Ring In Winter Close To Home In The Great Western Catskills

DELHI, NY (11/19/2010)(readMedia)-- Folks are hoping that this winter season's snowfall is on par with last year's amazing records. Many New York area skiers have learned that staying close to home and driving to the Catskills is far better than getting on a plane and heading west. It's time to reacquaint skiers with one of the East coasts' best kept secrets – Plattekill Mountain in the Great Western Catskills. As long as mother nature provides cold nights, Plattekill skiers will be satisfied with all the snow making that'll be going on at the mountain.

Getting to know a ski mountain and make it your favorite requires a few visits. Do I like the mountain? The lodging options? Can I do other things besides skiing? Here's some insight into the family mountain that rocks. Plattekill is situated in Roxbury, NY tops out at 3,500 feet in elevation making it the highest peek on the western edge of the Catskills capturing all that weather flow off the plains and lake effect storms. You'll find 1,100 vertical feet of downhill glory, serviced by three lifts, with the longest trail topping off at 2 miles. The resort rounds out its offerings with ski school, lodge with three levels with fireplaces, cafeteria, bar, child care, and of course, tubing. Here's some new additions for the 2010-2011 season.

• Another NEW BOMBARDIER GROOMER has been added to the fleet to make for fantastic surface conditions all winter!

• MORE SNOW MAKING (22 more tower-mounted guns to be exact) to make for MORE SNOW on the trails faster! That's almost 100 guns total!!

• SEVERAL base lodge improvements including a new outdoor covered grill food service area!

• EXPANDED children's Ski School programs offering NEW "SNOW TIGERS" program featuring advanced level lesson packages for kids ages 4-7 years with a 2-1 student-teacher ratio!

• INCREASED AGE on our FREE "CHILD" ticket. Kids 7 & UNDER now SKI FREE ALL SEASON!

• EXPANDED terrain park we'll be adding to it for a great riding season.

There are two reasons people who love skiing, ski here. The first is that Plattekill is an incredibly family friendly mountain. No crowds, relaxed atmosphere and the personal touch make everyone feel at home. The other reason is that people who love skiing, love skiing on Plattekill's trails. They're challenging for serious skiers, fun for boarders, and there's plenty of them for all.

Incentive pricing is also available this coming year through Plattekill's Value Club Card - only $59!! For this great price you get: (1) FREE ANYTIME Lift Ticket, $10 OFF Weekends*, 50% OFF Fridays*, $5 OFF Holidays. The Value Club Card can be purchased for adults, juniors, students or seniors and is valid for the individual purchaser only, non-transferable. Discounts are applicable to full-day ticket price based on age of purchaser. *Check website for holiday blackout dates.

A number of nearby lodging facilities and private home rentals have partnered with Plattekill Mountain to offer money-saving packages. The most popular offering is the Kids Ski Free option. When visitors stay with a participating lodging facility, children 17 and under will receive one free lift ticket for each paid adult ticket (limit two). For families with more than two kids or with no kids Plattekill has a great new buy one get one BOGO discount. Buy your lift tickets for Saturday and get Sunday's lift ticket free. Plus they have increased the Kids Ski Free age to 7 and under.

Signing up for e-blasts from the tourism office at www.greatwesterncatskills.com and from Plattekill Mountain www.plattekill.com will keep you up to date on the great offerings and ski conditions in our area. The ski area is open Friday-Sunday from 8:45 a.m.-4:15 p.m. Plattekill will also be open daily during the week between Christmas and New Years as well as in February for the Presidents' Week holiday. Saturday nights are especially exciting with snow tubing available from 5-9 p.m and every night during holiday weeks.

If your winter adventure tastes are more leisurely, Delaware County has many fine cross-country skiing and snowshoeing options. The local favorite cross-country or snowshoe route is the 19-mile rail bed known as the Catskill Scenic Trail. Use of the trail is free. This expanse of flat terrain is maintained during the winter by the snowmobile club members. Snowshoes can be rented at Plattekill Mountain and cross country skis can be rented in Highmount. For additional information on the rail trail visit www.catskillscenictrail.org.

Great Western Catskills Tourism

The Great Western Catskills is an easy day trip from New York City metro area, Albany, or Binghamton and a great weekend getaway or vacation destination for all. To learn more about outdoor resources, Stay-and-Play Packages or any other activities in the western Catskills, log on to: www.greatwesterncatskills.com. For events in the area visit www.delawarecountytoday.com.