There’s Tons of Fun in Sullivan County’s Winter Catskills

Tuesday, 2 February 2010 By leni

When it comes to kids, families and the great outdoors Sullivan County always has lots to offer and winters in Sullivan County are no exception to the rule. From the Livingston Manor Rotary Ice Carnival held in January to February’s annual Ice Fishing Contests and Derbies, to our frozen lakes, crystal clear steams and mountains and valleys covered with snow, there is something for every one to enjoy.

Holiday Mountain Ski and Fun Park, located just outside Monticello, is open Tuesday through Sunday for skiing and snowboarding fun. Holiday Mountain Ski Area has 7 slopes and trails of varying skill levels to satisfy everyone and offer 4 lifts and two Chalets. All 7 trails offer night skiing At Holiday Mountain they love Mother Nature, but they do not take her for granted or take any chances. With 100% snowmaking on their slopes, they are able to enhance what nature gives us. Then they put the finishing touches on the slopes using the latest grooming equipment. In February be sure to check out their special events also: Scouts Weekend – February 6 and 7, Presidents Week/Winter Recess – February 14 through 22, YMCA Wines and Cheese event – February 26 at 6 p.m. followed the next day by the YMCA Fireman’s Races on February 27 at 8 a.m.

For grown-ups, and kids alike, who just can’t wait for trout season to open in the spring, Sullivan County’s lakes offer the very best in ice fishing. And for those in a slightly competitive mood, the county offers several ice contests and derbies throughout the month of February.

On Saturday, February 6 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. the Loch Sheldrake Fire Department is sponsoring the Lunker of the Ice Fishing Derby. Adult Division entry ages are 16 and up – cost $8. There is also a Youth Division – cost $3. All participants must pre-register before February 6th. To pre-register stop at the Liberty Agway Home and Garden, Bon Jovi Lane, Liberty, the Loch Sheldrake Fire House, Route 52, Loch Sheldrake on Wednesday nights from 7 to 9 p.m. or call 845-434-2710 or 845-434-2724.

Also on Saturday, February 6, the Jerry Sheppard Memorial Free Youth Ice Fishing Contest will be held at Mitchell Pond West in Cochecton from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jerry Sheppard loved kids and after his passing in September of 2006, the Sheppard family along with many of Jerry’s friends, created the children’s ice fishing derby as a way to keep Jerry’s memory alive and continue his outreach to kids. The contest is for kids ages 16 and younger. Bait and refreshments will be supplied. For more information or directions call Randy at 845-932-8152.

Sponsored by the Hurleyville Fire Department and Town of Fallsburg Youth Commission the 22^nd Annual Ice Fishing Contest will take place on Saturday, February 13 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Morningside Lake in Hurleyville. Adults are $5, 14 and under are free. For more information call Jack Halchak at 845-436-5418, George Price at 845-434-3475 or Fred Turner at 845-434-7706 or visit www.hurleyvilleny.com.

On Sunday, February 21 head to Kauneonga Lake in the Town of Bethel where the Sullivan County Conservation Club will be holding the King of the Ice Fishing Contest. An annual event, not to be missed, often attended by over 300 hundred ice fisherman from as far away as New Jersey and Connecticut, it is a day filled with prizes, give-aways and good food and fun for the whole family. To pre-register in person contact Sports-Nuts in Rock Hill or pre-register by mail to Charlie Greenhouse, PO Box 64, White Lake NY 12786. It is also possible to register the day of the event, but no matter what you decide come early because available parking fills up rapidly.

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