When the first real snowfall drapes the Catskills in white, something shifts. The mountains that were green and golden just weeks ago become a winter playground, and The Cedar Stock Cabin sits right in the middle of it all. Three excellent ski resorts — Hunter Mountain, Belleayre Mountain, and Windham Mountain — are each less than an hour from the cabin door. Whether you are a seasoned expert carving black diamonds at first light or a family making memories on gentle groomers, the Catskills deliver a ski experience that rivals anything in the Northeast, without the long drives or inflated prices of Vermont.
Hunter Mountain
Hunter Mountain is the flagship ski resort of the Catskills, and for good reason. Just thirty-five minutes from The Cedar Stock Cabin, Hunter offers 67 trails spread across three mountains with 1,600 feet of vertical drop — the most in the region. The snowmaking system is one of the most powerful in North America, covering 100 percent of skiable terrain and ensuring reliable conditions from late November through early April, regardless of what nature provides.
The terrain is well-distributed across ability levels, with long cruising runs for intermediates, dedicated learning areas for beginners, and genuinely challenging steeps and terrain parks for advanced riders. The Hunter North expansion added gladed runs and more natural-snow terrain that gives the mountain a backcountry feel. After a full day on the slopes, the base lodge and surrounding restaurants offer a lively apres-ski scene — grab a beer at Veronika's, warm up by the fire, and swap stories from the day.
Belleayre Mountain
Belleayre Mountain, about forty minutes from the cabin, offers a distinctly different experience from Hunter — and that is precisely its appeal. Owned and operated by New York State, Belleayre has more than 50 trails across a wide valley with stunning views of the surrounding Catskill peaks. The vibe here is relaxed and family-friendly, with shorter lift lines, gentler pricing, and a pace that invites you to enjoy the day rather than race through it.
The upper mountain terrain is no pushover, with some surprisingly steep pitches and consistent fall-line runs that advanced skiers will appreciate. But Belleayre really shines for intermediate skiers and families — the grooming is excellent, the learning programs are top-notch, and the lodge has the comfortable feel of a mountain that has not been overcommercialized. The Catskill Thunder gondola offers a scenic ride to the summit with views that stretch for miles across the valley. If you are looking for a chill, beautiful day of skiing without the crowds, Belleayre is your mountain.
Windham Mountain
A bit further afield at roughly fifty minutes from the cabin, Windham Mountain rounds out the Catskills ski trifecta with 54 trails, excellent grooming, and a slightly more upscale atmosphere. Windham is known for its impeccable trail maintenance — the corduroy here is legendary among northeastern skiers — and its wide, well-designed runs make it a favorite for confident intermediates who love to carve long, fast turns.
The mountain also boasts a strong terrain park program and a dedicated area for beginners that is genuinely separated from faster traffic. Windham's base area has a polished feel, with several good dining options and a well-appointed lodge. It is worth the slightly longer drive for a change of scenery, particularly on weekdays when you can enjoy nearly empty trails and uninterrupted runs from summit to base.
Cross-Country Skiing
Not everyone wants a lift ticket and a chairlide. For those who prefer the quiet rhythm of cross-country skiing, the Catskills offer excellent options. The Mountaintop area near Tannersville has groomed cross-country trails that wind through serene forests and open meadows. The Ashokan Rail Trail, beloved by hikers in warmer months, transforms into a beautiful cross-country route after a good snowfall, with reservoir views and gentle terrain perfect for classic or skate skiing. Closer to the cabin, many of the local forest roads and trails become informal cross-country routes when conditions cooperate — strap on your skis and explore the quiet winter woods right from your doorstep.
Tips for Your Ski Trip
Equipment Rentals
All three resorts offer full rental shops with modern equipment for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. If you prefer to skip the resort rental lines, several shops in the area — including Woodstock Ski Center and local outfitters — offer competitive rental packages. Book online in advance during holiday weeks to guarantee availability and save time.
Timing and Lift Tickets
Midweek skiing is the move in the Catskills. Monday through Friday, you will find dramatically shorter lift lines, lower ticket prices, and a more relaxed atmosphere at all three mountains. If you must ski on a weekend, arrive at the mountain by 8 AM to get first tracks before the day-trip crowds from New York City arrive around 10. All three resorts offer online ticket purchases at a discount — buying in advance is always cheaper than the window price.
Back at the Cabin
After a day on the mountain, The Cedar Stock Cabin is the perfect place to recover. Fire up the outdoor sauna and let the cedar-scented heat melt the cold from your bones. Stretch out on the sectional by the wood stove with a hot toddy. Cook a hearty dinner in the full kitchen — or better yet, pick up provisions from one of the excellent local restaurants on your way home. There is something deeply satisfying about the rhythm of a ski vacation from the cabin: cold air, hard turns, then warmth, quiet, and mountain views through the windows as the day fades.