While the Catskills has a very simple, rustic feel, there are sumptuous experiences nestled within the region, especially for the avid skier. Opulent accommodations, relaxing spas and gourmet restaurants await you amongst beautiful landscape and country scenery. To help skiers plan their ultimate luxury getaway, here are some great suggestions:
Hunter Mountain & Kaatskill Mountain Club
Offering something for everyone, Hunter Mountain showcases a variety of ski trails and snow activities. There are 58 trails, with 30% beginner, 30% intermediate, advanced 27% and 13% expert. Additionally, the mountain’s ability to make its own snow for the entire mountain allows for extremely reliable snow conditions. If you’re looking to improve, Hunter offers a range of options, including private lessons for all ages, group lessons and Progression Sessions, group lessons with special topic focuses like Extreme Snowboarding and Paralell Skiing. For the truly adventurous, there is the Empire Terrain Park featuring barrel rails, fun boxes and other trick props. And if you want to take a break from skiing, opt to snowtube or take on their zip-line, North America’s longest and highest zip-line at nearly 600 feet high and over four miles of line.
When it’s time to relax, Hunter Mountain showcases the exclusive High Peaks Club to their members, which includes premier slopeside parking, spacious lockers, showers, a business center, cable TV, internet access, gourmet coffee bar, separate children’s lounge and concierge service. Non-members can also enjoy their downtime by sampling foods from their many restaurants, like Santini’s Pizza, Plaza Cafe, Jerry’s Deli, Japanese Sushi Bar and more.
For a luxurious stay, book a room at Kaatskill Mountain Club. Featuring a variety of studios as well as one-, two- and three-bedroom guestrooms – many with fireplaces and Jacuzzis – you may never leave your room. Indulge in the hotel’s opulent spa, hot tubs and a heated pool you can enter from the inside. Their onsite restaurant Van Winkles offers freshly made dishes and a diverse drink selection in a casual fine dining atmosphere. After hitting the slopes, indulge in a Shiatsu Massage, a holistic curative treatment that focuses on stimulating acupressure points balance the mind, body and soul. Get fit in their health club or outdoor Fitness Trail, or unwind in the steam room or sauna. Before booking your stay, make sure to also check out what ski and stay promotions they are running to take advantage of excellent deals.
Windham Mountain & Albergo Allegria
At Windham Mountain, visitors have access to 49 trails — 30% beginner, 40% intermediate and 30% difficult — as well as fiveterrain parks and the opportunity for night skiing. Visitors can also practice high-flying aerials on North America’s first Big Air Bag, flinging themselves on the Euro Bungy, sliding down 650-foot lanes on snow tubes, ice skating, zip-lining, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and of course, skiing. With a summit elevation of 3,100 feet, there are plenty of opportunities for aerial views. Additionally, the mountain offers world-class amenities. A customer-friendly flow allows guests to get their food quickly during the lunch rush in the Mountain Express cafeteria, while a ski valet makes carrying your gear easier. Additionally, their dedication to snow quality ensures you’re always riding on the best powder possible. Before booking your trip, check their passes and saver cards to make your trip more affordable. For example, their Triple Play Card allows guests to ski for three days for $139, while their Six Pack Card allows for any six days of skiing for $349.
If you’re looking for pure luxury, The Windham Spaallows guests to enjoy indulgent treatments for men and women. The “Healing Manuka Honey Facial” is a popular choice for those who want to invigorate and hydrate skin, while the “Synergy Massage” combines cupping, hot stone, Ayurvedic kansa and Italian marble rolling. There is also The Club, which allows members to enjoy gourmet food and drinks with a view in a private, opulent space. Membership also allows guests to enjoy free ski valets, private entrances, valet parking, oversized lockers and concierge services.
For a luxurious stay, opt for the Albergo Allegria, a perfect mix of charming bed and breakfast and luxury hotel. Hosts ensure each guest receives individualized attention, as well as comfortable accommodations and a hot hearty breakfast. Opt for a room with a Jacuzzi and fireplace for added opulence.
Additionally, the property’s location two minutes from the mountain and walking distance from Windham Outfitters makes this a prime accommodation choice.
Belleayre Mountain & Diamond Mills Hotel
Featuring 2,193 acres, a verticle drop of 1,404 and 55 trails parks and glades — 22% beginner, 58% intermediate and 20% expert — as well as a terrain park, two progression parks and mogul trails, there is much to experience at Belleayre Mountain. In fact, the mountain’s commitment since the begining has been to provide a fun and worthwhile skiing area for families as well as extremem skiers. Choose from four lodges offering dining, drinks, gear rentals, lessons and even Wi-Fi for those who want to relax and surf the web. A variety of programs make learning to ski and snowboard easy and fun. While group and private clinics are for people aged 8-adult, adult workshops are geared toward those 18 and up and Kidscamp, Alpine Development, Holiday Alpine Camp, Race Program, Freestyle Program and Holiday Freestyle Camp are for those 18 and younger. Moreover, while Belleayre is well-known for its excellent grooming and snowmaking ability, they give guests the right to return their day passes by 10am for a voucher for another day of skiing or riding if the snow does not meet their expectations.
For a luxurious stay opt for Diamond Mills Hotel, a luxury boutique property offering 30 guest rooms all with private balconies and waterfall views.
Although there are two room categories — the multi-level Tower Suites and single-level Esopus Suites — all guests can expect a wide range of sumptuous amenities like fresh cream deliveries each morning, radiant heated bathroom floors, oversized showers, Egyptian cotton sheets and a decadent turndown service featuring fresh flowers and chocolates created by their in-house Master Baker. In the morning guest can also enjoy the Master Bakers fresh baked pastries, while those looking for an evening nibble can head to the hotel’s restaurant, The Tavern, for a wine and cheese social happening every evening from 5pm. Additionally, the hotel staff understand the importance of customer service. Whether you simply want advice on things to do in the area or soy milk at 4am Diamond Mills will make it happen. It’s boutique luxury at its finest.
