Escape to A Snowy Mohonk Mountain House

There is a world outside of New York City. Sometimes the hustle of city living obliterates any memory that rivers, forests, and mountains lie just outside the concrete walls. Perhaps this only pertains to people my age: young professionals work slave-like hours for meager wages in the hopes that the shiny prize of "Success" awaits those who are able to scrape through to the other side. Sometimes it feels like there's little time or money to spend on luxuries such as personal happiness and freedom.

Mohonk Mountain House offered the perfect escape from the city. Only a few hours away by car, and we were suddenly in another universe. In the city snow browns quickly. Icy wind barrels between the skyscraper valleys, making winter even colder. In New Paltz, the snow remained white. The wind didn't whip. Everything felt calm.

We drove up the two-mile winding road in ice and darkness to reach the mountain-perched lodge. In an unwitting trust exercise, we followed the curves of the mountain, craning our necks upward at the glacier-coated rock formations on the left while trying not to look at the mountain falling off into nothingness on the right.

Nevertheless we arrived safely to be greeted by a jovial Hungarian man who insisted on taking our car, our bags, and our worries so we could check in to the lodge as carefree guests. Mohonk Mountain House is expensive, but everything is included in the price--food, fitness classes, outdoor activities--even gratuity. (No need to tip the bellboy). Of course, there are some optional charges (gift shop purchases, spa treatments, room service, etc.), but all in all, once you pay just put your wallet away and enjoy a completely mindless weekend.

With only a short, two-day getaway we found time to both explore the vast grounds and relax. After skiing, ice skating and a series of other activities I felt rejuvenated. I love New York, and I'm happy there. Yet, sometimes only in leaving do I realize that I cannot exercise every part of me confined in the city. It's difficult to carve out time to just be when everything is about advancement. It's difficult to completely relax when there is always somewhere to go. But at Mohonk, there is nowhere to go (especially since they valet park your car), there is no one to impress, and there is nothing to do but relax. It's the perfect retreat. 

At the top of one of the skiing trails we just stood, looking at the never-ending white, listing to quiet. Everything remained so still, we could actually hear the tiny snowflakes collide with the tree trunks.