The skiing landscape in the Eastern United States has long been dominated by resorts in Vermont and New Hampshire, drawing enthusiasts away from New York and its surrounding areas. However, a significant shift is underway, led by the Windham Mountain Club in the Catskill Mountains. Under the leadership of Chip Seamans, the club is shaping itself into a premium skiing destination, transforming both the mountain experience and the amenities offered to guests.
For the past decade, Windham Mountain Club has unveiled a series of enhancements aimed at competing on the same level as traditional favorites like those found in New England. According to Seamans, substantial investments have focused on snowmaking capabilities, lift upgrades, and grooming techniques to enhance the “product on the hill.” The goal is simple yet ambitious: to persuade skiers that they need not venture to Vermont or beyond when they can find exceptional snow conditions just a few hours away in the Catskills.
In an impressive move to accelerate these upgrades, Windham Mountain was acquired in 2023 by a consortium spearheaded by Sandy Beall, the visionary behind the Ruby Tuesday restaurant chain, alongside Webb Wilson, associated with the Holiday Inn legacy. This partnership has pledged over $70 million in capital investment over the coming years, aimed at further modernizing the resort’s infrastructure and services.
One of the club’s standout initiatives has been the comprehensive renovation of its food and beverage outlets. The previously straightforward base area cafeteria has morphed into the “Food Hall,” showcasing a plethora of dining options that cater to a wider range of tastes. From the new sushi bar Okami to the Mediterranean flavors of Seasons, the offerings at Windham have significantly elevated the après-ski dining experience.
Moreover, they’ve reimagined the mid-mountain cafeteria into a cozy restaurant and bar named Cin Cin, creating a vibrant atmosphere that enhances the overall on-mountain experience. These updates signal a prioritization of guest satisfaction beyond just skiing; they acknowledge that a well-rounded experience includes quality dining and relaxation after a day on the slopes.
A noteworthy aspect of Windham’s strategic plan is its approach to crowd management. With peak season weekends often resulting in packed slopes and lengthy lift lines, the club aims to create a more exclusive environment for its members and guests. The lifting of the membership cap to just 4,000 daily visitors represents a proactive strategy to mitigate congestion while allowing for a seamless skiing experience.
This exclusivity extends to the pricing structure as well. As is customary in the mountain industry, lift ticket prices have seen an increase, with recent reports indicating single-day tickets priced at upwards of $160. While this is above the competitive rates offered by nearby resorts, Windham maintains that this cost reflects the unique experience it offers.
As the destination aims for a higher-end market segment, it will also step away from associations with widely known industry season passes, such as the Ikon Pass, starting in the 2025-2026 season. Instead, Windham has embarked on an aggressive expansion of its private membership model, which previously required a one-time cost of $25,000. Under the new ownership, a lifetime membership now demands a steep fee of $200,000, opening up exclusive perks including valet services, ski valets, and access to elite dining and wellness facilities.
The shift towards offering a more bespoke experience is likely to attract a dedicated clientele looking for quieter slopes and top-tier amenities, appealing particularly to those who have grown weary of more crowded, mainstream ski resorts. During an off-peak stay last winter, skiers enjoyed the slopes with minimal crowd disruptions—something many passionate skiers crave but often find lacking at more populated resorts.
For travelers seeking additional perks, Windham’s strategic partnerships with local hotels have resulted in packages that provide access to members-only facilities. Such initiatives not only invite local visitors to experience the club but also solidify Windham’s status as a premium mountain destination that values both exclusivity and community.
As Windham Mountain Club continues its transformation, it is exciting to visualize a future where the Catskills may stand proudly alongside the premier ski resorts of New England, redefining expectations for East Coast skiing. With its hefty investments, rich dining options, and segregation-focused crowd management, Windham is not just enhancing its mountain—it’s crafting a lifestyle.