Colors in the Catskills

Colors in the Catskills at Hunter Mountain Resort in Hunter, New York, pairs Oktoberfest with fall foliage on a mountain already known as a four-season stop in the Great Northern Catskills. Three themed weekends split the run: First Leaves, an Authentic Oktoberfest, and a Costume Takeover. Bavarian-inspired food, local craft beverages, artisan vendors, and family games fill the grounds, with live entertainment through the day. The Scenic SkyRide is the way up for mountain views without a hike, and competitions include steinholding, keg rolling, costume contests, and the Doxie Derby. SkyRide tickets and VIP packages are add-ons. Summer riders already use the same lift toward the 3,200-foot summit and the Hunter Mountain Fire Tower.

Our take: Choose the Authentic Oktoberfest weekend for Bavarian food and steinholding, or Costume Takeover if the costume contests and Doxie Derby are the draw.