Belleayre Ski Center, in Catskill Park, New York, United States, is a ski resort owned and operated by the Olympic Regional Development Authority or ORDA. Skier and snowboarder visits have grown from 70,000 in 1995 to more than 175,000 in 2007.
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History
During the 1800s, Catskill and Adirondack deforestation had created massive siltation of New York City harbor and imperiled shipping up the Hudson River. In 1855 New York became one of the first states to create constitutionally-designated "Forever Wild" preserves to prevent environmental and economic harms, to create a desperately needed water supply for New York City. In 1947, the people of New York passed a constitutional amendment by referendum to allow an intensive use ski center within this protected forever wild region.
Belleayre Mountain, located off State Route 28, 2-1/2 hours from New York City, was declared "Forever Wild" by the New York State Forest Preserve in 1885. Early on, skiers would side-step or hike their way more than 3,000 feet to the top of the wooded trails. Skiing enthusiasts in the 1940s pressured politicians to develop Belleayre for families and extreme skiers alike. In 1947, bills were introduced allowing the State of New York to create Belleayre Mountain.
Construction began in 1949, and Belleayre began its premier winter season with five trails, an electrically powered rope tow, New York's first chairlift, a summit lodge, a temporary base lodge with a cafeteria and dirt floors, and parking for 300. Belleayre was immediately popular among local residents and became center for winter sports in the region and an economic catalyst for surrounding communities. As business increased, Belleayre expanded its skiing terrain, adding 12 new trails, 3 lifts, and a new base lodge in the 1950s. Major expansions and technology and equipment upgrades continued in the following decades. The 1970s included the addition of snow making technology.
As of 2012, Belleayre has 55 trails, parks and glades and 8 lifts, including a High Speed Quad. It also has the Catskills' only Cat-access skiing. In November 2012, the resort was transferred from the NYS DEC to the Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA). ORDA also operates Gore and Whiteface Mountain ski resorts.
Belleayre Mountain Ski Resort Video
Trails and glades
Cross country trails
Belleayre Mountain cross country trails are separated from the downhill slopes. Cross-country trails have no trail use fee. Lessons for cross-country are available on weekends and holiday periods. There are 5 cross-country trails at Belleayre Mountain totaling 9.2 kilometers. Trail markings range from easy to difficult to accommodate all ability levels of cross-country skiers.
Lifts
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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