Catskills Ski Vacation

By: Jennifer Weiss
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:42:57
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When you need to escape from the hustle and bustle of New York City or take respite from the monotony of winter days, make your way to the Catskill Mountains for an exciting ski adventure. Located northwest of New York City and southwest of Albany, visitors will be delighted to find a multitude of ski resorts with an abundance of winter activities that are sure to keep them occupied for the duration of their trip. Make your way to the Catskills this winter to experience a diverse selection of winter fun and you are bound to leave refreshed and excited about your inevitable return next year.

If you are searching for a wide selection of runs in a winter resort atmosphere, then Hunter Mountain is certainly the place for you. Situated in Hunter, New York, skiers and snowboarders will find renowned terrain, soft powder, and a few vertical drops that are bound to leave even the most experienced snow lover breathless. Whether this is your first adventure to a big time ski mountain or a recurring winter excursion, visitors of all ages will enjoy the more than 50 trails that can accommodate beginners to experts.

Those who prefer a natural, non-commercial setting coupled with a challenging ski adventure will definitely appreciate all that Belleayre Mountain has to offer. Owned and operated by the state of New York and located in Highmount, visitors are treated to unblemished Forest Preserve land as they traverse pristine and serene woodlands. The 47 trails can meet the needs of beginner, intermediate, and expert level skiers and snowboarders, however, most of the runs are centered around the intermediate level so be prepared for fewer opportunities for excitement if this is not for you.

In addition to these large mountains, there are numerous other smaller resorts scattered throughout the Catskills. One to consider if you are in the Syracuse area is Labrador Mountain. Located only thirty minutes away from Syracuse, visitors will find 22 trails of alpine skiing in addition to night skiing and a terrain park filled with tabletops, rails, box-slides, and a half-pipe. Another excellent possibility is the family-friendly Thunder Ridge, which has 30 trails that range from slow and gentle for the newest skiers to steep and challenging for the daring and adventurous. Challenge a family member or friend to a downhill race or learn the ropes of alpine skiing at this accommodating and exciting park in Patterson, NY.

While downhill skiing is the most popular activity with visitors to the Catskills, there are numerous other outdoor possibilities that are worth consideration. Some of the ski resorts, such as Belleayre Mountain offer cross-country skiing, but the place to head for memorable sights and a peaceful atmosphere is Mountain Trails Cross Country Ski Center in Tannersville. With 35 kilometers of impeccably groomed trails that vary in difficulty, you can enjoy an afternoon of gliding through a pine-scented forest as timid woodland creatures appear along your path.

When you want a less exhausting way to enjoy the great outdoors, hop aboard a snow tube and let loose down the mountain. Plattekill Mountain in Roxbury offers lift-serviced snowtubing so you can enjoy the thrill of sliding down the slopes without the hassle of walking back up. For those staying near Belleayre, the Catskill Forest Preserve also allows for excellent snowmobiling conditions, particularly around the Willowemoc Wild Forest system. Traverse more than 15,000 acres and 30 miles of trails on this powerful machine all while catching sight of the stunning woodlands and occasional wildlife.

With so many opportunities for outdoor excitement, it can be difficult to determine which part of the Catskills you want to visit. No matter which location you decide is ideal for your trip, you can find the perfect accommodations in any area with Catskills vacation rentals. Whether you head to Hunter for the diverse selection of trails on Hunter Mountain or you prefer the natural setting around Balleayre Mountain, there is a vacation rental located close to the mountain while also providing all the comforts and luxuries of home. Begin your search for the perfect Catskill rental home today so you can enjoy all this gorgeous area has to offer when the snow begins to blanket New York.

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