BELLEAYRE RESORT GUIDE
Belleayre Mountain Resort Overview
Belleayre Mountain is the closest of the three resorts located in the Catskills Mountains (130 miles / 2.5 hours driving from New York City). Operated by The New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) since 2012, Belleayre is also less commercially developed than its neighbors. The good news is that the state began a $9.1mm investment in the mountain at the start of the 2018-19 season and has made significant improvements with a new gondola, lifts and lodges.
We love Belleayre for learning to shred. The season long programs are outstanding and the fast track, learn-to-ski programs are helpful. The terrain variety is solid, particularly in light of the mountain's smaller size (175 acres) and even includes some off-piste trails through the trees. On-mountain dining is available at two lodges, Discovery and Overlook, the latter also has a pleasant bar. The mountain gets high marks for snowmaking and grooming. The surrounding towns have a smattering of excellent restaurants but don't expect a thriving après ski vibe. It's very family friendly!
Snow Reliability
Snow-Making & Grooming
Ski School
Travel Convenience
Accommodations
Terrain Variety
On Mountain Dining
Extreme / Off-Piste Terrain
Quick Take
Let's Go
Some of the best season-long programs in the region. Unique programs for kids/teens and masters include gate training, racing and kids freestyle. Programs include a season pass to Belleayre as well as Gore and Whiteface mountains
Snow-making and terrain maintenance are the highest quality in the Catskills
From NYC, it's hard to beat this place for terrain variety, travel convenience (~130 miles/ 2.5 hours driving) and notably less crowded than neighboring resorts
Family oriented. The crowd is low key and unpretentious. Many families return year after year
Recent capital investments including RFID cards, the Catskill Thunder Gondola to the summit and new lodges have enhanced the experience
Hesitations
Mid-range and luxury accommodations are limited, but there are reasonable AirBNB options
Crowds. On holiday weekends the crowds can be reckless and parking may require a long walk
True expert terrain is limited (similar to other resorts in the Greater NYC region)
Insider Tips
On holiday weekends, it's essential to come early (before 9am) to find reasonable parking. Parking does not run out, but it can be a long walk or shuttle ride
Head to the bar at the Overlook Lodge at the Base for a lively scene. On cold days, warm up by the fireplaces in this lodge
Consider the SKI3 Frequent Skier Cards for access to Belleyare, Whiteface and Gore. Belleayre passes also can be upgraded to include access to Whiteface and Gore (the other ORDA areas)
For the best value, purchase a season pass before mid-August. Season long programs are also great value
Trail Map
For an in-depth breakdown of Belleayre's terrain, head to our Mountain Guide. Top trails and mountain stats included.
Getting To & Around
Belleayre is a 2.5 hour drive from Manhattan. A car is essential and parking is free. Follow the I-87 and turn off at Kingston, drive for another 40 minutes past Woodstock and Phoenicia. Cars are also needed to travel to/from your accommodations and dining options are spread out.
Getting To
Closest Major City: New York, NY
Distance: ~130 miles South East
Travel Time: ~ 2.5 hours drive
Albany, NY: ~80 miles, ~1.5 hours drive
Neighboring Resorts
Belleayre is part of the Catskill Mountains and has many neighbors that make a good day trip.
Other Nearby Catskills Resorts
Hunter - on the Epic Pass (~27 miles, ~35 mins)
Windham (~30 miles, ~40 mins)
Platekill - small but steep! (20 miles, ~30 mins)
ORDA Neighbors (accessible on the SKI3 Pass)
Gore, NY (~160 miles, ~3 hours)
White Face, NY (~225 miles, ~4 hrs)
Travel by Plane
Closest airport: New York Stewart International Airport (SWF)
Flights are limited here
~75 miles, 75 minute drive to the resort
Closest major commercial airports:
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): ~135 miles South East, ~2 hrs 15 minutes
John F. Kennedy Internation Airport (JFK): ~140 miles, ~2.5 hours
Travel By Bus
Trailways offers bus service from the Port Authority in New York City to Belleayre during peak times including the Christmas Holidays and President's Week. Look for deals including transporation and lift tickets.
Travel by Car
A car here is essential, especially if staying for more than a day trip.
Pros: Free parking at base; access to accommodations, restaurants and visits to other nearby resorts
Cons: None
Ride shares: (e.g., Uber, Lyft) are not reliable here
