Industry News
Getting to the mountain during the season to hit the slopes can sometimes take hours. It is something that every skier and snowboarder has to deal with. Traffic congestion on highways, interstates, and access roads to ski resorts can be a nightmare for skiers just trying to have a relaxing day on the mountain. One ski resort is trying to make that trip to the mountain a lot simpler and faster.
Aviation operator BLADE is now offering scheduled helicopter flights between Manhattan and Windham Mountain Club, landing on-site in only 45 minutes. This significantly shortens the trip to Windham from NYC, which is 2.5 hours north of Manhatten by car. For $695 per seat, these first-of-their-kind flights will depart on Thursdays from BLADE Lounge West and return from Windham on Sundays throughout the season. This is an appealing offer for anyone who has been caught in NYC’s infamous traffic. Guests can reserve transportation for their heavy skis and bags at checkout. Their luggage will be picked up and delivered when guests arrive at the heliport. Round trips are not required for this package, and the first flight is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 20, at 11:00 a.m.
BLADE is a technology-powered aviation company committed to reducing travel friction. A fleet of jets, helicopters, seaplanes, and turboprops are available to fly guests to any destination. With BLADE’s renowned jet charter service, guests can fly from West 30th St, BLADE Lounge West, Manhattan, and enjoy the slopes at Windham Mountain Club.
Windham Mountain Club Stats:
- 1,600 Vertical Feet Of Skiing And Riding
- Top Elevation: 3,100 feet
- Trails: 54
- Trail Length: 300-12,500 feet
- 11 Lifts: 1 high-speed six-passenger, 3 high-speed quads, 1 triple, 1 double, 5 surface
- Total Acres: 732
- Trail Acreage: 285
- Terrain Parks: 6
Windham Mountain Club is located in the Catskill Mountains of New York. It is known for its uncrowded slopes, unique amenities, and exciting culinary offerings. With 54 trails serviced by 11 lifts, the mountain’s annual snowfall is augmented by 97% snowmaking coverage. Windham Mountain Club offers six progressive terrain parks, an award-winning ski and ride school, full retail and rental shops, and an on-snow Demo Center for the latest ski and snowboard equipment.
The addition of providing the luxury of a helicopter service is consistent with Windham Mountain Club’s business model. In 2023, the Windham Mountain Club introduced its new name and presented its plans for the 2023-24 ski season and beyond. Formerly known as Windham Mountain, the resort unveiled its first master plan update, outlining a substantial investment of more than $70 million in enhancements over the next several years to the mountain’s amenities and services. Memberships have been available since 2023, and at that time, it appeared to target New York City’s elite with a membership price of $200,000 and an additional $9,000 in annual dues.
Locals in the area were not happy about the developments. In September 2023, residents circulated a petition calling upon town leaders to stop the mountain’s makeover. They argued that the costly new membership system would seal the town’s fate as a haven for select, wealthy out-of-town families. Local business owners worried their shops, restaurants, and other businesses would suffer if prices rose too high for their normal clientele. They worried that the type of person who spends $200,000 on a membership would not be the type of clientele that would frequent the current local downtown businesses.
Guest can upgrade their weekend getaway to Windham with the Ultimate Ascent and VIP Getaway packages. It gives them a personalized itinerary created by the concierge team at the Windham Mountain Club, ensuring them the best experience Windham has to offer. The package includes a BLADE helicopter flight that will land on-site at Windham. You’ll enjoy a three-night (four-day) stay in a suite at The Henson, a boutique hotel within minutes of Windham Mountain Club.
This package allows guests the advantage of priority ski passes for all three days to make “first tracks” before the slopes are open to the public. After skiing, snow tubing, or hiking, guests can unwind with fireside drinks as the light fades over the mountain, followed by gourmet dining at one of Windham’s six restaurants.
Starting at $2,750 per person, the BLADE Ultimate Ascent package includes:
- Round trip BLADE helicopter flights
- Access to exclusive membership-only amenities
- First Tracks Slope Access
- Complimentary Activities
- Premium Transportation
- Private Ski Valet, Locker Room, and Amenities
Starting at $11,600 per person, the VIP Getaway package includes:
- A supreme mountain escape featuring round-trip helicopter service from NYC
- Three nights at The Henson
- Priority ski access
- Private ski lessons for the whole family
- Four complimentary spa treatments
- Complimentary fitness classes
- Dining credits
- Premium local transportation
- Elite ski valet services
- Full access to all members-only amenities
Windham Mountain Club’s unique service of flying guests from NYC to its mountain is a clear signal that its goal is to provide guests with the ultimate experience. It also signifies its departure from a beloved local mountain in the Catskill Mountains to a private membership club. Windham Mountain Club is still open to the public but has limited availability. This is the first-ever scheduled city-to-slope helicopter route for New Yorkers and might be setting the table for a Deer Valley Resort-style experience for the Northeast. Air travel costs $695 per seat for a one-way trip and $295 for children under the age of 12, according to the BLADE’s website. Which, in NYC money, is peanuts.
