Cortina Valley Catskills, New York

On the Boards

Cortina Valley is envisioned as a retreat rooted in the working landscapes and outdoor traditions of the Catskills. A place where recreation, ecology, and daily life exist as one continuous experience. Set within a valley system that feels intrinsically tied to Kaaterskill State Park and the greater Catskill Mountains, the project offers direct immersion into one of the Northeast’s most storied wilderness regions while maintaining the intimacy and control of a private estate.

The landscape is shaped not as a collection of amenities, but as a framework for year-round outdoor living. Meadow corridors support natural cross-country skiing in winter, transitioning seamlessly into horseback-riding routes and hiking loops as the seasons change. Forest edges are selectively managed to frame long valley views, protect snow conditions, and reinforce native habitat systems, allowing recreation to occur within a living ecological framework.

Trail networks are intentionally quiet and intuitive, following natural contours, historic movement patterns, and existing forest structure. Riding routes move from shaded hardwood canopy into open meadow gallop stretches, while hiking paths reveal shifting micro-ecologies, from hemlock ravines to upland oak ridges and exposed overlooks.

Material expression is restrained and authentic to place: native stone, timber, and stabilized natural surfaces that feel permanent, durable, and regionally grounded. Built elements act as landscape tools, providing shelter, orientation, and seasonal support rather than visual focal points.

At Cortina Valley, ownership becomes stewardship. The property is designed to mature with time, supporting native meadow succession, long-term forest health, and wildlife movement, while providing an unmatched private platform for skiing, riding, hiking, and seasonal retreat living.

The result is a landscape that feels discovered rather than constructed, a private valley experience that captures the spirit, scale, and seasonal rhythm of the Catskills.