Spotlight: Plattekill Mountain

Spotlight: Plattekill

Ask anyone about Plattekill Mountain and certain phrases sneak into conversations. You often hear about the ski center’s easygoing, family-friendly feel and its owners who “keep it real.” Whether you’re there to snowboard in the winter, ride a mountain bike in the summer, or hang out in the 2-story lodge or outdoor patio at one of the concerts or events they host, “Plattekill just has a great vibe,” as skier Amy Beveridge of East Meredith puts it.

Annual pass holder Kim Riera of Bovina, who spends almost ever winter weekend on the mountain with her family, appreciates that she can feel comfortable letting her children ski the mountain on their own safely. “There are well-maintained trails for all levels, everything I want my children to experience. Parking is easy and everyone is friendly. It’s what keeps me coming back every year.”

“I don’t know if I want to tell everyone how fantastic Plattekill is because I don’t really want to get the word out there,” admits Jill LaFever of Bovina. “It’s a great local mountain that has short or no lift lines at all, and a welcoming small-town feel. I’ve skied it, snowtubed it, snowmobiled it and even snowshoed up it.” Snowmaking machines ensure the terrain is always right for any winter sport.

Mark Foster of Bovina appreciates that the versatile trail system offers challenges even for experienced skiers. “Plattekill has some of the best and most extreme downhill trails in the east.” An avid mountain-biker, Foster visits the mountain year-round, biking the trails and making a day of hanging out in Roxbury, a town he calls “a little gem with plenty to do.”

Plattekill hosts theme days, races, and parties throughout the year, such as the annual St. Platty’s Day and the late-winter Beach Party on the Deck, bringing food, local vendors, and live music to the mountain. They also host a free open-air summer concert series to enjoy while sitting out on a blanket or lawn chair with an option to buy dinner or take a chairlift ride. Their Columbus Day weekend event, Plattepalooza, invites the whole community to celebrate fall with great activities.

With its spectacular scenery, Plattekill has become a popular mountaintop wedding destination. Guests are escorted to the top by chair lift. Visitors are offered the chance to camp on the property in their own tents or Plattekill’s freestanding glamping site. Those who still can’t get enough of the mountain can rent the entire venue all for themselves – for a race, corporate event, summer camp, or any other event.

Visit Plattekill any time of year to see for yourself why locals and visitors have fallen in love with the mountain!