Après-ski in the Catskills and Hudson Valley: Things to do after you hit the slopes
Cin Cin! at Windham Mountain Club offers scenic views of the Catskill Mountains in upstate New York. The menu features Italian dishes, wine and craft cocktails. Credit: Leticia Huerta
You could get in the car and drive hours to Vermont, or even hop a plane to Utah or Colorado, but there’s great skiing closer to home. Major mountains like Hunter and Windham or smaller areas like Catamount and Belleayre are a little more than two hours from the Throgs Neck Bridge, perfect for weekend getaways without leaving the state. Multiple trails and lifts, snowmaking facilities and just about any amenity imaginable beckon winter athletes. The French term après-ski translates to “after skiing” and what's better than relaxing after a day on the slopes?
“The mountain is very family-friendly,” said East Northport resident Kelly Jahrnes, who has skied Windham since she was a child. “It’s familiar and easy to get to,” added Jahrnes, who spends most winter weekends and holidays at Windham with her husband and four kids. They are all avid skiers or snowboarders who spend most of the day on the slopes — their idea of après ski is relaxing for an hour or so at the tubing park.
But the area is also ideal for people who don’t ski, said Jahrnes, including some of her girlfriends who enjoy the social aspects of simply hanging around the lodge. The Hudson Valley and Catskill region offers plenty to do post-slope or even non-slope activities like snow tubing, ice skating or forest walks, retail therapy at a charming shop, or simply chilling at a cozy spa, winery or restaurant.
Kelly Jahrnes of East Northport with her family on the slopes at Windham, from left, husband, Bobby, and children Gwen, Hunter and Roxy. Credit: Kelly Jahrnes
People take après-ski seriously, said William Hodge, of Lake Ronkonkoma, a partner in Union + Post, a small boutique hotel in Windham that opened in 2021. The restaurant that followed the next year is meeting a real need, said Hodge. “You ski all day, when you’re done you want to relax next to a fireplace,” he said. At most restaurants, “you eat and you’re done.” At Union + Post, there’s live music on weekends and an upstairs area where children and teens can hang out and play games. “Families who come up here want to be busy the entire time,” he said. “It’s about the experience.”
Outdoor adventures
Bubly Tubing Park
64 Klein Ave., Hunter
Hunter Mountain’s tubing hill, at nearly 1,000 feet long, is a fun activity for the whole family. Credit: Hunter Mountain
A kinder, gentler way to get down a mountain, snow tubing is perfect for kids and just about anyone not comfortable on skis. Most ski areas have tubing facilities, but Hunter’s stands out with nearly 1,000-foot lanes and a Magic Carpet lift (basically a moving sidewalk) that gets you to the top without the climb. Open Saturday and Sunday and some holidays, two-hour sessions are $30. On Feb. 24, the park hosts a glow party on the deck with a guest DJ.
More info 518-263-4223, huntermtn.com
Mountain Top Arboretum
4 Maude Adams Rd., Tannersville
The public garden is a great spot for winter hiking, with 200 acres of paths highlighting native trees and plants. Special events include seasonal walks and sessions on winter hiking. Botanist Rich Ring will lead a workshop on identifying trees in winter by looking at twigs, needles and the like (Feb. 24, 1 to 2:30 p.m., $10 for non-members). The Arboretum is open daily from dawn to dusk, $5 donation is requested from nonmembers; visitor center is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday,
More info 518-589-3903, mtarboretum.org
Shopping
Tinker Street
Woodstock
People shop on Tinker Street in downtown Woodstock, New York. Credit: The Washington Post via Getty Images/The Washington Post
The historic town is known for vintage shops with a distinct ‘60s-‘70s vibe, but you’ll also find galleries, book and record stores on Tinker, along with many coffee shops and bakeries. You might start your shopping tour at Little House, 47 Tinker St., with a rich assortment of home décor and gifts.
More info 845-684-7178, shoplittlehouse.com
The Shops at Emerson
5340 Route 28, Mount Tremper
A restored 19th-century barn adjacent to the Emerson Resort and Spa houses this collection of unique shops, featuring clothing, home décor and toys. In what was once the barn’s silo, you’ll find a kaleidoscope, open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday-Monday ($5, under 12 free).
More info 845-688-2828, emersonresort.com
Spas
Alpine Spa at Windham Mountain Club
119 Resort Dr., Windham
The full-service slope-side spa offers a variety of treatments for the face and body, and there’s a yoga studio where you can join a class or book a private session.
More info 518-310-2729, windhammountainclub.com
The Windham Spa
16 Mitchell Hollow Rd., Windham
The organic spa features facials, hot stone and cupping massages and more services for those looking to relax.
More info 518 734-9617, thewindhamspa.com
Where to Stay
Albergo Allegria Hotel
43 State Route 296, Windham
The charming and quaint Victorian inn — the name translates to Inn of Happiness — has 21 guest rooms, some with fireplaces and oversized whirlpool tubs. The restaurant serves breakfast on weekends.
More info 518-734-5560, albergousa.com
Eastwind Hotel
5088 Route 23, Windham
You can’t beat the view from one of the hotel’s Lushna units, Scandinavian-inspired A-frames with a single glass wall overlooking the mountain. Note, there is a bit of roughing it involved with the most basic cabins, you must go a few steps outside to get to the bathroom (larger suites include a bathroom).
More info 518-734-0553, eastwindhotels.com
Scribner’s Catskill Lodge
13 Scribner Hollow Rd., Hunter
The 38-room boutique hotel with its own small ice rink and outdoor sauna has a highly rated restaurant, Prospect. The hotel has just opened the Rounds, 11 new luxe cabins with an oculus for stargazing and outdoor soaking tubs.
More info 518-628-5130, scribnerslodge.com
Union + Post
5098 NY-23, Windham
William and Melissa Hodge of Lake Ronkonkoma, are partners in the boutique hotel Union + Post in Windham. Credit: William Hodgee
The boutique hotel has 12 rooms, plus a six-bedroom house. The restaurant features seasonal food, with after-ski events and live music on most weekends and holidays.
More info 518-444-1044, unionandpost.com
Winter Clove Inn
557 Winter Clove Rd., Round Top
The all-inclusive hotel has an indoor pool and an antique bowling alley, complete with an ice cream counter known for its milkshakes.
More info 518-622-3267, winterclove.com
Wining and dining
Babblers
19 NY-296, Windham
The restaurant at the Wylder Hotel serves dinner Wednesday-Saturday and brunch on Sunday. There’s also a bakery known for its strawberry rhubarb pie open daily, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
More info 518-734-4510, wylderhotels.com
Cin Cin! at Windham Mountain Club
19 Resort Dr., Windham
Located mid-mountain on Windham Mountain Club’s West Peak, the restaurant offers scenic views of the Catskill Mountains. The menu features Italian dishes, wine and craft cocktails.
More info 1-800-754-9463, windhammountainclub.com
Hunter Mountain Brewery
7267 NY-23A, Hunter
Specializing in local brews (more than 15 on tap with intriguing names like Hunter Fest and Pumpkin Pie Ale), the homey spot also offers pub food and some Indian options.
More info 518-263-3300, hmbcatskills.com
Pika’s Waffle
64 Klein Ave., Hunter
No need to get off the mountain at this slope-side spot in the Hunter Mountain base lodge, where a variety of waffles give skiers energy for the next run.
More info 518-263-4223, huntermtn.com
The Chicken Run
5639 NY-23, Windham
Nearly every guide to eating near Catskill ski areas highlights this family restaurant, where chicken pot pie is a favorite for many. Weekends also feature live music.
More info 518-734-5353, chickenrunwindham.com
Ze Windham Wine Bar
5369 Main St., Windham
Forget ski school, this spot has a wine school, with weekly themed sessions on Tuesdays. Thursday-Saturday, the wine bar serves more than 100 wines from around the world, along with light bites and charcuterie plates.
More info 518-734-9200, zewinebar.com
