Environment DEC
From the December 2006 issue
DEC Announces New Ski Chairlift and Improvements at Belleayre Mountain
DEC recently announced that Belleayre's first Super Chief high-speed ski chairlift will open for the 2006-07 Belleayre Mountain ski season. Other significant improvement projects designed to enhance and update Belleayre Mountain, and better accommodate skiers are slated to begin soon.
New High-Speed Lift
The new Super Chief Chairlift will whisk skiers to the summit in five minutes
The Super Chief lift equipment and design will now offer skiers the benefits of reduced travel time to the top of the mountain-from 12 to 5 minutes-and easier access for skiers, as they will now be able to more easily get on and off the lift. The Super Chief also provides better accommodations for skiers with disabilities. DEC's Division of Operations was able to save a lot of money on the chair lift improvement project by doing much of the work themselves. Total cost came in at $3 million.
Additional Capital Improvements
Additional state funding will be allocated for further improvements at Belleayre Mountain Ski Center, including a $5.5 million allocation for capital improvements and an additional $750,000 in Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) money for rehabilitation of the existing Discovery Lodge at the base of the mountain. The plans call for rehabilitating the existing lodge and adding 20,000 square feet of new lodge space. These improvements will help to alleviate overcrowding in the lodge on busy days, create a larger rental and sales area, allow for convenient and efficient ski and snowboard rentals, provide for more seating in the lodge, and allow more room for the Kids Camp; a very popular program for skiers ages 4 through 12.
The renovated facility will also incorporate more modern and efficient energy designs. Currently, Belleayre is in the process of selecting a consultant to design the lodge and the first phase of construction should begin in the fall of 2007.
Improvements Benefit Local Community Too
The new enhancements and advanced technology of the new high-speed chairlift demonstrate New York State's continued commitment to Belleayre Mountain. The public is now better able to enjoy the outstanding recreational opportunities that skiing in the Catskill Mountains offers, and the local community continues to benefit economically from having this facility operating in the region. See "Related Links" below for more information.
