During the 1800s, Catskill and Adirondack deforestation had created massive siltation of New York City harbor and imperiled shipping up the Hudson River.

In 1947, the people of New York passed a constitutional amendment by referendum to allow an intensive use ski center within this protected forever wild region.

Skiing enthusiasts in the 1940s pressured politicians to develop Belleayre for families and extreme skiers alike.

Construction began in 1949, and Belleayre began its premier winter season with five trails, an electrically powered rope tow, New York’s first chairlift (A Roebling Single, later converted to a double), a summit lodge, a temporary base lodge with a cafeteria and dirt floors, and parking for 300.

Belleayre was immediately popular among local residents and became a center for winter sports in the region and an economic catalyst for surrounding communities.

As business increased, Belleayre expanded its skiing terrain, adding 12 new trails, 3 lifts, and a new base lodge in the 1950s.

In 1986, a Riblet Triple Chairlift with a mid-station was installed to service the top of the mountain from the Overlook and Sunset Lodges.

In 2001, the Tomahawk parking lot along with the Dot Nebel opened on the west side of Belleayre.

In November 2012, the resort was transferred from the NYS DEC to the Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA).

In the 2018-19 season, a new state-of-the-art medical building was constructed on the side of parking lot E on the old location of the Tee Pee Flats learning area.

This lift had a loading carpet, hockey puck footrests that are safer for children, and comfortable padding for the seats.

[8][9] Belleayre's cross-country ski trails are separated from the downhill slopes and has its own parking area.