For years, I had the false impression that Belleayre was the ugly step sister to Hunter and Windham. On a whim, I chose to drive over from Ithaca to check out the area in the spring of 2022. I was so impressed with the deep base, snow conditions and staff that I came back two more times before they finally caved in to spring in April. I did ski those last two days for free as I took advantage of their ridiculously inexpensive season pass which granted me unlimited spring skiing for the remainder of the season. The 2022-23 season was challenging for all ski areas in the east, but Belleayre handled the weather better than I could have ever expected. I ski 4-5 days a week if I'm not in Florida (retirement rocks) and split my days last year pretty evenly between Belleayre and Greek Peak. As a long time Greek Peak (aka THE Slab) passholder (1985), I can say with certainty that there hasn't been a ski day at GP (which was not directly controlled by Mother Nature) better than any day I have experienced at the Belle. In short, they rock! Tons of infrastructure improvements, world-class snowmaking, friendly lift attendants, what else can I say? They also showed the love to passholders on opening day this year. Thank you! I do not normally avail myself of dining and drinking opportunities so I cannot comment on them. Yes, it is a lengthy drive (3 hours) from Ithaca, but when I have the time, I will make it because I know that I will have an ear to ear smile the entire time I am skiing down Belleayre's meticulously prepared trails.
