Cold mornings, big mountain views and Thanksgiving ski dreams.
You know winter is close when the snow shovel comes out before the holiday decorations.
Here at Alpine Four Season Lodge, we’re ready. The salt is stocked, the heat is gearing up for its winter workout, and we keep glancing at Belleayre with the same question: Are we skiing yet?
It happens fast in the Catskills. One minute you’re photographing the last autumn leaves. The next, you’re hunting for the other glove. Always the other glove.
A Quiet November Weekend? Nobody Got the Memo.
We thought this past weekend might slow down. It didn’t.
It started cold and rainy, the kind of weather that makes a second cup of coffee a smart life decision. But the guests kept coming, the restaurants were packed and the lodge was humming with that happy energy people bring when they finally get away.
Then Sunday broke clear, and out came the cameras. Light pouring across the mountains, dramatic skies and those wide-open late-autumn views around Highmount and Shandaken that stop you mid-sentence.
Thanksgiving Weekend Skiing? We’re Watching Belleayre.
The snow guns are warming up, and all eyes are on Belleayre Mountain. Opening is projected for late November, but Mother Nature has the final say. Keep an eye on the official Belleayre snow report for the real call.
Turkey on Thursday, ski boots on Friday? We like the sound of that.
Whether your first run is graceful or mostly a reminder that you have thigh muscles, there’s nothing like the start of ski season. We check the mountain report more often than we’d like to admit.
Enjoy our Shandaken property with wrap-around balcony and terrific mountain views.
What to Do Until the First Lift Starts to Hum
You don’t need snow to have a great mountain weekend. Our short list:
Hike Giant Ledge. Twenty steep minutes, then some of the best views in the Catskills. With the leaves down, you can see forever. Trail guide
Walk the Ashokan Rail Trail. Flat, scenic and easy on post-turkey legs, with reservoir views the whole way. Ashokan Rail Trail
Breakfast at Phoenicia Diner. A Route 28 classic. Pancakes, coffee, no rush. No reservations either, so go early. Phoenicia Diner
Dinner at Peekamoose. Cozy, farm-driven and just down the road in Big Indian. Peekamoose Restaurant
Bring the kids to the Polar Express. The Catskill Mountain Railroad runs its holiday train from Kingston from mid-November through December. Book early. Catskill Mountain Railroad
Wander Woodstock. Galleries, shops and coffee, about 40 minutes away and worth the scenic drive.
Do absolutely nothing. Fire on, book open, mountain view. Highly underrated.
Come Before the Snow, or Plan for It
A midweek stay is the secret. Two or three nights lets you actually unpack, sleep in and plan your day after breakfast.
Or lock in your Belleayre ski getaway now. Pick your dates and settle your mountain home base while you watch the snow report.
We’ll handle the heat. You handle remembering both gloves.
Your Mountain Plans Start Here
Book direct at Alpine Four Season Lodge for our best rates
The shovel is out. The heat is on. All that’s missing is you. Book your Catskills escape directly with us, and give yourself something better to look forward to than another weather forecast.
Daniel & The Crew
Alpine Four Season Lodge
32 Gallic Curci Road, Highmount, NY 12441
