Historic Chinese American ski resort to join New York state park

A historic ski resort founded by a Chinese American Army veteran in the 1950s is set to become part of a New York state park, marking a significant transition for the landmark property. Mt. Cathalia, located near Ellenville in upstate New York, has been sold for $3.3 million and will be incorporated into Minnewaska State Park Preserve starting in 2026.

Joseph Tso, a Chinese American military veteran, purchased the mountain property decades ago and developed it into a hotel and ski area, establishing what became the nation's only Chinese American-owned and operated ski resort. The venture represented a notable achievement in an era when such entrepreneurial ventures by minority communities faced considerable obstacles.

The 440-acre Mt. Cathalia property's acquisition by the state park system underscores growing efforts to preserve and expand public recreational spaces in the Hudson Valley region. The integration into Minnewaska State Park Preserve will make the historic resort accessible to a broader audience while ensuring its preservation as part of New York's natural heritage.

The transition reflects changing patterns in private land use in the region, as smaller recreational properties face economic pressures. The sale preserves the site's legacy while repositioning it as a public asset within the state's park system.