New York Ski Areas are Getting Ready for the 2024-25 Ski Season
Ski Areas in New York have invested Millions of Dollars in Upgrades Focusing on Snowmaking and Upgrading Lifts and Facilities
Jamesville, NY (November 6, 2024): Ski areas in New York this past summer have been making a ton of upgrades focusing on improving snowmaking and installing or upgrading lifts at the ski area. They will be continuing work while the snowflakes fly too. Here’s a summary of what’s new at ski areas around the State.
Belleayre Mountain, Highmount NY: Belleayre has been adding automation to their slopes with 20 fully automated SMI Polecat fan guns on one of their popular trails, Dot Nebel. This upgrade will let them produce more snow in less time and effort as they can fine-tune each gun remotely based on the conditions it reads at their position. They also replaced 30,000 feet of snowmaking pipe this past summer too.
Belleayre has renovated their Discovery Lodge by adding over 28,000 square feet to the facility. They are putting in a new rental center with the second floor featuring more open seating. They have added restrooms, expanded their kitchen and serving area as well.
On the mountain they put in a new novice learning area near their gondola that will feature a conveyor lift with a mellow consistent grade for first time skiers and boarders. This area will also be open for the entire season as it is located on top of the mountain. They have also added a maintenance garage for the gondola cabins at the top terminal for easier servicing.
Find out more about Belleayre Mountain at belleayre.com.
Catamount Resort, Hillsdale NY: Catamount has been busy upgrading their snowmaking systems with replacing three miles of snowmaking pipe and repositioning 50 snowguns. Also, they added new snowmaking to two trails and new valve houses for the snowmaking system. Catamount also re-built their lift 5 with new haul rope, chairs and ramps for loading and unloading along with a control system. They also constructed a new outdoor stage for their summer concert series too.
Learn more about Catamount Resort at catamountski.com.
Four Seasons Ski Center, Fayetteville NY: Four Seasons added a new TechnoAlpin TF10 snowmaking gun to expand snowmaking and they also added more rental equipment for daily and seasonal rentals.
Find out more about Four Seasons at fourseasonsgolfandski.com.
Gore Mountain, North Creek NY: At Gore Mountain is working on a new 18,300 square foot lodge at the North Creek Ski Bowl which will include a restaurant and two levels of outdoor patios. Continuing at the Ski Bowl they are adding a new detachable quad lift to service all levels of ski trails. They are also replacing all the Northwoods Gondola cabins with updated ski racks to accommodate modern equipment.
Learn more about Gore Mountain at goremountain.com.
Greek Peak Mountain Resort, Cortland NY: At Greek Peak they have spent nearly $700K and they are in a three-year plan to replace all rental equipment. Also, they have put in new snowmaking pipe and airlines on its castor trail. They have also widened the Castor Connection trail for safer merging. They have added more hydrants for more snowmaking and terrain coverage. They also install new air and water lines on Cristy’s Run too.
Greek Peak invested over $50K on lift improvements including new top bull wheel bearings on their Visions Quad and Chair 1. They rebuilt Chair 2’s electric motor and regraded the top and bottom of Chair 3 for easier loading and unloading.
Greek Peak added 12 new HKD snowguns for the tubing center for full lane coverage from top to bottom.
Also added are new hand ticket scanners for easy lift access that complement their online purchasing portal this lets them move away from onsite ticket windows. They also are now a cashless resort too. This lets the guest purchase online so they can head straight to the lift when arriving to get more time on the slopes.
Find out more about Greek Peak Mountain Resort at greekpeak.net.
Hickory Ski Center, Burnt Hills NY: At Hickory Ski Center they are partnering with IndyPass this year for acceptance at the resort. They are also working on bringing their ski patrol back and work on the upper slopes with brush clearing. Hickory depends on all-natural snow, and they are ready to open when they get at least 6 inches of fresh snow on the slopes. Hickory has a variety of season pass offerings as well with youth 17 and under can get a free all mountain pass too.
Learn more about Hickory Ski Center at skihickory.com.
Holiday Mountain, Monticello NY: At Holiday Mountain they have been busy with over $5MM in improvements and upgrades this year. They have added 3 new trails with one of them being the steepest called “Hackledam” in the Catskills. Holiday Mountain also installed a newly rebuilt quad chair over 2,700 feet long. They have also has been working on their snowmaking systems by adding 100 HKD stick and 23 SMI tower fan guns. Also added were several HKD portable snow guns too. To go along with that they added over 6 miles of snowmaking pipe, a fourth water pump and an additional large air compressor was brought in too.
Holiday Mountain purchased a used PistenBully winch groomer too. Also added were 3 miles of fiberoptic cable for various applications and put in a new race trail with Giant Slalom races and timing to go with that. They also added lights to three new trails and replacing dozens of other lights to expand night skiing. Holiday Mountain put in new electrical upgrades, upgraded and re-opened parking areas and updated the learning center for “terrain-based learning” as well.
Find out more about Holiday Mountain at skiholidaymtn.com.
Holiday Valley Resort, Ellicottville NY: Holiday Valley has invested into their snowmaking infrastructure this past summer as they replaced and upgraded snowmaking lines and added 23 snowmaking guns on their Mardi Gras trail. They also added snowmaking to the School Haus East section of their beginner area too. Holiday Valley has also renovated rooms at The Inn and Tamarack Club as well.
Learn more about Holiday Valley Resort at holidayvalley.com.
Holimont, Ellicottville NY: At Holimont they too have been working on snowmaking with over 4.000 feet of new snowmaking pipe installed. They also made improvements to the pump and electrical infrastructure to their snowmaking system. Holimont also added four new bike trails for a total of 20 and installed an 18-hole tournament level Disc Golf course.
Find out more about Holimont at Holimont.com.
Hunter Mountain, Hunter NY: Hunter has put in new state-of-the-art automated snowmaking on three classic trails, Belt Parkway, Clair’s Way, and Way Out. According to Hunter Mountain this project will accelerate the resort’s ability to open terrain earlier in the season, helping to disperse skier traffic; provide greater efficiency to rebuild snow bases later in the season, particularly during periods of volatile weather; and allow for better connection of Hunter North and Hunter West more directly and earlier in the season.
Also, Hunter has put in a new high-speed, 6-person chair has replaced the existing 4-person fixed-grip Broadway Lift and is designed to reduce wait times at one of the mountain’s most popular lifts while increasing uphill capacity, making it even easier for guests to access the terrain they want. This upgrade increases uphill capacity by 55%.
Hunter has replaced their 2-person fixed-grip E lift with the 4-person fixed-grip Broadway Lift setting up the Otis Quad. This increases uphill capacity and ensuring guests have more time to learn new skills and explore terrain.
Hunter celebrates their 65th Anniversary in 2025. Hunter opened 65 years ago on January 9, 1960 with the original “B” Lift in operation. Hunter Mountain has a history of innovation and leadership in the industry, from being the first ski resort in New York to install snowmaking; to being the first in the world to feature both top-to-bottom snowmaking and have 100% coverage of the mountain; and to being the first in the U.S. to install an automated snowmaking system.
Hunter also has a commitment to zero net operating footprint by 2030. In 2023, they reached 100% renewable electricity in North America and decreased waste to landfill by nearly 6.1 million pounds enterprise-wide. From snowmaking upgrades to new waste sorting, Hunter is further reducing emissions with energy-efficiency projects. Beginning with Oktoberfest, Hunter is adding sorting stations to better manage waste streams, and at this year’s event our collectors cup will be made of reusable recycled material. Throughout the 24/25 winter season, Hunter will continue expanding sorting stations resort wide.
Check out more information about Hunter Mountain at huntermtn.com.
Kissing Bridge, Colden NY: Kissing Bridge has new ownership, and they have been hard at word expanding snowmaking on several trails to double the amount of snowmaking from last season on those. They also purchased several new HKD snowguns for their Central slopes.
Kissing Bridge also put in 15 miles of mountain biking trails with more to be added. They also added a mobile rock wall for three different climbs from easy to difficult.
Learn more about Kissing Bridge at kbski.com.
Labrador Mountain, Truxton NY: Labrador has added new hill lighting, upgraded their rental fleet, as well as updated their snowmaking system with snowmaking pipe and snow gun upgrades. They also put in a new club house at the north locker room and added new trail signs.
Find out more about Labrador Mountain at skicny.com.
Lapland Lake Cross Country and Vacation Center, Northville NY: Lapland Lake has installed snowmaking
McCauley Mountain, Old Forge NY: McCauley has replaced their long-time double chair with a previously owned fixed-grip triple chair. They also upgraded their snowmaking with a new air compressor for their first step in a three-phase snowmaking upgrade plan.
McCauley has also put a new 3-sided deck at their chalet covering over 1,600 square feet. Also added are outdoor fire pits for warming up outside and they are putting a new magic carpet lift too. Finally their long time Mountain Manager Steve Uzdavinis is retiring after 27 years of heading the ski area. Long time Mountain Manager Kevin Kress will be taking over.
Find out more about McCauley Mountain at mccauleyny.com.
Mount Peter, Warwick NY: Mount Peter has invested in a Latitude 90 snowmaking system that can make snow even when it’s not freezing outside. This will let them make snow anytime and dial in the perfect snowflake size to keep snow around longer. The system can make 156 cubic yards of snow in 24 hours with 11 gallons of water. The system is remotely controlled too.
Mount Peter is putting in a brand-new lodge at the tubing area for warming up, getting something to eat and parties too. The lodge will also be available in the summer too for parties and showers.
Learn more about Mount Peter at mtpeter.com.
Oak Mountain, Speculator NY: At Oak Mountain they have put in housing for up to 15 employees on site. The also extended their Sunkid carpet lift by 30 feet for easier beginner access. Oak also as added more skis to their rental fleet and more snowguns for more snowmaking.
Find out more about Oak Mountain at oakmountainski.com.
Peek ‘n Peak Resort, Clymer NY: At Peek ‘n peak they have installed an all-new access card for lift access replacing paper tickets. RFID chips are in the cards and season passes and it allows for online purchases and direct to lift access.
Find out more at by visiting pknpk.com.
Plattekill Mountain, Plattekill NY: At Plattekill Mountain they have added a new trail called “Whiskeys Way” for intermediate skiers for a total of 41 ski trails. They have added 13 new snowguns and 3,500 feet of new snowmaking pipe with electrical upgrades. Plattekill has added a new winch cat for snow grooming too.
Plattekill has a new online retail store for their swag with new designs and put in new carpet in the entire lodge! They have also partnered with 37 mountains for free and discounted tickets with the purchase of Plattekill Mountain season pass which also includes “Platty Perks” for discounts at local businesses. Their season pass has new “Buddy Passes” for passholders to bring a friend on any Friday and Sunday for 50% off a ticket for their friend (non-holiday). Plattekill also put in new electric charging stations for guests with electric cars too.
Find out more about Plattekill Mountain at plattekill.com.
Royal Mountain, Caroga Lake NY: At Royal Mountain they have upgraded their groomers and snowmaking too.
Learn more about Royal Mountain at royalmountain.com.
SKI NY, Jamesville: The SKI NY Free for Kids Passport Program added 5th graders to the program and now is now for 3rd – 5th grade. With over 25 ski areas participating this season kids can ski free up to 2 times at each participating ski area when an adult purchases a lift ticket their child. There is a $45 application fee, but the skiing is free for the kids. Details and application at iskiny.com.
Snow Ridge, Turin NY: At Snow Ridge they are continuing their implementation of a $1M snowmaking master plan with the addition of two new fully automated TechnoAlpin Fan Snowguns. Also, they have been working on various lift upgrades including a new communication system on their Ridge Runner Chair. Snow Ridge has added new terrain park features on their Arsenal trail. They also performed a full renovation of their Wax House Café and the Tavern230 space has been renovated and leased to the “Loony Goony Gastropub”.
Learn more about Snow Ridge at snowridge.com.
Song Mountain, Tully: At Song Mountain they added new lighting on the hill along with snowmaking pipe and snowguns upgrades. They also upgraded their ski and snowboard rental fleet and heating upgrades in the main lodge. Song also did extensive remodeling in and out of the Thunderbird Lodge club.
Find out more about Song Mountain at skicny.com.
Swain Resort, Swain NY: At Swain they have invested in a new more user-friendly website and signage throughout the resort. They also invested over $30K on more efficient snowguns too. Swain put in $10K worth on new carpeting om various areas in the lodge including the race room and shop.
Swain has added hearts for the homeless donation box to the parking lot for gently used apparel to be donated. In this vein they have also donated over $8,500 to the Swain community. Swain also added an “Adopt a Family Program” which they take nominations for a family to win a season pass with rentals and three lessons for each family member. Swain is now providing discounts for families purchasing more than one ski camp registration.
Find out more about Swain Resort at swain.com.
Titus Mountain, Malone NY: At Titus they installed three new snowmaking pumps which increases their snowmaking by 40%. They also dredged their snowmaking pond and added over four miles of electrical for snowmaking on their upper mountain and backside of Chair 1.
Titus also added a built-in stage at the upper lodge for larger events as well as new beer tap lines on the upper and lower mountain. Bathrooms in the upper lodge have been renovated too. Titus has also hired a new assistant General Manager, Jason Stepnoski, who is a long-time patron of Titus Mountain.
Learn more about Titus Mountain at titusmountain.com.
West Mountain, Queenbsbury NY: At West Mountain they have been cleaning up the ski trails as well the buildings and grounds too. They have expanded their mountain bike trails and added new programs and events. West also hired a new head of outdoor operations from California and lift mechanic from Alaska too. At West they are also continuing progress on their Woods of West Mountain Development.
Find out more about West Mountain at westmountain.com.
Whiteface Mountain, Wilmington NY: At Whiteface they installed a new patio outside the Bear Den Learning Center with environmentally friendly in-ground heating. The have also put in new snowmaking pipe and tower snowguns on three of their popular trails as well as adding a new Snomax injection system for boosting snowmaking output in warmer temperatures.
Whiteface installed new haul rope on the Cloudsplitter Gondola and added a new winch capably PistenBully 600 snow cat for handling grooming on the steep trails.
Learn more about Whiteface Mountain at whiteface.com.
Windham Mountain Club, Windham NY: Windham Mountain Club has added several additional improvements for the 24/25 season following last year's transformative rebranding and investments, continuing to reimagine the mountain as a world-class, year-round destination and New York's premier public-private mountain resort and membership club.
Windham Mountain Club continues invest heavily into enhancing snowmaking capabilities including automating two of their trails, “Why Not?” and “What’s Next?”. This included 47 new snow guns on the “Why Not?” trail and 18 rebuilt and refurbished fan guns on “Warmup”. With the automation Windham Mountain Club notes that they can make snow at every available opportunity and keep the mountain in “great shape”.
Windham Mountain Club now has upgraded their groomers with SNOWsat LiDAR technology. They report that this system can measure snow depth up to 165 feet Infront and to the side of the vehicle on a surface up to 28,000 square feet. This lets the groomer operator move snow to spots with little snow cover early on. Windham Mountain Club notes that in ensures best slope quality for the guest with enhanced productivity for groomer operator with less cost and increased work and operating safety.
Windham Mountain Club equipment tuning shop as upgraded to a state-of-the-art ski and snowboard “Jupiter” Wintersteiger tuning machine; a fully-automated service system as well.
Windham Mountain Club also has been working of public amentias including expansive renovations in the lobby area serving Tickets and Passes, Guest Services, and Membership/future Real Estate Sales which is known as “The Lobby”. Also they will be opening “The Shop” which is a one-stop-shopping experience offering upscale retail and performance equipment, rentals, boot fitting, demo equipment (public) as well as members-only excursions.
Windham Mountain Club also added a new casual Italian market at mid-mountain know as “Rocco’s” for skiers and riders to get a grab-and-go lunch or a midafternoon glass of wine during the ski season.
Windham Mountain Club also has added “Peaks” which a coffee bar at the top of Windham Mountain Club which will be selling coffee, pastries and hot beverages. It’s public-facing and offers skiers sweeping views of the Catskill. They have also added live music programming at “Seasons” including the addition of Friday night’s après-ski music. Windham Mountain Club also has added Sushi too at their foodhall with “Okami by Mr. Lee” as well.
Windham Mountain Club has a partnership for members lodging during the 2024-25 ski season with “The Henson”, a new luxury boutique hotel in the Catskills.
For members only at Windham Mountain Club they have a state-of-the-art fitness center and a Spa and Wellness facility. A dedicated adventure concierge for personalized outdoor experiences, including year-round guided hikes and memorable summer activities such as guided horseback riding, fly fishing, and a clay shooting range are available for members. Windham Mountain Club notes that members-only dining options such as “Cin Cin!” which is an Italian Alps-inspired mid-mountain restaurant, and the Windham Grill are available as well.
Find out more at windhammountainclub.com.
Woods Valley Ski Area, Westernville NY: Woods Valley has spent over $325,000 in upgrades and improvements including a new water pump to help increase snowmaking capacity. Also, part of that they added 5 new HKD Impulse snowguns too along with padding as well. They have also worked on updates to their new lodge including an exterior set of stairs to allow easy access to the upper patio. Other updates include new carpeting and outdoor furniture as well. Patrons will also find a smoother ride into the parking lot as their main driveway was repaved.
Woods Valley also widened some trails for aiding in better snowmaking. They have also added a new point of sale system which includes access control too. Coming late this fall will be a new website and updated trail map as well.
Find out more about Woods Valley at woodsvalleyskiarea.com.
About SKI NY
Ski Areas of New York, Inc. is dedicated to the continued growth of the New York snow sports industry by working on behalf of its membership to promote fair legislation, develop marketing programs, create educational opportunities and enhance the public awareness of snow sports throughout the State and region. Connect with ISKINY online at www.iskiny.com, www.facebook.com/ISKINY, and www.instagram.com/i_ski_ny/.
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