Ring In Winter Close To Home In The Great Western Catskills

Folks are hoping that this winter season’s snowfall is on par with last year’s amazing records. Many New York area skiers have learned that staying close to home and driving to the Catskills is far better than getting on a plane and heading west. It’s time to reacquaint skiers with one of the East coasts’ best kept secrets – Plattekill Mountain in the Great Western Catskills. As long as mother nature provides cold nights, Plattekill skiers will be satisfied with all the snow making that’ll be going on at the mountain.

Getting to know a ski mountain and make it your favorite requires a few visits. Do I like the mountain? The lodging options? Can I do other things besides skiing? Here’s some insight into the family mountain that rocks. Plattekill is situated in Roxbury, NY tops out at 3,500 feet in elevation making it the highest peek on the western edge of the Catskills capturing all that weather flow off the plains and lake effect storms. You’ll find 1,100 vertical feet of downhill glory, serviced by three lifts, with the longest trail topping off at 2 miles. The resort rounds out its offerings with ski school, lodge with three levels with fireplaces, cafeteria, bar, child care, and of course, tubing. Here’s some new additions for the 2010-2011 season.

• Another NEW BOMBARDIER GROOMER has been added to the fleet to make for fantastic surface conditions all winter!
• MORE SNOW MAKING (22 more tower-mounted guns to be exact) to make for MORE SNOW on the trails faster! That’s almost 100 guns total!!
• SEVERAL base lodge improvements including a new outdoor covered grill food service area!
• EXPANDED children’s Ski School programs offering NEW "SNOW TIGERS" program featuring advanced level lesson packages for kids ages 4-7 years with a 2-1 student-teacher ratio!
• INCREASED AGE on our FREE "CHILD" ticket. Kids 7 & UNDER now SKI FREE ALL SEASON!
• EXPANDED terrain park we'll be adding to it for a great riding season.

There are two reasons people who love skiing, ski here. The first is that Plattekill is an incredibly family friendly mountain. No crowds, relaxed atmosphere and the personal touch make everyone feel at home. The other reason is that people who love skiing, love skiing on Plattekill’s trails. They’re challenging for serious skiers, fun for boarders, and there’s plenty of them for all.

Incentive pricing is also available this coming year through Plattekill's Value Club Card - only $59!! For this great price you get: (1) FREE ANYTIME Lift Ticket, $10 OFF Weekends*, 50% OFF Fridays*, $5 OFF Holidays. The Value Club Card can be purchased for adults, juniors, students or seniors and is valid for the individual purchaser only, non-transferable. Discounts are applicable to full-day ticket price based on age of purchaser. *Check website www.plattekill.com for holiday blackout dates.

A number of nearby lodging facilities and private home rentals have partnered with Plattekill Mountain to offer money-saving packages. The most popular offering is the Kids Ski Free option. When visitors stay with a participating lodging facility, children 17 and under will receive one free lift ticket for each paid adult ticket (limit two). For families with more than two kids or with no kids Plattekill has a great new buy one get one BOGO discount. Buy your lift tickets for Saturday and get Sunday’s lift ticket free. Plus they have increased the Kids Ski Free age to 7 and under.

Signing up for e-blasts from the tourism office at www.greatwesterncatskills.com and from Plattekill Mountain www.plattekill.com will keep you up to date on the great offerings and ski conditions in our area. The ski area is open Friday-Sunday from 8:45 a.m.-4:15 p.m. Plattekill will also be open daily during the week between Christmas and New Years as well as in February for the Presidents’ Week holiday. Saturday nights are especially exciting with snow tubing available from 5-9 p.m and every night during holiday weeks.

If your winter adventure tastes are more leisurely, Delaware County has many fine cross-country skiing and snowshoeing options. The local favorite cross-country or snowshoe route is the 19-mile rail bed known as the Catskill Scenic Trail. Use of the trail is free. This expanse of flat terrain is maintained during the winter by the snowmobile club members. Snowshoes can be rented at Plattekill Mountain and cross country skis can be rented in Highmount. For additional information on the rail trail visit www.catskillscenictrail.org.

Great Western Catskills Tourism
The Great Western Catskills is an easy day trip from New York City metro area, Albany, or Binghamton and a great weekend getaway or vacation destination for all. To learn more about outdoor resources, Stay-and-Play Packages or any other activities in the western Catskills, log on to: www.greatwesterncatskills.com. For events in the area visit www.delawarecountytoday.com.

Fall's First in the Great Western Catskills

Labor Day weekend saw tell-tale signs of fall on the mountains with isolated trees turning to their early burgundy or deep orange colors. Cool evenings and recent rains are setting the stage for a spectacular fall foliage season. In New York State the leaves turn first up in the northern part of the Adirondack State Park, and here on the western slopes of the Catskill Park. Altitudes of 2-3000 feet and cool evenings bring on the Fall foliage season first. As the leaves turn throughout September, hikers, mountain bikers, fly-fishing fans and kayakers get their last outings during the warm days amongst the changing landscape.

Fall is resplendent the entire month of September but really pops into high gear by the last weekend, showing a gorgeous array of scarlet, burgundy and pumpkin mixing in to the mountainside greens. September 25th showcases two great agricultural festivals – Delhi’s Harvest Festival and Margaretville’s Cauliflower Festival. The Catskill Forest Association hosts a firewood management workshop – oh so important now that the Emerald Ash Borer has been found in the eastern slopes of the Park. Then, on Sunday the 26th, Stamford hosts their annual Scarecrow Festival. These events offer a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the agricultural history of our area and to purchase locally made food and crafts.

October is sure to please everyone looking to feast their eyes on the best fall colors – the first two weekends including Columbus weekend are resplendent in orange and gold. This coincides with the annual Lark in the Park – ten days of guided hikes and workshops in and around the Catskill Park. Easy hikes, difficult hikes, fire tower treks, kayaking and woodlands workshops will be occurring mid week and on the weekends, hosted by avid outdoors people sharing their skill and passion for the Catskill Mountains. Sometimes it’s hard to remember that the Catskill Park is here. There is no main gate to enter through and the Park itself is a collection of public and private lands. Spearheaded by the Catskill Center and the Catskill Mountain Club, this year’s choices range from easy to moderately difficult hikes – many to fire towers in the Park, bike rides, kayak or canoe paddles, and forestry workshops. As more volunteers create great events they’ll appear on the event website: www.catskillslark.org. This is a great opportunity to learn more about mother natures playground.

The first weekend of October, Maple Shade Farm celebrates their Generations Day and shines a light on our agricultural heritage with antique engines and tractors, wagon rides, auction, pie contest and tons of regional apples. October 2nd and 3rd will offer the final series of tours of John Burroughs’ Woodchuck Lodge in Roxbury.

This year Columbus weekend brings the new Taste of the Catskills to Delhi. A joint venture lead by Quarter Moon Café and hosted on the grounds of Maple Shade Farm – this Columbus weekend event is sure to please adults and kids alike. www.tasteofthecatskills.com is the website to find out more. There will be a bocce tournament, beverage and food tastings, farm market, workshops on topics like cheese making, Sunday pig roast and more. For the kids Maple Shade will be hosting their Little Farmers Day with farm animals and carnival games in the main barn. In Walton at the Fairgrounds you’ll find the American Cancer Society’s Fall Harvest Festival going on. If you need a little more adventure on Columbus weekend, the Eastern State Cup Series mountain biking races will be hosted at Plattekill Bike Park in Roxbury. Plattekill offers lift rides for foliage viewing all season.


Great Western Catskills Tourism
The Great Western Catskills is an easy weekend get-away destination for travelers – just 3 hours from the New York City metro area. To learn about great outdoor resources, Stay-and-Play Packages or camping in the western Catskills, log on to: www.greatwesterncatskills.com. For free brochures on kayaking, antiquing, public fishing access map and other literature, call toll-free: (866) 775-4425 or e-mail: info@greatwesterncatskills.com. For a bounty of great events in the area visit delawarecountytoday.com.

NYC May Have the High Line, but the West Kaats Have the Snow Line

For folks who like walking uninterrupted above the crowds on New York City’s Highline – they should check out the Catskill Mountains uncrowded trails, ski slopes, and main streets for real winter relaxation. The Western side of the Catskills is the first mountain range east of the Rockies that accommodates a snowline at 1800 feet above sea level. Winter weather systems that move through leave a clearly delineated line on the mountain tops where there snow precipitation really cranks it up a notch. Understanding that most folks in the metro area don’t think snow if it’s not in front of them, the Great Western Catskills Facebook page now includes a Photo of the Day section so you can remember just what the white stuff looks like and be inspired to plan a visit.

It's a ski region without the crowds and a secret many second homeowners from downstate want to keep a secret. The local ski mountain is in Roxbury at Plattekill, and it's vibe is akin to the TV show Cheers - it's a place where everybody knows your name. New to the mountain this year is a boatload of infrastructure improvements. Plattekill has added 29 snow guns, 7,000 feet of buried snowmaking pipe, 1,000 feet of heavy electric wire (and nine electric stations) to power 2 new fan guns, a grooming machine, and new rental equipment.

Plattekill maintains its charm as a challenging mountain that is incredibly family friendly. Double black diamond runs thrill expert skiers. The ski school offers great instruction, a bunny hill and two side trails for easier runs. Plattekill is open Friday-Sunday from 8:45 a.m.-4:15 p.m. Plattekill will be open for ten days straight for school break starting with the Presidents’ Weekend holiday. Saturday nights are especially exciting with snow tubing available in two sessions, from 5-7 and 7-9 p.m. Holiday week will have additional tubing nights as well. Check the conditions live with their mountain cam at www.plattekill.com.

A number of nearby lodging facilities have partnered with Plattekill Mountain to offer money-saving packages. The most popular offering is one of their two BOGO (Buy One Get One) options. When visitors stay with a participating lodging facility, children 17 and under will receive one free lift ticket for each paid adult ticket (limit two). Adults without children can save big too. Buy a full day lift ticket for Saturday and get Sunday’s lift ticket free. The mountain boasts a great family cafeteria, upstairs lounge bar, child care center, fireplaces throughout and sunning benches on the deck.

If your winter adventure tastes are more leisurely, Delaware County has many fine cross-country skiing and snowshoeing options. The ideal cross-country or snowshoe route is the 26-mile rail bed known as the Catskill Scenic Trail running between Roxbury and Bloomville. Use of the trail is free. This expanse of flat terrain is maintained during the winter by the snowmobile club members who also take care of more than 300 miles of additional trails in the county. For additional information on the rail trail, visit www.catskillscenictrail.org. To learn more about the snowmobiling opportunities, explore the website for the Central Catskill Trail Association at www.centralcatskillstrail.com. All this activity is in Roxbury which boasts the award winning boutique motel, cool dining options, a performing arts center and beautiful historic park. To find out all about Roxbury visit www.roxburyny.com.

When it comes to lodging options, the Great Western Catskills features accommodations that include everything from cool and hip inns, charming bed and breakfasts, affordable and accommodating motels to private rental homes and cabins. If your idea of winter romance includes a crackling fireplace, a number of accommodations can offer such an amenity. For winter lodging packages visit the getaways section of the area’s travel website at: www.greatwesterncatskills.com.

Learn more about the Western Catskills
Delaware County is located conveniently to the NYC / Albany / Rochester / Philadelphia areas for weekend getaway. For more information on travel to the Great Western Catskills visit www.greatwesterncatskills.com. For a free art gallery and antique shop map, Cannonsville boating brochure, fishing map or event calendar, call 866-775-4425.

Gear Up for Holiday Shopping with a Country Flair.

Holiday shopping can be a great adventure when you take a little time to explore the Western Catskills main streets, farm stores, and back road antique shops. The mountains mean different things to different people.

Some are recreation minded and sporting equipment makes a great holiday present. Others love the artisan works inspired by the shapes and colors found in nature here. The best place to get them something that reflects their passion for the mountains is in the mountains.

Main Street Merchants and General Stores
The best day for shopping the local artisan wares is the Saturday after Thanksgiving when the Pakatakan Farmers Market www.pfmarket.org reopens for a one day holiday bazaar and showcases everything home grown, handspun, and handmade for hearth and home. Make a day or weekend of it and combine the drive to Halcottsville with other stops along the way.

On or just off of State Highway 28 – halfway between Kingston and Cooperstown, you’ll find great clusters of shopping on the main streets of the Western Catskills. Andes boasts the most retail outlets for any town, from artisanal teas at Tay Home, delightful coffee table books and home accessories at Delaware Trading Post, to great gifts at Heart of the Catskills – run by volunteers from the local humane society. You can see on their website at www.andesnewyork.com.

Franklin’s main street showcases wonderful antiques and vintage goods amidst its stunning collection of Victorian homes. Delhi and Margaretville (www.margaretville.org) continue in their historical roles as commerce centers for the county. The Bookstore Village of the Catskills www.bookstorevillage.com is located in Hobart and provides multiple stores to shop for the always appreciated literary gift.

General stores are turning into more than a place for an emergency quart of milk. Lucky Dog Farm Store in Hamden has wonderful vintage country clothing, unique dry goods, great candy for stocking stuffing. In addition to their own veggies, they offer other local produce items, and are now serving lunch too. Masonville General Store works with area artisans to display their wares and is home to the Crescent Wrench Café. Bovina General Store showcases Bovine crockery and locally made gifts and yummy sandwiches. Just up the road at Heaven on Main Street you can place an order for boxes of delectable holiday chocolates and on Saturdays and Sundays have wonderful vegetarian baked goods. On the way out of town, stop by a Christmas tree farm in Bovina and pick up your holiday tree.

Fiber and fabric
What could be nicer than a basket full of locally raised wool, spun in to delightful yarns for the knitter on your list. Dunk Hill Alpacas in Walton sell yarn from the farm. Yarns and fabrics can be found between Delhi and Delancey at Highland Springs Farm or at Mountain Yarns in Margaretville. For those who work with fabrics, Where Quilters Gather in Walton attracts people from all over the region to stock up and explore their amazing quilting supply store and just up the street at the Country Emporium you can find more fabrics and gifts.

For the collector in the family
Art galleries have been popping up all over the county lately. Don’t think that a piece of art is out of your price range for a holiday gift. Have a few friends or family members pool their money and you will have a gift that is unique. Roxbury hosts the Roxbury Arts Group, Stamford hosts The Gallery, Margaretville’s long time art gallery is the East Branch Art Gallery, now joined by the newly open Longyear Gallery, as well as the Catskill Mountain Artisans Collective store. Andes main street showcases Chace Randall Gallery, Sixty One Main, Cooperative Art Store of Andes, and Andes Art Antiques. Delhi now boasts its first art gallery at Delhi Art and Antiques and Franklin boasts the newest at Franklin Art and Antiques. For an easy to navigate route to art and antique stores, download the Art and Antique directory from www.greatwesterncatskills.com or call 866-775-4425 and have a copy mailed to you. You can see the complete list of stores at www.catskillsartandantiques.com.

What to get the outdoorsperson who has everything
For enthusiasts of any sport you can never have enough quality supplies. If someone on your list is into fishing then a visit to Hancock is a must stop on your Catskills shopping trip. A new pair of waders, some new flies, a great book on fishing the Catskills will delight and it also makes for a fine lunch stop at the Bluestone Grill or Hancock House Hotel. The newly opened Walton Variety Store stocks fishing and camping gear, right near great main street gift stores for the rest of your list. If you’re tired of buying equipment for your outdoor fanatic, think into the future with a gift certificate for a day with a professional fly fishing guide from Grey Ghost Guide Service, an afternoon’s bird hunt at the West Branch Angler, or even a golf lesson with the pro at the Stamford Golf Course or the Golf Course at SUNY Delhi.

Stuff that stocking with the biggest little gift there is - a season lift ticket to skiing at Plattekill Mountain in Roxbury. Too expensive? Try their Value Club - $59 membership fee gets you discounts on Friday skiing, weekend rates, and holiday rates. Check it out at www.plattekill.com.

Shop for holiday meals too
Pack a cooler and ice in the trunk of your car and shop for your holiday meals while you’re out and about. The holiday ham or turkey never tasted so good when raised on fresh air and pasture on a family farm. The best resource for planning head is to check out the Pure Catskills buy local website at www.purecatskills.com. and search for a farm like Stone and Thistle in East Meredith where you can buy beef, pork, lamb, goat, rabbit, chicken, as well as organic goats milk yogurt, chevre, and goats milk fudge. Stock up on local cheeses too. Sherman Hills sells off their farm in Franklin as does Harpersfield Cheese. Brovetto’s Cheese House in Jefferson does a tour of their cheese cave that is not to be missed. And real maple syrup is always a welcomed gift from Shaver Hill Maple in Harpersfield. Short on time? One stop shop for local products at Lucky Dog Farm in Hamden, The Market Basket in Arkville, Masonville General Store in Masonville, and Good Cheap Food in Delhi.

Learn more about the Western Catskills
For more information on great things to do and lodging packages in the Great Western Catskills visit www.greatwesterncatskills.com. For information on events and workshops, visit www.delawarecountytoday.com For a free travel guide or art gallery and antique dealer directory, call 866-775-4425.

Ring In Winter Close To Home In The Great Western Catskills

Winter is set to rock this year with predictions of El Nino influences bringing over 100 inches of precipitation to the region. For many in the downstate New York area, there’s no better place to enjoy winter weekends than close to home in the Great Western Catskills of Delaware County.


Adult season passes at Plattekill Mountain (www.plattekill.com in Roxbury, NY) that are purchased before November 15th will receive a $50 discount. After skiing nine times, every visit to Plattekill after that is like skiing for free. New this year, Plattekill is offering a "refer a family" program. When a family (minimum of 1 adult and 1 junior) purchases their season passes and then refers another family who buys at least that number of passes, the referring family receives a $150 refund! Or join the Value Club where $59 gets you discounts on weekend, holiday and Friday rates all season long.

A number of nearby lodging facilities and private home rentals have partnered with Plattekill Mountain to offer money-saving packages. The most popular offering is the Kids Ski Free option. When visitors stay with a participating lodging facility, children 17 and under will receive one free lift ticket for each paid adult ticket (limit two). For families with more than two kids or with no kids Plattekill has a great new buy one get one BOGO discount. Buy your lift tickets for Saturday and get Sunday’s lift ticket free. Kids under 5 always ski free.

Signing up for e-blasts from the tourism office at www.greatwesterncatskills.com and from Plattekill Mountain www.plattekill.com will keep you up to date on the great offerings and ski conditions at 3000 feet above sea level. Many people don’t know it but the mountain range that Plattekill is part of is the first high altitude range east of the Rockies. Mountain evenings are always cold and perfect for snow making.

Improved grooming and additional snow making capabilities will make this the best season for skiing at Plattekill. Signing up for winter ski reports will give readers the best information to make a great ski season even better.

There are two reasons people who love skiing ski here. The first is that Plattekill is an incredibly family friendly mountain. No crowds, relaxed atmosphere and the personal touch make everyone feel at home. The other reason is that people who love skiing, love skiing on Plattekill’s trails. The ski area is open Friday-Sunday from 8:45 a.m.-4:15 p.m. Plattekill will also be open daily during the week between Christmas and New Years as well as in February for the Presidents’ Week holiday. Saturday nights are especially exciting with snow tubing available from 5-9 p.m and extra nights during holiday weeks.

Belleayre Mountain, the state run ski center, provides skiing seven days a week, and offers a children under 14 ski free program with their lodging partners. Also available is a mid week special at $49 per person rate for lodging and a lift ticket. Belleayre also has an Adaptive Snowsports program. For more information on skiing at Belleayre visit www.belleayre.com.

If your winter adventure tastes are more leisurely, Delaware County has many fine cross-country skiing and snowshoeing options. Among the ideal cross-country or snowshoe routes is the 19-mile rail bed known as the Catskill Scenic Trail. Use of the trail is free. This expanse of flat terrain is maintained during the winter by the snowmobile club members who also take care of more than 300 miles of additional trails in the county. For additional information on the rail trail visit www.catskillscenictrail.org. To learn more about the snowmobiling opportunities, explore the website for the Central Catskill Trail Association at www.centralcatskilltrail.com. Volunteers from the Catskill Mountain Club lead guided hikes and workshops throughout the winter (including ice fishing). For an events schedule, visit: www.catskillmountainclub.org.

When it comes to lodging options, the Great Western Catskills features accommodations that include everything from cool and hip inns, charming bed and breakfasts, full-service resorts, affordable and accommodating motels to private rental homes and cabins. If your idea of winter romance includes a crackling fireplace or hottub, a number of accommodations can offer such an amenity. For winter lodging packages visit the getaways section of the tourism website at: www.greatwesterncatskills.com.

Great Western Catskills Tourism
The Great Western Catskills is an easy day trip from New York City metro area, Albany, or Binghamton and a great weekend getaway or vacation destination for all. To learn more about outdoor resources, Stay-and-Play Packages or any other activities in the western Catskills, log on to: www.greatwesterncatskills.com.

For free travel literature, call toll-free: (866) 775-4425 or e-mail: info@greatwesterncatskills.com. For timely events in the area visit delawarecountytoday.com.
Any time of year, come visit the Great Western Catskills of Delaware County and “Let the magic of our mountains move you.”

Ring In Winter Close To Home In The Great Western Catskills

Winter kicked into high gear with a major storm and accumulation of fresh powder this past week. For many in the downstate New York area, there’s no better place to enjoy winter weekends than at the closest slopes in the Great Western Catskills of Delaware County.

As an early northeaster dumped over a foot and a half of snow on the ski slopes, the spirits of skiers and snowboarders have soared. At Plattekill Mountain in Roxbury, they’re busy grooming the trails and moguls, and setting up race courses.
A number of nearby lodging facilities and private home rentals have partnered with Plattekill Mountain to offer money-saving packages. The most popular offering is the Kids Ski Free option. When visitors stay with a participating lodging facility, children 17 and under will receive one free lift ticket for each paid adult ticket (limit two). For families with more than two kids or with no kids Plattekill has a great new buy one get one BOGO discount. Buy a full day lift ticket for Saturday and get Sunday’s lift ticket free. Kids under 5 always ski free.

Signing up for e-blasts from the tourism office at www.greatwesterncatskills.com and from Plattekill Mountain www.plattekill.com will keep you up to date on the great offerings and ski conditions at 3000 feet above sea level. A trip to the Catskills runs 2 hours from the George Washington Bridge to Belleayre and a few minutes more to Plattekill in Roxbury. Mountain evenings are always cold and perfect for snow making. So even if it’s not snowing where you live, check out conditions up in our mountains.

Plattekill maintains its charm as a challenging mountain that is incredibly family friendly. The ski area is open Friday-Sunday from 8:45 a.m.-4:15 p.m. Plattekill will also be open daily during the week between Christmas and New Years as well as in February for the Presidents’ Week holiday. Saturday nights are especially exciting with snow tubing available from 5-9 p.m and extra nights during holiday weeks. Plattekill also offers Powder Daize – opening the day after they receive 10 inches of new powder no matter what day of the week.

Belleayre Mountain, the state run ski center, provides skiing seven days a week, and offers a children under 12 ski free program with their lodging partners. Also available is a mid week special at $49 per person rate for lodging and a lift ticket. Belleayre also has an Adaptive Snowsports program. For more information on skiing at Belleayre visit www.belleayre.com.

If your winter adventure tastes are more leisurely, Delaware County has many fine cross-country skiing and snowshoeing options. Among the ideal cross-country or snowshoe routes is the 19-mile rail bed known as the Catskill Scenic Trail. Use of the trail is free. This expanse of flat terrain is maintained during the winter by the snowmobile club members who also take care of more than 300 miles of additional trails in the county. For additional information on the rail trail visit www.catskillscenictrail.org.

Delaware County maintains over 200 miles of snowmobile trails on a mix of public and private lands. To learn more about the snowmobiling opportunities, visit www.greatwesterncatskills.com and contact the snowmobile club closest to where you will be staying. Clubs offer poker runs throughout the winter.

When it comes to lodging options, the Great Western Catskills features accommodations that include everything from cool and hip inns, charming bed and breakfasts, full-service resorts, affordable and accommodating motels to private rental homes and cabins. If your idea of winter romance includes a crackling fireplace or hottub, a number of accommodations can offer such an amenity. For winter lodging packages visit the getaways section of the county tourism website at: www.greatwesterncatskills.com.

Learn more about the Western Catskills
Delaware County is located conveniently to the NYC / Albany / Binghamton areas for weekend or day trips. For more information on travel to the Great Western Catskills visit www.greatwesterncatskills.com. For information on events, visit delawarecountytoday.com.