Belleayre Mountain in Highmount, New York, was declared “Forever Wild” by the New York State Forest Preserve in 1885. Early skiers side-stepped or hiked more than 3,000 feet to descend its unnamed, wooded trails, and in the 1940s skiing enthusiasts pressed politicians to develop it as a safe and fun mountain for families and extreme skiers alike. Bills introduced in 1947 allowed New York State to create Belleayre Mountain, and construction began in 1949. Its first winter season opened with five trails, an electrically powered rope tow, New York's first chairlift, a summit lodge, a temporary base lodge with a cafeteria and dirt floors, and parking for 300 people. It became the center for winter sports in the region and an economic catalyst for surrounding communities. Today Belleayre offers year-round recreation, including skiing, snow sports programs, swimming, boating, hiking, biking, fishing, and fall events, and it is operated by the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority as one of several major state recreation and sports facilities.