Belleayre Mountain

Belleayre Mountain is located in the heart of the Catskill Mountains in the Catskill Forest Preserve on forever wild land. When the great snow flew across the Catskill Mountain chain they paused, gathered in abundance, and created a massive snow hole in the middle of the Catskill Forest Preserve. Belleayre Mt. rising majestically in the middle of the Preserve, was declared "Forever Wild" by New York State in 1885, the year the Forest Preserve was created.

In the 1930's valiant skiers were lured to this wild, snow mountain, braving the climb to the summit by side stepping their way. By 1947, Belleayre’s fame could no longer be ignored. The reams of skiers would find a staunch advocate in Senator Arthur H Wicks, of Kingston, NY. Two bills were necessary to permit a referendum to amend the State’s constitution. Senator Wicks introduced the first bill which was passed by the legislature. A year later, a second bill was passed, paving the way for a general election ballot vote in which voters across the state put their stamp of approval on the ski center. The amendment permitted construction of the twenty miles of ski trails and appurtenances of the forever wild terrain on Belleayre Mountain. That was a long time ago, and Belleayre has only grown bigger and better in the past years. With Belleayre growing ever each year, Belleayre has turned into a year round destination. With Belleayre's summer operation including The Sky Ride, Trolley ride, Old Time Train Ride with the DURR, The Belleayre Conservatory Summer Concert Series, The Belleayre Beach at Pine Hill Lake, boating, fishing, hiking, and biking. Belleayre Mt. is quickly becoming a four-season resort.

Clean, Crisp Quiet..... A place you can ski in the Forest Preserve, that's Belleayre Mountain. Belleayre is owned and operated by the State of New York, Department of Environmental Conservation - since 1949. Located in the Forest Preserve, on "forever wild" land, the high peaks are unblemished by the blare and glare of commercialization. Ski the trails that descend through the silent, pristine woodlands of the Forest Preserve - Ski Belleayre

Belleayre Mountain is owned and operated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Belleayre Mountain lies in the heart of the Catskill Forest Preserve on "forever wild" land. The mountain and its 33 trails are expertly maintained by the New York State DEC.

When you arrive at Belleayre, you enter a world totally attuned to its natural surroundings. You ski on trails that descend through the silent, pristine woodlands of the Forest Preserve.

Belleayre Mountain's 1,404' vertical drop is naturally contoured to create "two connected mountains": upper and lower, each with their own lodge and lift facilities.

The upper mountain offers 20 trails for intermediate and more experienced skiers. Five double black diamond trails offer experts a challenge, and there are mogul fields for those who like to ski the bumps.

The lower mountain has 13 novice trails and boasts one of the northeast's largest Teaching-Learning Centers, where every beginner is offered a free untimed lesson. In addition to the snowboard obstacle park, snowboarders are welcome on every trail. In the woodlands at the base of Belleayre Mountain, four trails with 9+ km of terrain offer free cross-country skiing, from novice to expert (natural conditions, weather permitting).

Belleayre Mountain's personality offers a refreshing change from other ski areas. Whether you're getting on the chairlift or buying a bowl of chili in the lodge, the staff is friendly and helpful, the lodges inviting. As part of Belleayre Mountain's commitment to families, we offer special family packages which include free skiing, beginner lessons and hotel stays for children under 12 at participating establishments.