15th Annual Telefest 2027 at Plattekill Mountain: A Free-Heel Day in the Catskills

The 15th Annual Telefest returns to Plattekill Mountain in Roxbury, New York, on Friday, January 29, 2027, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. It is a relaxed, community-focused day for telemark skiers, curious alpine skiers, and anyone who wants to try free-heel skiing in the Catskills.

What Is Telefest?

Telefest is Plattekill’s annual celebration of telemark skiing. The event combines gear demos, informal on-snow clinics, and plenty of open free-heel skiing, making it a welcoming introduction for “tele-curious” skiers as well as a fun gathering point for experienced pinheads.

Plattekill Mountain is a family-run ski area in the Northern Catskills with 41 trails and 1,100 feet of vertical drop, offering a friendly alternative to larger resorts for a day of turns and community.

The resort’s activities calendar lists Telefest from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with Telemarkdown on site for demos and informal clinics available during the day.

What to Expect

• Try telemark gear: Telemarkdown will bring demo equipment, giving attendees a chance to test free-heel setups on the mountain.
• Learn the basics: Informal clinics are designed to help newer telemark skiers improve their stance, turns, and confidence.
• Ski with the community: Spend the day making laps, meeting other free-heel skiers, and enjoying Plattekill’s laid-back Catskills atmosphere.
• Bring friends: Telefest is especially suitable for alpine skiers who have been curious about trying telemark skiing for the first time.
• Tips for Attending
• Buy lift tickets in advance. Plattekill recommends purchasing lift tickets ahead of time, particularly for popular event days.
• Plan transportation early. Seasonal transit options, including the OVRIDE snow bus from New York City, have historically provided rides to Plattekill for Telefest.
• Dress for a full ski day. The event runs from morning through mid-afternoon, so bring layers, eye protection, and gear suitable for changing winter conditions.
• Check conditions before departure. As with any winter event, confirm snow conditions, lift operations, and event updates directly with Plattekill before traveling.

Why Go?

Telefest is one of the best East Coast opportunities to test telemark equipment, receive informal coaching, and connect with the free-heel community without the pressure of a formal race or competition. Whether you are refining your telemark turns or stepping into free-heel skiing for the first time, the 15th Annual Telefest at Plattekill Mountain is a great way to spend a winter Friday.

Official event page: Plattekill Mountain Activities