Why Plattekill?

I first read about Plattekill during a snow drought years ago. The image of the triple chair and snow-starved front face in the New York Times piqued my interest. My father and his buddies used to ski there in the 1960s. I grew up skiing Windham, Belleayre and Hunter (maturing in Killington in the 80s).

While buying honey at Traphagen's in Hunter, the German-born beekeeper told us what he thought of Plattekill: "ya, it's good and steep."

We set aside some time soon afterward and we skied it later in the season. We loved it! If more snowmaking made sense, we'd probably figure out how to grab a season ticket.

Now that our kids are skiing from top to bottom, we try to go at least once a year. We tell all our friends. To some, it's the Mad River Glen of the Catskills. I've talked to others who "do a pilgrimage" every year.

Besides the nice old-school Eastern trails, there's a wonderful rustic lodge and cool bar upstairs. All the people are genuine and very helpful.