There are so many ski resort options to visit around my home in Northern New Jersey and Belleayre Mountain won the battle of ‘which mountain is the best for snowboard beginners’. Many of the reviews online lauded it for its easy distance to the city, great training team and slopes, and the lack of crowd on weekdays. The biggest point for me was the package deal combo; $99 for a 1-hour group lesson, rental gear, and ski lift. Before diving into this guide, read the first article in this series, ‘A Black Girl’s Guide to Snowboarding and Skiing – the Prep Phase.’ Once fully prepared for a fantastic experience, delve into my black girl’s guide to snowboarding at Belleayre. Hopefully, my experience as a black woman snowboarding will help guide you through a successful ski trip.
Table of Contents
My Experience – Learning How to Snowboard in Belleayre
Day 1 of a Black Girl’s Guide to Snowboarding in Belleayre – Drive to Catskills, New York!
Embarking on my journey from Northern New Jersey to the cozy boutique hotel I had booked in Phoenicia, New York, Graham and Co., the drive took approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. However, due to unexpected heavy snowfall on the first day in the area, the journey was extended by an hour. This unexpected weather required cautious driving for safety, emphasizing the importance of planning for weather conditions. Note to self: Always check the forecast and be prepared for winter driving challenges to avoid sliding on icy roads.
Despite the initial challenges, my arrival at the Catskills marked the beginning of an eventful adventure. The anxiety from navigating through the snow was quickly replaced with a sense of joy as I entered the hotel’s driveway. While driving in the snow had its challenges, the picturesque sight of snowfall over the hotel added a touch of beauty to the overall experience.