West Chazy, New York — One of the most interesting facts about the U.S. ski industry is that New York has the most operational ski areas out of any state, with 49 of them currently alive. This means that while there are some big-name mountains like Belleayre, Gore, Holiday Valley, and Whiteface, there are quite a few smaller ski areas that go under the radar.
One example of this is the Beartown Ski Area. The non-profit, volunteer-run ski hill has five trails and two surface lifts. Since its inception in 1957, it has given beginners an affordable place to learn how to shred. While it has mellow slopes, the lack of crowds and low prices make it a cool spot for avid skiers and riders to visit.
In a new documentary released by a local Beartown skier, he dives into what makes this place special. Beartown: A Season On The Slopes analyzes what it takes to operate this remote New York ski area. The film was directed by Harrison Smith, a lifelong skier at Beartown. The short film was submitted to the Beyond the Peaks Student Film Festival, and is a nominee for best documentary.
Image Credits: Beartown Ski Area