This past weekend, my wife and I took advantage of the holiday (1-16 through 1-19) and hit the slopes. Ski Plattekill is less than three hours from Babylon (Long Island, New York) and has some of the best natural snow in the Catskills. Plattekill is a family operation that that has plenty of terrain to challenge the novice and the expert skier or snowboarder.

http://www.plattekill.com

One of the best things about this mountain is its lack of crowds relative to other ski areas. I have been coming to this mountain for over ten years, and have never had to wait on line for the lift. Here is my beautiful wife, Jen; notice that we have the whole run to ourselves.

On the way down the mountain, I took a few minutes to enjoy the silence and take in the breathtaking view.

The trails are impeccably groomed, and for you powder lovers, Plattekill has days of operation called "POWDER DAIZE" (check their website for details at (http://www.plattekill.com). Non-skiers and boarders, and children of all ages, can enjoy snow tubing in the evening.

At the end of the day, Jen and I could be found at the lodge relaxing with a cocktail and listening to live music. The staff at Plattekill are friendly and helpful, and the owners are always visible.

We stayed at the Stone Tavern Farm, just a mile from Plattekill. Note the mountain in the background of the photo at right. This Inn was built around 1803, and served as a stop over for travelers of that time. Our room boasted an enormous working fireplace, which offered a great place to fall asleep after a long day. The Inn keepers, John and Danielle, make the most incredible country breakfast, which includes blueberry pancakes and farm fresh bacon and sausage.
http://www.stonetavernfarm.com/

The bed and breakfast is a working farm with horses, pigs, and a pet goat named Poppy. The family dog, Red, seen here, happily patrols the property.

Tim C. Smith
http://www.stonetavernfarm.com/