery and equipment,
assuring that Belleayre would maintain the quality and reputation of
it’s important recreation program.
Belleayre now stands as a model in the ski industry. It’s continued
improvements include the Catskills’ only Cat-access sking and a
widened and improved halfpipe and Area 51 Terrain Park. Skier visits
have grown from 70,000 in 1995 to more than 175,000 skiers and riders
from over 40 States and even parts of Europe. With 47 trails, parks and
glades and 8 lifts, including our new High Speed Quad, Belleayre
Mountain has certainly evolved from humble, yet promising beginnings
into an efficient and growing organization - perfection in progress.
Operational
Information
- Longest Run - 12,024 feet
- Snowmaking - 92% of terrain
- Vertical Drop - 1,404 feet
- Ski able acres - 161
- Uphill Lift Capacity - 10,200 people per hour.
- Hours of Operation - Lodges are open 8:00-5:00 pm daily, Lifts
operate 9:00 - 4:00 pm daily.
- Snow phone - 1 800-942-6904
Trails and Lifts
- 7 Lifts
- 35 Slopes & Trails
Beginner 23%
Intermediate 54%
Expert 23%
- 4 Double Black Diamond trails
- 1 Glade Trail
- 9.2 Kilometers of Cross-Country Trails.
Lift Information
Lodge Information
- Sunset Lodge - Located on the Summit. Elevation 3,325 ft. Snack
Bar Only.
- Overlook Lodge - Our Main Lodge. Elevation - 2,541 ft. Full
Service Cafeteria, cocktail
lounge, ski shop,
ski school,
and nursery
service are located here.
- Discovery Lodge - Located in the Novice beginner area. Elevation
2,025 ft. Includes full service cafeteria, cocktail lounge, ski
shop, and ski school.
- Longhouse Lodge - Located next to the Main Lodge - 2,541 ft.
Elevation. Special Events, Group and Private Parties and Meeting
Facilities are held here.
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