The Catskills in New York State: Mountain Activities for All Seasons

It was autumn. It was chilly. And I was very, very nervous. After listening to instructions during the 20-minute drive up Hunter Mountain, I was poised and ready for take off on the SkyRider Tour, which is reported to be the “fastest, longest and highest” zip line tour in North America. My hands were sweaty, and, as often happens when I’m a little out of my comfort zone, my legs had started to jiggle uncontrollably.

After the guide checked my gear to make sure I wasn’t going anywhere I shouldn’t, I took a deep breath, didn’t look down and stepped off the edge into the unknown, while at the same time yelling to no one in particular, “three, two, one, zip away!” I curled up into a tight ball and dive-bombed my way along the cable towards the next platform. It was windy, but I still reached speeds of up to 40 mph. Soaring above the trees, 600 feet off the ground, I was free as a bird and rushing along without a care in the world. That is until I came to a rather ungainly stop at the end. With adrenaline pumping its way through my veins, I wobbled my way to line up for the next go around.

In the colder, winter months, this part of the world is well known for its outdoor sports and activities. You can try your hand at skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing or snowshoeing. And with resorts to suit every level and taste, the Catskills will not disappoint when it comes to adventures in the mountains. In the warmer seasons, when it’s not snowing, there are peaks and valleys to conquer on foot, with a wide selection of hiking trails and pathways suitable for everyone. Some favourite mountain destinations in the region include Slide, Plattekill, Windham and Belleayre mountains.

If you’re looking for something a little different when you next book accommodation in Upstate New York, then look no further than the Roxbury Motel. From wacky to weird, all the rooms are decorated in a different theme, after different television programmes or movies. The Archaeologist's Digsis a private three-bedroom cottage based on the Indiana Jones films, and there are “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and “I Dream of Jeannie” suites. I was going to be in the two-bedroom Amadeus’ Bride suite. After sitting back and enjoying the complimentary half bottle of bubbles I’d found in my room, I crossed over the street and enjoyed dinner at Public Restaurant.

It was a short but fabulous trip to the area, and easy to squeeze into my hectic itinerary. After all the fresh air and beautiful scenery, I felt rejuvenated and ready to take on the next challenge to enjoy yet more holiday fun!