Lake Effect Snows Providing Great Backdrop for Winter Fun in the Catskills

The Western side of the Catskills is the first mountain range east of the Rockies that gets hit with weather systems as they cross the plains.  Not only that the Great Lakes provide just the right conditions to bring storm systems that pack a precipitation punch to the upstate region.  This translates into lots of fresh powder at area ski slopes, like Plattekill Mountain in Roxbury, NY. In last years whopper of a storm, Plattekill was tapped by the National Weather Service as receiving the most snowfall of the storm – almost 9 feet!!

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.  New to the mountain this year is a boatload of infrastructure improvements. 

  Keeping Plattekill’s trails in peak condition is a constant effort. The mountain has almost 100 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.  A great way to understand just what it takes to get, make, and keep snow can be found on a new winter blog that features mostly Plattekill but also other winter activities in the region.  http://winterinthecatskills.blogspot.com   This blog has a little of everything from links to local teenagers terrain park videos, interviews with the snow making and grooming staff, as well as ice fishing and local village round-ups.

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. For additional information on the rail trail, visit http://www.catskillscenictrail.org. All this activity is in Roxbury which boasts the award winning boutique motel, The Roxbury - check out their theme rooms at www.theroxburymotel.com. 

The Great Western Catskills Facebook page now includes a Photo of the Day section so you can remember just for real how much is on the ground, and be inspired to plan a visit. 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 complete with fireplace and firewood. For winter lodging packages visit the getaways section of the area’s travel website.

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.

The Great Western Catskills Offers Lodging Deals and Weekends Packed With Fun.

Every one can use a little incentive to make travel plans and the Great Western Catskills has lots to choose from. From motel stays to getting a third night deep discount, you’re sure to find the right fit for your budget. Combine with great activities like pumpkin picking or corn maze strolling, hiking in the Catskill Park, horseback riding, to mountain biking. Check out our website www.greatwesterncatskills.com for more details.

Fall Lodging Discounts Abound
Harmony Hill Lodge and Retreat Center. East Meredith has a special sense of peace and serenity. Book two nights and get a third night free. Excludes holiday weekends. 607-278-6609 or visit www.harmonyhillretreat.com.
Becky's B&B in Hancock. Enjoy reduced rates during fall foliage season and into winter. 10% off each night and 50% off the third night. For more info call 607-637-5499 or visit www.beckysanderbandb.com. Becky's is less than 1/2 mile from fishing access on the East Branch of The Delaware.
Buena Vista in Delhi. During fall foliage season and through the end of the year (12/29/2010), travelers will receive 50% off on a third night. Buena Vista offers newly renovated rooms. Located just a few minutes from golf at the SUNY Delhi course, the West Branch of the Delaware River for fishing, and main street antiquing. Delhi is the center of the county - you'll be close to everything you could want to do. Visit www.buenavistamotel.com or call 607-746-2135.

Fall Packages To Please As Well
I Like To Hike What kinda hike do ya like? A steep incline up to an amazing view? A lush nature walk full of flora and fauna? A tranquil jaunt around a lake? A trek to a cleansing waterfall? The Catskill Mountains contain a virtual plethora of hiking trails, walks, and excursions and let the staff at The Roxbury Motel prepare a package that suits your taste. The package includes: maps and a planned itinerary for a fantasmagorical hike based on your enthusiasm for exertion; a cool Roxbury tote bag stuffed with a bottle of fine Bordeaux, some trail mix and power bars for extra energy; your choice of picnic fixings – deli sandwiches, cheese variety; complimentary two-day passes to the glimmering Shimmer Spa; and our extremely popular two-hour couples massage. This package offers a 10% discount off of their published room rates when you purchase the whole package! Package price starts at $553 for a two-night, high-season weekend studio room. Even less if you go for midweek! Additional items like a romantic tasting menu dinner for two at the scrumptious Peekamoose Restaurant or bike rentals for the Catskill Scenic Trail or horseback riding at Stone Tavern Farm can be added for an additional cost. Book ONLINE or call 607-326-7200!

Rad Romance at the Roxbury! Whether you are trying to light a fire or rekindle a flame, the Rad Romance package is bound to ignite sparks. How about fine chilled champagne on ice, fresh exotic flowers, and a gourmet cheese platter? Your romance will then soar to a new height with a couples massage during which our therapist will teach you the techniques for giving each others’ bodies whatever they need… To entice your taste buds, you will dine at the area’s most scrumptious eatery, Peekamoose Restaurant, where Chef Devin Mills’ tasting menu is purported to provide aphrodisiac properties. Inquire for rates. Taxes and gratuities not included. This package is offered year round.

JUST ADDED: To REALLY get those sparks-a-poppin off the flames, we can arrange a horse-and-buggy ride around the village of Roxbury for you. The buggy is a beautifully restored 19th century handsome cab driven by a pair of equally handsome horses. Perfect for popping a special question. Weather permitting. Read more about this and other packages they offer at www.theroxburymotel.com. The Roxbury is the recipient of two 2009 Travelers Choice Awards from TripAdvisor.com and the National Geographic's 2009 Stay List. For more info about the cool village of Roxbury at roxburyny.com.

City Bumpkins Country Pumpkins: From now until October 30th put fun in your weekend getaway with two nights at the Mountain Brook Inn in Bovina, NY. You’ll be lulled to sleep by the sounds of the babbling brook behind the Inn and awoken each morning with a continental breakfast basket delivered to your front door. When you are ready to go, Gary will send you on your way to your hayride and pumpkin picking excursion at Sunflower Farm right near by. Bring your pumpkins back to the Mountain Brook Inn and carve them right there if you wish! Dinner will be a short drive away at the Andes Hotel. CIA trained Chef O’Neill will prepare a harvest feast for you featuring whatever is locally available at the time of your visit. 2 Nights at the Mountain Brook Inn, continental breakfast basket each morning, pumpkin picking & hayride, harvest feast at the Andes Hotel featuring a seasonal menu, and foliage cruise on the vintage Delaware Ulster Railroad. Couple $355. Family of Four (two adults and two children) $460.

The Miracle of Fall: Two nights and harvest feast at the Andes Hotel featuring a seasonal menu and lots of fall fun at Maple Shade Farm in Delhi, NY. Enjoy the day or an afternoon at Maple Shade Farm to experience the Wilson family’s passion for education, agriculture and plain ole’ farm fun! They will take you on a hayride, pumpkin picking, up Halloween Hill and through the corn maze. Afterwards return to the Andes Hotel for dinner. CIA trained Chef O’Neill will prepare a harvest feast for you featuring whatever is locally available at the time of your visit. From acorn squash to amaranth, beltie beef to blue hubbards and sweet corn to smoked trout, the season’s bounty is Chef O’Neill’s inspiration. Couple $295. Family of Four (two adults and two children) $345. Weekends now until October 30th. 845-676-3980 - Ask for Sally to book this package.

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, visit www.delawarecountytoday.com. For a free fishing map or art gallery and antique dealer directory, call 866-775-4425.