Cold Streak Fuels Strong Midseason Across Catskills Ski Slopes

Above photo: Belleayre Mountain’s slopes are in prime condition for skiing and riding, pictured here in early February. Photo by Andrew Bottomley. 

Plattekill Mountain’s slopes, as seen from the resort’s live webcam on Feb. 25.

WINDHAM – The “Blizzard of 2026” may not have left the Catskill Mountains with the multiple feet of snow it dumped on Long Island and the New York City region, but area ski and snowboard resorts are nonetheless in the midst of a monumental season. 

A historic cold streak and slightly above-average snowfall over the past few months mean the region’s major resorts — Plattekill Mountain, Belleayre Mountain, Windham Mountain Club and Hunter Mountain — are experiencing peak midseason conditions heading into March. 

“Snow conditions are stellar right now after a cold season and two big snowstorms,” said Erin Campbell, communications coordinator for Windham Mountain Club. 

She said Windham is experiencing one of its strongest stretches of the season to date. “To be more technical, it’s packed powder and powder conditions. Base depth is sitting around 54 inches,” Campbell said. 

Windham’s skiing and riding terrain is 100% open — all 54 trails across nearly 284 acres. The same is true throughout the region. As of Feb. 25, Belleayre also had 100% of its terrain open. Hunter had 70 of its 71 trails open; only its snow tubing park was closed. Plattekill is closed midweek, though on Monday, Feb. 23, only one trail and its terrain park were closed. 

The cold, wintry conditions show no sign of stopping soon — good news for resorts and for area skiers and riders. While early March typically brings the onset of “spring skiing” conditions in the Catskills, the National Weather Service is forecasting below-freezing overnight temperatures for the next week. That means deep snow and extensive coverage should stick around longer than usual this season. 

Activities at the resorts are also going strong. Windham’s event calendar includes après-ski music on The Patio every Saturday, featuring a DJ from 1 to 4 p.m., followed by live music after the lifts close. On March 15, Windham will host its annual Mash and Bash terrain park event. On the weekend of March 22, the resort will hold a 1980s-themed celebration and its annual pond skim. 

Campbell also noted significant upgrades at Windham this season. “Our terrain parks got a massive revamp this year. There are more than 60 features across three parks,” she said. 

Windham has also enhanced its slopeside dining with the additions of Seasons Mexicana, a modern Mexican cuisine restaurant, and Okami, an “elevated” sit-down sushi restaurant. 

Over at Plattekill in Roxbury, the resort’s Feb. 23 trail report declared, “We have AMAZING CONDITIONS on the slopes … and they just got EVEN BETTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!” following 6 inches of new snow from Winter Storm Hernando. Another recent trail report noted, “Watch for snow drifts … the snow on some trails is DEEP,” highlighting strong coverage across its varied terrain. 

Known for its independent, family-owned atmosphere, Plattekill continues to emphasize quality snowmaking, a classic Catskills ski experience and regular live music for the après-ski scene. Upcoming events include the Winterfest ski patrol fundraiser on March 7 and the all-day St. Platty’s Day celebration on March 14. 

In Highmount, Belleayre’s Feb. 25 snow report began: “We are 100% OPEN with packed powder conditions across the entire mountain.” Belleayre is reporting a base depth of 60 to 100 inches and total season-to-date snowfall of 92 inches. 

Upcoming promotions at Belleayre include a Mogul Mash competition on March 7 and the St. Patrick’s Day-themed “Green, Luck & Leprechaun Weekend” on March 14-15. The $10 Local Days promotion offers $10 lift tickets, $10 rentals and $10 one-hour introductory beginner group lessons every Friday from March 6-27. 

Meanwhile, Hunter continues to serve as a major draw in the northern Catskills, known for its expansive terrain and strong snowmaking capabilities. Hunter is hosting a “Mini World Cup” kids racing series on March 15 and a “Women in Powder” weekend March 14-15 in celebration of Women’s History Month. 

With fresh snowfall at Plattekill, full mountain access at Belleayre, deep packed powder at Windham and steady operations at Hunter, the Catskills are well-positioned for a strong late-winter stretch, offering dependable snow conditions and a full calendar of events for skiers and riders alike. 

This story was created by student reporters through the OnNY Community Media Lab, a program of SUNY Oneonta and the SUNY Institute for Local News.