From its humble beginnings as farmland a few miles outside of Plattsburgh in the town of Beekmantown, Beartown Ski Area was a “field of dreams.”

Under the direction of what was called the Council of Community Services, and through the work of many local supporters, Norris Reyell sold 99 acres of his land for a dollar and became the first manager of Beartown when the slopes were cleared and ready for skiing in the winter of 1958.

Now more than 50 years later, residents who grew up skiing at Beartown are bringing their children to the hill. The family-oriented environment is at the core of the not-for-profit ski area’s mission. Go out on any given day and the hill will be covered with children, some barely out of the walking stage, whizzing past on skis and snowboards.

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