WINTER WEEKEND - 2025
Mark your calendars for the 55th Annual Catskill 3500 Club Winter Weekend, set for January 18 and 19, 2025! This annual event offers an exciting opportunity for members and friends to gather, explore the Catskills, and enjoy the winter season in good company.
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The weekend will feature over a dozen hikes, including treks to the four required winter peaks, making it a great chance for those aiming to complete their winter 3500 challenge. Whether you're an experienced winter hiker or just starting out, there's something for everyone.
Event Details
On Saturday evening, we’ll gather in a private room at Woodstock Brewing at 4:30 p.m. for a casual get-together. Feel free to drop in for a beer or stay for dinner. Everyone is responsible for their own food and beverage, so you can enjoy the evening at your own pace. This relaxed atmosphere is a perfect way to connect with fellow hikers and share your experiences from the day’s hikes.
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David White, our Membership Chair, will be onsite with patches, stickers, decals, pins, and his renowned books, which make perfect gifts or additions to your collection. Additionally, Camp Catskill will have a pop-up table, and there may even be a few more surprises in store—be sure to stop by and see what’s new! We will also have a table set up with a limited supply of club-branded apparel available (cash or check preferred).
The Beginnings: Ironically, the very first Winter Weekend also took place on January 18 and 19 in 1970. The Club gathered at the Mountain Gate in Oliverea, the 1969 Canister quotes in parenthesis "rea rhymes with sea". The Club had approximately 65 members at that time and the Reverend Ray L. Donahue was President.​
Winter Weekend began as a way to bring together members who were passionate about winter hiking and the challenges of summiting the Catskill peaks in winter conditions. As winter hiking and peak-bagging in the Catskills grew in popularity, the Winter Weekend became a way to celebrate the season, encourage participation in winter hiking, and provide a social gathering for members. With just 70 members, it also provided a structured and communal way for members to tackle winter peaks, emphasizing the safety and skills needed to navigate the mountains in challenging conditions.
The celebration of Winter Weekend continues today as a highlight of the club’s calendar, bringing together members of all levels and continuing the legacy of enjoying and preserving the Catskill Mountains. This is a wonderful opportunity to get involved, meet other members, and celebrate the Catskill Mountains we all cherish. Whether you're participating in the hikes or joining us for the evening social, we look forward to seeing you there!
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Keep a lookout on social media and your inboxes for more details as we approach the weekend and get ready for a memorable time in the heart of the Catskills. We can't wait to celebrate the winter season with you!
So that we can take an accurate head count, please RSVP your attendance if you plan to come to Woodstock Brewing to: winterweekend@catskill3500club.org