Belleayre Mountain is located off of State Route 28 in Highmount, NY, just hours from New York City. Early on, skiers would side-step or hike their way more than 3,000 feet to be the first to make tracks down un-named and woody trails. Since the very beginning of the American skiing experience, skiers gazed at the steep, rugged inclines of Belleayre Mountain and dreamed of refining them. In the 1940’s skiing enthusiasts pressured politicians to develop Belleayre as a safe and fun mountain for families and extreme skiers alike. In 1947 bills were introduced allowing New York State to create Belleayre Mountain. Construction began in 1949 and Belleayre began its premier winter season with five trails, an electrically powered rope tow, New York’s first chairlift, a summit lodge, a temporary base lodge with a cafeteria and dirt floors and parking to accommodate 300 people. It would become the center for winter sports in the region and an economic catalyst for surrounding communities. From the beginning, Belleayre was an immediate hit. Local residents still remember how skiers pitched tents outside the lodge to be first in line. Since the first lifts were installed in 1949 each decade brought improvements and refinements. As business increased, Belleayre expanded. Twelve trails, three lifts and a new base lodge were added in the 1950’s. Innovative snow making technology was introduced between the 1960's and 1970's. From 1985 through 1993, six million dollars was spent to upgrade machinery and equipment, assuring that Belleayre would maintain the quality and reputation of its important recreation program. From new lifts to new lodges to new trails, Belleayre strives to continually break new ground - and stay at the forefront of the ski industry - by successfully operating for over five decades with its extraordinary staff, state-of-the-art equipment and a constant vision of the future. Belleayre now stands as a model in the ski industry. Its continued improvements include the only Catskills Cat-access skiing and snowboarding, the Area 51 terrain park, two progression parks, mogul trails ranging from intermediate to expert bumps and extensive glade skiing. Skier and snowboarder visits have grown from 70,000 in 1995 to more than 175,000 skiers and snowboarders from all over the world. With 55 trails, parks and glades, 8 lifts, including our new High Speed Quad, Belleayre Mountain has certainly evolved from humble, yet promising beginnings into an efficient and growing organization - perfection in progress.
