Information
Landmark: Catskill Thunder GondolaCity: Catskills
Country: USA New York
Continent: North America
Catskill Thunder Gondola, Catskills, USA New York, North America
Overview
The Belleayre Mountain Gondola-also called the Catskill Thunder-whisks guests from the Discovery Lodge at the base to the summit, offering sweeping views of the Catskill Forest Preserve in New York.You get to take in sweeping views of the landscape, maybe the glint of sunlight on a distant ridge, without breaking a sweat climbing or skiing uphill.The gondola runs on summer hours from late June to early September-Fridays from noon to 7:30 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. In the fall, early September through mid-October, it’s open weekends from 10 to 5.Winter’s a different story: most days it’s whisking skiers and snowboarders up the slopes, though now and then it carries sightseers eager for a crisp, snow-dusted view.Please note that hours and dates may change if the weather turns or operations require it-like when heavy rain forces a last-minute closure.The final gondola leaves the summit at 5:15 p.m., its windows catching the gold of the late afternoon sun.In 2025, gondola tickets cost $20 for adults ages 20–64, $10 for seniors 65 and up, $10 for juniors and teens 7–19, and nothing for kids 6 or under as long as they ride with a paying adult in the same cabin, their mittens tucked in beside them; military personnel and veterans with ID.me pay $10, and winter season passholders ride free during regular hours, except on special event days.The gondola ride lasts about eight to ten minutes, gliding past the Catskill Mountains, thick forest, and, if you’re lucky, a deer moving quietly through the trees.Each gondola cabin welcomes wheelchairs and comfortably seats up to six people, with space to roll right in beside the wide glass windows.For safety, pets can’t ride the gondola-even a small dog in a carrier has to stay behind.At the summit, visitors can wander along easy walking paths or tackle hiking trails that match their fitness level, with fresh mountain air in every step.Picnic areas are set aside with sturdy tables, perfect for lunch while you take in the sweeping view of hills and trees.Sunset Lodge sits high in the mountains, a place where you can unwind with a cold drink and take in sweeping views that stretch for miles.Mountain Biking: In season, you can ride straight from the summit onto trails that wind through pine-scented air.Photography lovers will find the summit’s views unbeatable, with crisp mountain ridges stretching into the horizon.Seasonal Events: From time to time, you’ll find special gatherings or guided tours up near the summit, maybe with lanterns glowing against the evening sky.You can park at the Discovery Lodge at the base, where you’ll also find designated accessible spots near the entrance.The gondola’s built so everyone can enjoy it, with smooth ramps and wide doors that welcome guests using wheelchairs or facing other mobility challenges.Additional Notes: The gondola offers families, seniors, and anyone craving a laid-back ride an easy way to take in the Catskills-pine-scented air, sweeping views-without the strain of a long hike.Weather can throw off plans, so check the latest conditions-like a sudden gust of cold rain-before you schedule your visit.You can buy tickets ahead of time online, or pick them up at the base lodge where the scent of fresh coffee drifts from the café.Hop on this scenic gondola and you’ll find it’s both a launchpad for outdoor adventures and a quiet retreat, where you can watch the Catskills’ rolling hills shift with the seasons.
