Governor Cuomo Announces $8 Million for Upgrades at Belleayre Ski Resort
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced on February 16th, 2017, that the state will invest an additional $8 million for upgrades at Belleayre Ski Center in Highmount to attract more visitors and build on the Catskill Region's burgeoning tourism industry. The investment will enhance the current facilities at Belleayre Mountain with the installation of a new, high-speed gondola, multiple lodge expansions and the addition of modern amenities for both lodges at the resort. The project will increase visitation, enhance customer experience and provide a major boost to tourism in the Catskills and the region's economy.
"Belleayre Mountain is one of the crown jewels of the Catskills and a major driver of the region's tourism economy," Governor Cuomo said. "With this investment, we are supporting vital upgrades at this mountain to ensure it remains an unparalleled year-round recreation destination and continues to leverage economic growth for the entire region for generations to come."
"This plan will overhaul the Belleayre Ski Resort to address areas of need, increase visitation and overall enhance customer satisfaction," said ORDA President & CEO Ted Blazer. "The additions of the new
The FY 2018 Executive Budget includes $12.5 million for Olympic Regional Development Authority facilities, which includes Belleayre, Whiteface and Gore Mountains, as well as Olympic facilities. Last month, the Governor announced an additional $20 million to upgrade the facilities at Whiteface and Gore Mountains in the North Country and build on the region's burgeoning tourism industry. These new capital investments are being added to the Executive Budget as part of the 30-day amendments, submitted today.
New High-Speed Gondola
Upgrades at Belleayre Mountain include the construction of a high-speed, eight-person gondola that will span from the lower mountain Discovery Lodge to the mountain summit, providing more efficient, logical, and necessary access point to skiers and riders. The installation of this lift, along with other proposed changes, would overhaul the entire facility and elevate Belleayre to a higher level of
- Nordic and Cross Country skiing at the expansive summit of the mountain;
- Year-round scenic gondola rides as sold at Whiteface & Gore Mountains;
- Mountain biking from the mountain summit; and
- Wedding and private party rentals at
mountain
Belleayre Lodge Improvements
The mountain has two primary lodges, the Discovery Lodge at the lower base area lodge that services beginner terrain and rental facilities, and the Overlook Lodge, which accesses the upper mountain offerings and handles the majority of food and beverage offerings. With the addition of a Gondola, expanding lodge offerings is critical to sustaining the additional guest base expected as a result. The state will provide $1.5 million for upgrades at each of the lodges.
- Discovery Lodge Improvements: The Discovery Lodge at Belleayre contains a children's learning area, ski school areas, cafeteria, bathrooms, and a small bar/café. Improvements to the Discovery Lodge will increase its current seating capacity, retail space, increased food/beverage locations, and
addition of office space. This would provide enough space to have a fully functioning learning area for all ages with the necessary amenities to service these guests as needed including bar and restaurant style offerings. - Overlook Lodge Improvements: The Overlook Lodge currently provides guest access and gathering at the lift points reaching
upper mountain, and contains a cafeteria area as well as a bar and restaurant with an attached deck. Improvements in this area will expand increase seating capacity, storage and locker areas, daycare facilities, and expansion of food and beverage offerings.
Improvements at Belleayre Mountain will support the facility's role as a major driver of the Catskill Region's tourism industry and will ultimately expand economic growth and investment opportunities for the surrounding communities. It will also make unparalleled skiing and winter recreation opportunities more accessible to visitors from New York City and downstate regions closer than other skiing locations throughout the northeast.
