PHOTOS: Big Changes for Holiday Mountain in Sullivan County

Updates continue for one of the Hudson Valley's only independent ski resorts... and they're looking for a partner to join them.

New Yorkers are spoiled for choice when deciding between ski mountains each winter, but there are only a select few with local charm and independent owners. In Sullivan County, a historic resort is looking to start a new chapter.

Big plans are underway for one of the Hudson Valley's only independent ski resorts (Google Maps)

Holiday Mountain in Monticello, NY

Holiday Mountain in Monticello, NY first opened in 1957, and while the business has passed through several hands, the most recent owners have some big plans. After their "epic revival" in 2024, it seems like it's just the beginning.

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New Plans for Old Route 17 Chairlift

One of the biggest projects in front of the new owners is the reopening of their northern lodge and its chairlift, the skeleton of which can still be seen by drivers on Route 17 (below). To fully realize the project, however, Holiday Mountain is in search of a partner.

A decommissioned ski lift at Holiday Mountain in Monticello, NY is still visible from Route 17 (Google Maps)

Big Changes Coming to Holiday Mountain in Monticello, NY

Holiday Mountain recently took to Facebook to not only share their plans of building a new chairlift, but the opportunity for a local sponsor to partner with them on the project... specifically, a business looking for "naming rights".

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New Chairlift Project at Holiday Mountain in Sullivan County, NY

"Have you ever noticed the old chairlift along NY-17 / I-86 in the Catskills?", they began. "Could you imagine a corporate themed lift at the top, illuminated? Towers, base terminal & even chairs could be logoed". They even shared a rudimentary sketch (below).

Holiday Mountain in Monticello, NY recently shared this pitch to local businesses who might want to help sponsor a new chairlift (Holiday Mountain via Facebook)

New Activities at Holiday Mountain in Monticello, NY

The initiative taken by Holiday Mountain's new owners has seen several big changes. In addition to the planned chairlift and lodge project, the mountain also recently welcomed the Jeep Adventure Academy, which saw countless vehicles exploring their steep trails (below).

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New Trails Built at Holiday Mountain in Monticello, NY

In addition to the creative ways Holiday Mountain has expanded their business, the focus still seems to be on the main attraction: skiing. With more trails being built in anticipation for the 2025/2026 season (below), it seems like the mountain is planning for years of longevity.

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Holiday Mountain is just one of the many reasons to visit Sullivan County. Check out another gem below.

The Chatwal Lodge in Sullivan County

The Chatwal Lodge in White Lake, New York located on the banks of the 833-acre Toronto Reservoir in Sullivan County was just honored by Outside. The Chatwal Lodge made Outside's Travel Awards 2023 by winning the Mountain category. It was part of Outside recognizing the Catskills and the New York State Park which covers approximately 700,000 acres.

Gallery Credit: Paty Quyn

UPSTATE LEGEND! "Hobart, NY: The Book Village of the Catskills"

There is a tiny town in rural Delaware County. Population around 400 of the nicest people you will ever find. So what has been happening in Hobart over the last 30-40-50 years? Not much really. Until about 20 years ago when some book lovers got together and decided to "put Hobart on the map." They opened up a popular book store on Main Street. Then another. Then another. Then still another one. And all of a sudden it became a book village. Once the New York Times heard about it and explored it (and wrote about it) people started coming to "The book Village of the Catskills" from as far away as New York City and the New England states. It make for a fun day trip. And book lovers simply must put this tiny village on their Book Bucket List. Take a walk through the book stores in teh gallery below.

Gallery Credit: Chuck DImperio

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