HIGHMOUNT, N.Y. --- The start of the Discovery Lodge expansion and modernization project at Belleayre Mountain Ski Resort is scheduled to begin next month. The project continues New York’s investment in the Highmount ski area, designed to increase year-round visitation, enhance customer experience and be a catalyst for the tourism industry in the Catskill region.

The architectural style of the lodge is that of a Scandinavian great-camp, featuring long sloping roof lines, horizontal siding and accented with stone elements throughout. The expansion ensures a greater resort experience, able to accommodate the increase of visitor attendance by delivering more amenities and broader services. 

Alleviating long lines and overcrowded spaces, the improvements increase seating capacity in the cafeteria and lounge areas and add restrooms conveniently located at the main level of the lodge. The children’s programmatic space for families will be expanded and modernized. A new patio area will be added along with a new outdoor ticketing area.

The Pike Company is scheduled to begin design and build of the $14.6-million project beginning June 2019 and complete the work before the start of the 2019-’20 skiing and snowboarding season.

In addition to the renovated base lodge, the ski resort is also relocating two conveyor lifts and installing a new quad chairlift for beginner skiers and snowboarders. The two conveyor lifts will service a new beginner area below the Discovery Lodge, while the Dopplemeyer quad will carry guests from the Discovery Loge’s rental shop elevation and drop off its passengers just below the Overlook Lodge.  

These improvements follow the installation of the Catskill Thunder Gondola that operated all last season. The Gondola will also operate this summer, beginning, Saturday, June 1, when it carries guests to the resort’s summit for breathtaking views of the Catskill Forest Preserve.

Scenic gondola rides are $20 for adults and teens, $10 for juniors and seniors, while those six and under ride for free.

ORDA President and CEO Mike Pratt said, “The resort is experiencing a tremendous amount of growth and this expansion further positions us as a destination venue with world-class offerings that are all within driving distance from New York City.”

Belleayre Ski Resort General Manager Bruce Transue added, “We are very excited to see the lodge expansion happening, and what it means for Bellearyre and the future growth of the mountain. This will enhance the guest experience and help make skiing at Bellearyre a tradition for the present and future.”   

Renderings of the Belleayre Mountain Ski Resort’s Discover Lodge can be found HERE.

-- ORDA --

Established in 1982, the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) was created by the State of New York to manage the facilities used during the 1980 Olympic Winter Games at Lake Placid. ORDA operates Whiteface, Belleayre and Gore Mountain ski areas; the Olympic Sports Complex at Mt. Van Hoevenberg; the Olympic speed skating oval, Olympic jumping complex and Olympic arena. As host to international and national championships, the Authority has brought millions of athletes, spectator and participants to the region, resulting in significant economic development.