Windham Mountain bikers catch wind in the summertime
By Dave Hoffman
Photo and Video by: Kevin Witte Productions
Normally, observing that something is going downhill describes a problem. But in the case of Windham Mountain, downhill is exactly where people want to go.
Long known as a popular Catskill ski destination, optimistic thrill seekers also enjoy the slopes during the summer on Windham’s mountain biking trails.
“We’re a four season resort,” said Kate Sullivan, Windham’s Director of Marketing. “We are a great summer destination for families looking to get away, to come and relax in nature and fresh mountain air. In addition to the downhill mountain biking park for adrenaline seekers, we operate a 18 hole golf course that is semi private with a country club feel.”
The mountain bike park has been in operation for nearly 10 years, and continues to become more intricate, with four new trails added last summer.
Bike trails overlap with the ski mountain, but also go off on their own. Riders use lifts designed to carry them and their bicycle up the mountain — they just pop the bike into a carrier that is attached to individual chairs — no uphill pedaling required. At the top, riders have a choice of whether they’d like to descend on a beginner, intermediate or advanced trail.
“There is beginner terrain at the top of the mountain,” Sullivan said. “We also have a skills park right at the base so you can see what it feels like before getting on the terrain.”
Within the levels of difficulty, riders can choose between styles of terrain for a varying riding experience. Flow trails are machine built trails with relatively smooth surfaces for a speedy journey. Technical trails are built to resemble the natural terrain riders experience on a forest biking trail, including rocks and roots. The mountain also has one of the longest jump trails on the East Coast, a trail with jumps all the way down for bikers who want to catch air.
In the early days of the park, the mountain hosted the Downhill World Cup. Over the years, the trails have been built and improved by companies such as Gravity Logic, Sinuosity and Happy Trails Guiding. The resort also has its own in-house trail crew that maintains and services the trails.
Riders of all levels come from across the greater New York area as well as the entire East Coast. Visitors can rent bikes making the visit easier to travel too. The resort rents padding and helmets for safety. This summer, they will also have lessons available, and camps where kids can play while their parents ride.
For bikers for whom gravity isn’t enough, the resort is near other trail networks, for example Elm Ridge, located three miles down the road.
“We have bikes for rent that guests can use for the nearby trails, too,” Sullivan said. “Some of those trails are more technical cross country type trails, where you can peddle uphill and downhill across natural trail terrain with rocks and roots that are not machine built.”
Many visitors who are not interested in biking choose the scenic chairlift option, allowing non-bikers to join their colleagues in enjoying the view from the top of Cave Mountain, where Windham is located
“Families who aren’t interested in biking can take a ride up to the top of the mountains for some trails or a picnic,” Sullivan said. “There are some areas that are quite scenic.”
The resort provides food and beverages throughout the park. There is also a rock wall for kids.
Visitors can stay at the resort’s Winwood Inn in either inn rooms or condos. There are a variety of different room types designed to accommodate everyone from solo travelers to families. The resort’s restaurant Tavern 23 is debuting a new menu for the summer, featuring seasonal local ingredients for a mix of American fare and tavern food.
During the summer, Windham hosts “Music on the Mountain,” featuring local and regional acts on Friday nights.
“It’s a variety of different musical types,” Sullivan said. “People love to dance, grab a drink or food there.”
Other days, guests can check out the town and have a go at one of the many trailheads for classic Catskill hikes.
This year, Windham visitors can look forward to the inaugural “Cave Mountain Catskills Music Festival,” featuring headliners Weezer and Joe Russo’s Almost Dead. The festival runs Sept. 15-16.
