 What does Catamount in the Berkshires have in common with Heavenly Valley in the Sierras? Both resorts straddle a state line. In Heavenly's case it's the California/Nevada line. In Catamount's it's the Massachusetts/New York state line. But you can't really tell what side of the line you're on at Catamount by looks alone. It's simply a pretty place in the Berkshires. Terrain Long and wide trails characterize much of Catamount's terrain and there's a trail in this style for all levels. Beginners and families enjoy the Meadows Area that is a complex of 7 green circle "easier" trails and two blue square "more difficult" trails served by the Meadows Triple Chairlift and the 300' Wonder Carpet surface lift. The Meadows area makes Catamount a Berkshire leader in beginner terrain. Intermediate and advanced skiers love the fabulous trails from the summit served by the Ridge Quad Chairlift. Ridge Run is an intermediate trail that takes you on a 2-mile route to the base area via the Promenade trails. Upper and Lower Sidewinder for intermediates extends over 1 mile to the base area. The Glade and Alley Cat trails are super diamond runs and Catapult is a true double diamond trail for experts. Snowboarders and freestyle skiers love the Catamount Terrain Park (CTP for short) with its many rails boxes and table-top jumps. The 400' Halfpipe and 800' Boardercross track on Sunrise provide additional thrills. If you are just getting into freestyle, the Junior Jib Park located next to the Halfpipe alongside Lower Prominade is the place for you. The resort has quietly expanded the years with two new chairlifts, a second base lodge and additional snowmaking. Once the season is underway Catamount keeps the lights on Wednesday through Saturday for night skiing. Monday through Thursday, non-holiday periods, Catamount offers the best value in snow country with $15 daytime lift tickets. If you buy a private lesson on these $15 days your lift ticket is FREE! Learn to Ski and Snowboard packages are $65 any day. Catamount, on the NY/MA border, draws from New York's Hudson Valley, New York City, Long Island and Albany via major highways. Connecticut skiers and riders from Fairfield, Litchfield, New Haven and Hartford counties are all between 20 and 110 minutes away. Massachusetts skiers from Springfield and west have a 10-70 minute ride to Catamount. Overnight lodging is available on the mountain or in nearby towns with accommodations in country inns, B & B's hotels, motels and YMCA group lodging. Many offer discount coupons to Catamount. There are many wonderful restaurants and bars with live music, a triplex movie theatre, a stage theatre and bowling. Off-Slope Fun A trip to the family-oriented Berkshire Museum is always a hit with the kids, who especially like the science exhibits and the aquarium. The Berkshire South Regional Community Center in Great Barrington features a six-lane indoor pool, kids' splash playground, and more. There are several Nordic areas in this part of the Berkshires for more active off-slope fun, or take the time to tour the neat villages and interesting towns that make this part of the country a pleasure to visit.
|
Ski Report
Massachusetts
