Want to get from New York City to the Catskills ski slopes in under an hour?
For wealthy skiers and snowboarders frustrated by long drives and traffic-clogged roads, a new helicopter service promises to transform the trip from New York City to the slopes. Aviation operator Blade is now offering scheduled flights from Manhattan to Windham Mountain Club, cutting the 2.5-hour drive down to just 45 minutes.
Starting at $695 per seat, flights will depart Thursdays from Blade Lounge West in lower Manhattan, with returns on Sundays throughout the ski season. The service launched on Dec. 20, and includes luggage transportation for skis and gear.
Windham Mountain Club, nestled in New York’s Catskill Mountains, offers 54 trails across 285 skiable acres, six terrain parks, and state-of-the-art snowmaking that covers 97% of the slopes. Once a beloved local mountain, Windham has undergone a major transformation in recent years, rebranding and unveiling plans for a $70 million upgrade to its amenities. Memberships, introduced in 2023 at a steep $200,000 initiation fee, have sparked concern among locals worried about rising costs and the shift toward catering to an elite clientele.
Blade’s helicopter service is geared toward elite tax brackets. Riders seeking the VIP treatment can opt into premium packages that range from $2,750 to $11,600 per person.
While Windham Mountain Club remains open to the public, its evolution signals a shift toward the type of exclusivity normally reserved for a private slope.
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