Belleayre

181 Galli Curci Rd.
Highmount, N.Y. 12441
845-254-5600
belleayre.com

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Some skiers think Belleayre, with its rural ambience and down-home flavor, is what skiing used to be before corporations got involved. The area is owned by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and the casual, friendly spirit on the mountain hasn't changed much since it opened in 1949. Everything about the mountain is impressive, including its 3,429-foot summit; the 171 skiable acres; the extremely reasonable lift ticket and rental prices; and its close proximity to the metro New York area.

MOUNTAIN INFO

Base elevation: 2,025 feet
Summit: 3,325 feet
Vertical drop: 1,404 feet
Skiable acres: 171
Number of lifts: 8 lifts (1 detachable high speed quad; 1 fixed grip quad, 1 triple chair, 2 double chairs, 3 handle tows)
Number of trails: 47
Trail breakdown: 22 percent beginner, 58 percent intermediate, 20 percent expert
Snow-making capability: 96 percent of skiable acres

HOURS

Lodges open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; lifts operate 9 a.m- 4 p.m. daily.

PRICING

Adult (18-61) weekend-holiday $48, midweek $39, weekend half day $38, midweek half $30; Senior (62-69) $38, $34, $33, $29; Junior (13-17) $38, $34, $33, $29; Youth (6-12) $32, $29, $26, $22; Under 5 years, $5; Over 70 years, free.

Season pass
Adult (18-61), $676 purchased on or before Nov.30; $726 after Nov. 30. Junior (6-17) $170-$220; Senior (62-70) $585-$635; College student $199-$249. Ski area offers various Family Pack Season passes, Frequent Skier Card, and midweek season passes.

Rental rates
Skis-snowboard, boots, poles, adult, 1-day $30; junior $22

Lessons
Beginner group ski-snowboard clinic, $12 adult, $10 kids; higher level $27; private clinic $60; all day private clinic $300.

Special deals and packages
Learn to Ski 1,2,3 Package: Learn to Ski or Ride program includes three days of lift tickets, beginner lessons and rentals, $110. Lessons can be taken any time during 2007-08 season, and they do not have to be taken on consecutive days.

OTHER SNOW ACTIVITIES

Snowboarding parks and half-pipe: All trails open to snowboarders; terrain park, halfpipe, bordercross, junior jib park.
Cross-country skiing: 9.2 km. cross country trails.

FOR THE KIDS

Kids programs and day care: Weekend kids camp; Alpine Development and Race Program, ages 7-17; child care ages 1-6, $37 full day, $32 half day, $14 hourly.
OFF-SITE LODGING

Alpine Osteria Bed and Breakfast: This 7-room property is not quite on the mountain, but you can't get much closer. On the Belleayre access road, about 1-minute driving time from the lower lodge, the B&B offers Jacuzzi-tubs, fireplaces, various room sizes and decor, and an excellent breakfast. 32 Gallicurci Rd., Highmount, N.Y. 12441; 845-254-9851.

Northland Motel and Restaurant: Two-bedroom suites, efficiency units and motel rooms; 2 miles to Belleayre. 1261 Main St., Fleischmanns, N.Y. 12430; 845-254-5125.

Cafe de Paris Bed and Breakfast: Victorian suites, gourmet breakfast, 7 miles to Belleayre. 520 Main St., Margaretville NY 12455; 845-586-1000.

Full Moon Resort & Cabins: On 100 acres of fields, forests and streams, guest rooms, cottages, home-cooked breakfasts and dinners; 10 miles to Belleayre. Valley View Road, Big Indian, N.Y. 12410, 845-254-5117.

Hanah Mountain Resort and Country Club: Fifty rooms, views, balconies, indoor pool and outdoor Jacuzzi; 10 miles to Belleayre. 576 West Hubbell Hill Rd., Margaretville, N.Y. 12455; 800-752-6494.

ON-SITE FOOD AND DRINK

Overlook Lodge, food court in lodge; Sandella's and Austin Blue's BBQ, 2,541 feet elevation; Discovery Lodge, food court in lodge, 2,025 feet elevation; Sunset Lodge, one of the highest lodges in New York, at 3,325 feet.

OFF-SITE FOOD AND DRINK

Binnekill Square Restaurant: Swiss and American cuisine, cocktail lounge; Binnekill Square, Main Street, Margaretville, N.Y. 12455; 845-586-4884.

Catskill Seasons Inn Restaurant: Seafood, steaks, lamb, duck, jumbo burgers; 178 Route 42, Shandaken, N.Y. 12480; 845-688-2505.

Pine Hill Arms Restaurant: Casual fine dining, prime rib and pecan-crusted seabass; 225 Main St., Pine Hill, N.Y. 12465; 845-254-4012.

Full Moon Cafe: Buffet breakfasts, dinners, acoustic performances evenings. Valley View Road, Big Indian, N.Y. 12410; 845-254-5117.

Copyright © 2008, Newsday Inc.

From Virginia to Maine, find the best places to ski in our new guide.

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From Virginia to Maine, find the best places to ski in our new guide.