Belleayre Mountain rises above Highmount in Ulster County and is run by the state, which gives it a different feel from the privately owned resorts to the north. In winter it offers a wide mix of groomed trails and tree-lined glades with snowmaking across much of the terrain, and the lodges at the base are designed for families and beginners. In summer the lifts reopen for scenic rides, the slopes become hiking and biking terrain, and and the hamlets of Pine Hill and Fleischmanns nearby give the area a relaxed, old-Catskills character that appeals to people who prefer small towns to big resort crowds.
The skiing is varied and approachable. Beginners have gentle trails near the base, intermediates enjoy long cruisers off the summit, and stronger skiers can explore steeper pitches and glades. Because the mountain is operated by the state, ticket structures and season passes are tied to the wider state ski system, and it pays to look at multi-day and midweek deals. Check conditions before you drive, as snowmaking carries much of the season and weather can change opening dates.
In the warmer months, the summit becomes a viewing platform. A gondola or chairlift, depending on the season and operating plan, lifts passengers up the mountain for views over the Catskill high peaks, and walking trails link the top to the base for people who prefer to descend on foot. Mountain bikers use the slopes in summer, with trails graded from gentle to demanding. Confirm schedules and prices on the mountain site because summer operations vary.
Belleayre also anchors a cultural calendar. The Belleayre Music Festival, held on the lower slopes in summer, brings classical, jazz and popular concerts to an open-air stage that suits picnic blankets and warm evenings. Pair a daytime ride with an evening concert for a full day. Seating, lawn rules and food options differ by event, so check the festival page when you plan.
The surrounding villages are simple and friendly. Pine Hill, Fleischmanns and Margaretville offer diners, small inns, antique shops and trailheads, and the Esopus Creek is a short drive away for tubing. Lodging near the base ranges from motels to resort rooms, and the Emerson Resort at Mount Tremper is about twenty minutes down the road.
For visitors who want a Catskills mountain day without the crowds of Hunter or Windham, Belleayre is an excellent choice. It tends to be calmer on weekdays, its summer program is a good fit for families, and the scenery is classic Catskills. Dress in layers, since the summit is cooler than the valley, and bring cash or a card for the small food stands in the villages.
A useful way to plan is to treat Belleayre as the hub of a longer Ulster County trip. Spend a morning on the slopes or the summit, lunch in Pine Hill or Margaretville, and spend the afternoon on a short hike or a visit to a local farm stand. In summer, bring a swimsuit for a river dip on the way home. The area is quiet at night, so stargazing from your lodging is part of the appeal. Always check the venue website for current lift operations, because maintenance and weather can change the schedule.
What to expect
The experience
A state-run mountain with winter skiing, summer scenic rides, hiking and biking, and a concert season on the lower slopes.
Best time
December through March for skiing, summer for lift rides and concerts, and October for color.
How long
A half day for a scenic ride, a full day for skiing or a concert evening.
Tips
Look at multi-day and midweek ticket options, and check the mountain site for summer lift schedules and concert dates.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and visitors who prefer a quieter, small-town mountain.
- Families
- Beginner areas and ski school suit children; summer rides suit all ages.
- Couples
- A scenic ride followed by an evening concert on the lawn.
- Pair with
- Esopus Creek tubing, Phoenicia and the Emerson Resort.
- Time needed
- Half a day to a full day.
Good questions
Who runs Belleayre?+
It is operated by the state and is part of the wider state ski system, which affects ticket and pass options.
Is there summer activity?+
Yes. Scenic lift rides, hiking, biking and a summer concert series operate in the warmer months.
Is it good for beginners?+
Yes. The base area has gentle terrain and lessons for new skiers and snowboarders.
Where is it?+
In Highmount, Ulster County, near Pine Hill and Fleischmanns, roughly two and a half hours from New York City.
What else is nearby?+
Esopus Creek tubing, the rail bikes at Phoenicia, the kaleidoscope at Mount Tremper and the village of Woodstock are all within a short drive.