Belleayre Mountain Ski Center is a state-owned ski resort located in Highmount, New York, within the Catskill Mountains. The resort operates under the Olympic Regional Development Authority and offers a full range of winter sports and activities for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels.
The mountain features 50 trails across 174 acres with 1,404 vertical feet, served by 8 lifts including an 8-passenger gondola and a high-speed quad. Belleayre provides terrain parks, glades, and slopes designed for beginners through advanced riders. The resort sits just a few hours from New York City, making it an accessible option for day trips and weekend getaways.
This guide covers everything visitors need to know about Belleayre Mountain, from lift tickets and passes to lodge facilities and snowmaking operations. It also explores year-round activities available in the area and answers common questions about planning a trip to this Catskill resort.
Overview of Belleayre Mountain Ski Center
Belleayre Mountain Ski Center sits in the Catskill Mountains of New York, operating as a state-run facility with a history dating back to the 1930s. The resort spans 174 acres and offers year-round recreation under public ownership.
Location and Setting
Belleayre Mountain Ski Center is located in Highmount, New York, within the Catskill Park. The resort sits in the town of Shandaken in Ulster County’s northwestern corner.
The mountain reaches a summit elevation of 3,429 feet. The base sits at 2,024 feet, creating 1,404 feet of vertical drop for skiers and riders.
The location places it about 2.5 hours northwest of New York City. Albany sits approximately 1.5 hours to the north. This positioning makes the resort accessible to major population centers while maintaining its mountain setting within the Catskill Forest Preserve.
History and Development
Development at Belleayre began in the 1930s, inspired by the excitement from the 1932 Winter Olympics. New York State started creating ski trails at Pine Hill during this period.
The resort has grown over the decades to include modern facilities. Current infrastructure includes two main lodges: Discovery Lodge and Overlook Lodge. Renovations and restoration work continue at the Overlook Lodge to improve visitor amenities.
The mountain now features 50 trails, parks, and glades spread across its terrain. Eight lifts serve the resort, including an 8-passenger gondola and one high-speed quad chairlift.
Ownership and Management
The Olympic Regional Development Authority owns and operates Belleayre Mountain Ski Center. ORDA is a New York State public benefit corporation.
This ownership structure differs from privately owned ski resorts. ORDA also manages Gore Mountain and Whiteface Mountain in New York. Season pass holders can access all three mountains through the SKI3 pass program.
The state ownership means the resort operates as a public facility within the Catskill Forest Preserve. Management focuses on providing affordable recreation while maintaining the natural environment of the Catskill Mountains.
Skiing and Snowboarding Experience
Belleayre Mountain delivers varied terrain across its slopes with options for every skill level. The resort features dedicated areas for progression, challenging mogul fields, and wooded runs that test advanced skiers and riders.
Trail Variety and Ratings
Belleayre Mountain offers 50 trails spread across different difficulty levels. The lower mountain focuses on beginner terrain with wide, gentle slopes that help new skiers and snowboarders build confidence. Intermediate runs make up a significant portion of the mountain, providing comfortable cruising terrain.
The upper mountain contains more challenging options. Expert trails include steep pitches and technical sections that demand solid skills. The vertical drop of 1,404 feet gives runs enough length to maintain speed and rhythm.
Green circle trails dominate the Discovery Lodge area. Blue square runs connect different parts of the mountain and offer varied pitch changes. Black diamond terrain sits primarily on the upper mountain where steeper grades challenge advanced visitors.
Glades and Mogul Runs
The resort provides multiple gladed areas where skiers and snowboarders navigate between trees. These wooded sections require quick turns and good awareness. Dot Nebel, Seneca, and Iroquois represent some of the named gladed runs that appeal to adventurous riders.
Mogul runs develop naturally on steeper trails throughout the season. Bump fields form on black diamond terrain where skiers can practice their technique. Goat Path stands out as a challenging option with consistent pitch.
The gladed terrain varies in tree density and spacing. Some areas offer wider gaps between trees for those new to glade skiing, while tighter sections test expert navigation skills.
Terrain Parks and Progression Areas
Belleayre maintains terrain parks designed for different ability levels. The progression park helps riders learn basic features with smaller jumps and boxes. This setup allows beginners to practice tricks in a controlled environment.
More advanced parks include larger jumps, rails, and technical features. The x-course provides a competition-style layout where riders can test their skills against the clock. Features get updated throughout the season based on snow conditions.
Park staff shape jumps and maintain features regularly. Riders find options whether they want to learn their first box slide or attempt bigger air tricks.
Snowboarding Features
Snowboarders access the same trail network as skiers, with terrain suitable for all skill levels. The mountain’s layout works well for riders who prefer linking turns on groomed runs or exploring natural features.
Wide trails on the lower mountain give snowboarders space to practice edge control. Steeper upper mountain terrain challenges riders with speed management and quick transitions. The mix of groomed and ungroomed options lets snowboarders choose their preferred conditions each day.
Eight lifts serve different areas of the mountain, keeping wait times manageable during busy periods. This lift network helps snowboarders access varied terrain without excessive traversing.
Lifts and Lift System
Belleayre Mountain operates nine lifts that serve different areas of the mountain, including one gondola, four quad chairs, and four carpet surface lifts. The lift system provides access to terrain across the entire mountain with efficient uphill capacity for guests.
Catskill Thunder Gondola
The Catskill Thunder Gondola is an 8 passenger gondola that opened in December 2017. This lift transports guests from near Discovery Lodge to the summit of the mountain at a speed of 1,000 feet per minute.
The gondola features 60 cabins and can move 2,000 people per hour up the mountain. It spans 13,067 feet of cable supported by 16 towers, with the tallest tower reaching 58 feet. The system includes a 600 horsepower electric motor as its primary drive.
The gondola provides year-round access to the summit for scenic rides, special events, and summer activities. During winter, it serves as the main route to access the west side of the mountain and glade skiing terrain.
High Speed Quad and Fixed Grip Chairs
The Lightning Quad is a high speed quad with a conveyor entrance system that replaced two older double chairs in the beginner area. This lift features loading gates and a conveyor timed with chair intervals for easier loading.
Belleayre operates additional quad chairs including Lift 7, which was replaced in the 2023-2024 season to upgrade from a triple chair to a quad chair. This upgrade included construction of a skier bridge over the Overlook Lodge parking lot.
The Belleayre Express serves the east side of the mountain. These quad chairs work together with the gondola to create three distinct top-to-bottom routes up the mountain.
Surface Lifts and Carpets
Belleayre Mountain has four magic carpet surface lifts located in learning areas. These people movers help beginners access novice terrain without the challenge of riding a chair.
A 220-foot magic carpet serves the expanded Kidscamp Learning Area near the base. The summit features a new carpet lift added in 2024-2025 for the reimagined novice learning area at the top of the mountain.
Surface lifts provide a comfortable way for first-time skiers and young children to practice basic skills. The conveyor-style design allows riders to simply step on and off without stopping.
Lift Capacity and Efficiency
The lift system at Belleayre provides strong uphill capacity with nine total lifts serving the mountain. The gondola alone moves 2,000 people per hour, while the high speed quad chairs add significant additional capacity.
The mountain typically runs all of its lifts during operating hours. This approach spreads skiers across multiple routes and reduces wait times at each lift.
The combination of one gondola, four quad chairs, and four surface lifts creates an efficient system for moving guests. The layout allows skiers to access different parts of the mountain without bottlenecks at any single lift.
Lift Tickets, Passes, and Programs
Belleayre Mountain offers multiple ways to access the slopes, from single-day lift tickets to season-long passes. The resort uses a reloadable SKI3 Card system and provides military discounts along with savings for seniors and children.
Lift Ticket Options and Pricing
Belleayre Mountain lift tickets use dynamic pricing that rewards advance purchases. Adults aged 20-64 pay $119 at the window, while teens (13-19) pay $94 and juniors (7-12) pay $79. Buying online in advance saves up to 45% off these walk-up rates.
Seniors aged 65-69 pay $94 at the window but can save by purchasing ahead. Seniors 70 and older receive discounted pricing at $55 per day regardless of when they buy. Children 6 and under ski for just $15 when purchased on-site at the ticket window.
All lift access requires a SKI3 Card, which costs $5 for first-time purchasers. This reloadable RFID card stays in a jacket pocket and provides hands-free access through lift gates. Guests who already own a SKI3 Card can reload it online and skip the ticket window entirely.
Military personnel receive special pricing across all age categories when valid identification is presented.
Season Passes and Benefits
Season passes at Belleayre provide unlimited skiing and riding throughout the winter. Season pass options work at three New York state mountains: Belleayre, Gore, and Whiteface.
Passholders load their access onto the same SKI3 Card system used for daily tickets. The card connects to the user’s profile and displays their photo when scanned at lift gates, preventing unauthorized transfers.
The resort offers a Snow Guarantee program for pass purchases. Snow Guarantee Cards can be used toward season passes, lift tickets, lessons, and activities across all three participating mountains.
Frequent Skier Cards
Frequent Skier Cards function as discount cards rather than unlimited passes. Cardholders purchase the card first, then load discounted lift tickets onto it throughout the season.
These cards work at Belleayre, Whiteface, and Gore Mountain. Skiers buy lift tickets at reduced rates and load them directly onto their SKI3 Card for each visit. This option suits those who ski regularly but not enough to justify a full season pass.
The program eliminates the need to stop at ticket windows once the initial card is obtained and connected to the user’s profile.
Special Events and Appreciation Days
Belleayre Mountain hosts special pricing events throughout the season. Season passholder appreciation days reward loyal customers with additional benefits and exclusive access to certain activities.
The resort also runs early and late season operations with adjusted pricing. Multi-day lift tickets are available across all age categories, offering better per-day rates than single-day purchases.
Tickets can sell out online during peak periods, and when that happens, no additional tickets are sold at the window. The resort recommends purchasing directly from their official website to avoid ticket fraud from unauthorized sellers.
Lodges and On-Mountain Facilities
Belleayre Mountain operates four separate base lodges that provide essential services for skiers and riders. The resort is currently investing in major enhancements at both Discovery and Overlook Lodges to improve the guest experience.
Discovery Lodge Amenities
Discovery Lodge serves as one of the primary base facilities at Belleayre Mountain. The lodge offers ticket counters and rental services to help visitors get on the slopes quickly.
Inside, guests find food service options and heated seating areas where they can warm up between runs. The facility includes restrooms and a ski shop for any equipment needs that arise during the day.
Discovery Lodge provides access to beginner and intermediate terrain, making it an ideal starting point for families and newer skiers. The lodge sits at a lower elevation on the mountain, which allows easy access to learning areas and progression trails.
Overlook Lodge Overview
Overlook Lodge is undergoing restoration and renovation work to enhance visitor services. During the restoration period at Overlook Lodge, the resort has created guides to help guests understand which services remain available at each facility.
This lodge traditionally serves advanced skiers and riders who want quick access to expert terrain. The facility provides the standard amenities found at ski resorts, including food service and rental operations.
Once renovations complete, Overlook Lodge will offer improved facilities for guests accessing the upper mountain terrain. The lodge connects to challenging runs and provides a base for experienced skiers looking to tackle steeper slopes.
Sunset Lodge Features
Sunset Lodge operates as one of the four base facilities at Belleayre Mountain. The lodge provides basic services for skiers and riders accessing mid-mountain terrain.
This facility offers a more intimate atmosphere compared to the larger base lodges. Guests can find food options and warming areas, though services may be more limited than at Discovery or Overlook.
Sunset Lodge gives skiers convenient access to intermediate trails without needing to return to the main base areas. The location makes it practical for those who want to maximize their time on the slopes.
Snowmaking, Conditions, and Operations
Belleayre Mountain maintains detailed daily updates on trail conditions and operates an extensive snowmaking system covering 96% of its terrain. The resort follows strict safety protocols and operational guidelines to ensure a quality skiing experience across its 175 acres.
Snow Report and Daily Updates
Belleayre provides a comprehensive daily snow report that includes current conditions, open trails, lift status, and special notifications. The resort opened for the 2025/26 season on November 21, 2025, with Season Passholder Appreciation Day.
Opening day featured 25% of total acreage available for skiing. The resort offered machine groomed packed powder conditions with trails ranging from the Thunderhawk learning area to upper mountain runs like Dot Nebel and Seneca.
Temperature conditions on opening day sat at a base of 35 degrees, reaching into the low 40s. Light southwesterly winds between 5 and 10 mph were present, with occasional dampness in the air.
Skiers can sign up for daily snow reports delivered directly to their inbox through the resort’s e-newsletter. This service keeps visitors informed about current conditions and operational updates.
Snowmaking System
The snowmaking system at Belleayre covers over 170 acres, representing 96% of the skiable terrain. Snow guns fire across the slopes to prepare trails for opening and maintain conditions throughout the season.
The snowmaking team works alongside the grooming crew to create optimal skiing surfaces. For the 2025/26 season opening, this combined effort produced the resort’s largest opening day terrain offering.
The extensive coverage allows Belleayre to maintain consistent conditions regardless of natural snowfall patterns. This capability ensures reliable skiing opportunities from November through the spring season.
Mountain Operations and Safety
Belleayre enforces a “Know The Zone” safety policy requiring all skiers and riders to give others 15 feet of space on all sides while on trail. This protocol helps maintain safe distances between visitors.
On opening day, the Catskill Thunder Gondola, Lightning Quad, Hawk Quad, and Thunderhawk Carpet were operational. Discovery Lodge opened with full services, while Overlook Lodge remained closed and Longhouse Lodge offered restroom facilities only.
Key operational notices include:
- Thin cover and bare spots on trails
- Closed trails and areas remain off-limits
- Route 9 provides access to Goat Path
- The Crossing connects Tuscarora to Thunderhawk Quad
Frequent Skier Tickets and Season Pass Buddy Tickets have specific availability restrictions on certain days. Midweek Season Passes follow different validation schedules than weekend passes.
Year-Round Activities and Regional Attractions
Belleayre Mountain operates beyond the winter ski season with summer adventures, scenic rides, and Nordic skiing options. The resort sits within easy reach of historic Catskill towns, making it a practical base for exploring the broader region.
Hiking and Summer Activities
The mountain transforms into a hub for summer outdoor activities once the snow melts. Visitors can explore multiple hiking trails that wind through the Catskill forests, offering routes for different skill levels.
The trails provide access to elevation gains and mountain views without requiring ski equipment. Families find the summer season appealing because many activities are free to access.
Popular Summer Options:
- Guided nature walks
- Mountain biking on designated paths
- Picnic areas near trail heads
- Wildlife viewing opportunities
The Belleayre Beach area adds water-based recreation during warmer months. Guests can enjoy swimming and beach activities as part of their mountain visit.
Sky Ride and Scenic Experiences
The gondola operates during summer months as a scenic sky ride, carrying passengers up the mountain without the need for physical exertion. This eight-passenger gondola climbs 1,404 vertical feet, delivering riders to elevated viewpoints across the Catskills.
The ride takes approximately 15 minutes each way. At the summit, visitors find observation areas and photo opportunities overlooking the surrounding peaks and valleys.
The sky ride suits visitors with mobility concerns or those who want mountain views without hiking. It operates on weekends and holiday periods during the summer season, though schedules vary by year.
Cross Country Skiing and Trails
The cross country skiing area operates separately from the downhill slopes, providing groomed trails for Nordic skiing enthusiasts. These trails wind through wooded sections of the property, offering a quieter alternative to the main ski center.
The cross country trails accommodate both classic and skate skiing techniques. Trail difficulty ranges from beginner-friendly loops to more challenging terrain for experienced skiers.
Equipment rentals are available at the cross country area. The trails remain open based on snow conditions throughout the winter season.
Nearby Towns and Regional Access
Belleayre Mountain sits in Highmount along State Route 28, positioning it within the broader Catskills tourism corridor. Kingston, located approximately 45 minutes northeast, serves as the nearest major city with full services and historic attractions.
The mountain lies roughly three hours from New York City, making it accessible for weekend trips. Several small Catskill towns surround the resort, including Phoenicia and Pine Hill, which offer dining, lodging, and local shops.
Visitors often combine their mountain activities with exploration of nearby attractions. The Catskills region features additional hiking areas, waterfalls, and cultural sites within a short drive of the ski center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Belleayre Mountain operates with lodges opening at 8:00 am and lifts spinning from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm seven days a week. The mountain features 50 trails across 174 acres with beginner terrain primarily served by Discovery Lodge.
What are the ticket prices for skiing at Belleayre Mountain Ski Center?
Belleayre offers several ticket options with discounts available for advance purchases. Visitors save money by buying lift tickets online before their visit rather than purchasing at the mountain.
Season passes are available for those planning multiple visits throughout the winter. The mountain also offers SKI3 Frequent Skier Cards that provide access to Belleayre, Gore, and Whiteface Mountains with savings up to 50% off regular ticket prices.
Multi-day tickets and rental packages provide additional savings. Guests staying with local lodging partners can receive discounts on their lift tickets.
What do reviewers say about the skiing experience at Belleayre Mountain?
Belleayre Mountain is ranked number one on Tripadvisor among three attractions in Highmount with 171 reviews. The resort is known as a super beginner-friendly destination that caters well to new skiers.
The mountain’s facilities receive praise for providing a seamless visitor experience. Services from ticket counters to rentals are designed to make trips hassle-free for guests.
Can you go hiking at Belleayre Mountain during the off-season?
Belleayre Mountain operates year-round with activities beyond winter sports. The Catskill Mountains location provides opportunities for outdoor recreation throughout different seasons.
Winter activities include snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on designated trails. These options allow visitors to explore the area at a slower pace than downhill skiing.
Where can I find the trail map for Belleayre Mountain Ski Center?
The trail map is available online for viewing before visitors arrive at the mountain. Physical copies can be picked up at the ticket window or Guest Services upon arrival.
Visitors should study the trail map in advance to familiarize themselves with the mountain layout. The map can be tucked into a pocket for reference throughout the day on the slopes.
How are the conditions on Belleayre Mountain, and is there a live webcam?
The snow report shows which trails are open, which have been groomed, and which have moguls. Weather information and current events are also included in daily reports.
Conditions are typically best in the morning hours. Lifts sometimes open earlier than the official 9:00 am start time if ski patrol gives the all-clear, occasionally beginning operations at 8:30 am.
Are there any beginner-friendly slopes available at Belleayre Ski Center?
Discovery Lodge serves as the main base for all beginner and novice skiers. This lodge is where all private lessons, group lessons, and Kidscamp programs begin.
The mountain features trails suitable for all skill levels across its 50 available runs. Discovery Lodge provides the only rental location on the mountain, making it convenient for beginners who need equipment.
A dedicated Beginner’s Guide is available with basic tips, frequently asked questions, equipment information, and lesson details. The guide helps new skiers understand what to expect and how to prepare for their first time on the slopes.