In 1978, Rosemary and Mark Hyer bought the land known as Mountain Trails Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Center. They envisioned a nordic ski area which would integrate harmoniously into the pristine forested landscape while providing families and visitors a unique winter experience. Their vision was inspired by the dense, partially old-growth Eastern Hemlock forest, wildlife, and warm open meadows which compose Mountain Trails Cross Country. As they toured the land with their young children, Mark and Rosemary saw an opportunity for environmental conservation while opening the area for skiing. With a long term vision, the Hyers carefully planned a trail system based on the existing pathways and indigenous corridors used by wildlife, hunters, trappers, and loggers. Initially opened as Hyer Meadows Cross Country Ski Area, the area was renamed to Mountain Trails Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Center.

Mountain Trails is steeped in skiing tradition. Our family traces its lineage in the region back several generations to the 1800s. As lifelong skiers, Mark and Rosemary were alpine ski patrollers, racers, coaches, and ski instructors before opening Mountain Trails. Mountain Trails is a family owned and operated business. Their children have been contributing to the business for decades and now a third generation of the Hyer family is learning the family business. Keeping with their original vision to preserve the land's beauty and ecosystem, Mountain Trails relies on natural snow and mother nature and strives to keep a light footprint in the forest where trails wind.

For almost 40 years, the Hyer family has welcomed guests from all over the world. Each year, new guests discover the trails and their beauty. Many return year after year to Mountain Trails Cross Country Ski and Showshoe Center to experience nature and winter in the Northern Catskill Mountains.