Plattekill Mountain: Meet Laszlo Vajtay, co-owner of Plattekill Mountain

Meet Laszlo Vajtay, co-owner of Plattekill Mountain, the last family-owned independent mountain in the Catskills. Laszlo has been immersed in skiing from a young age. His journey from a young ski enthusiast is a testament to his dedication, entrepreneurial spirit, and vision for the sport.

Laszlo learned to ski at the age of 4 and began skiing Plattekill Mountain at 7. By 15, he was a Plattekill ski instructor and was promoted to ski school director at 21. He also started and managed Plattekill's mountain biking and racing program and acted as the rankings coordinator. Laszlo majored in Business Administration at Rider University, hosted a music show for the university's radio station, WRRC and started a DJ business when music was still all on vinyl records. These are all true testaments to Laszlo's vibrant and friendly energy.

After graduating in 1984, he balanced a full-time job as a packaging engineer in Manhattan with Plattekill Ski instructor duties on the weekends. "We were living for the weekends," he recalls. In 1993, Plattekill was going out of business. Laszlo sold everything he owned and bought the mountain. "I knew when I was 8 years old that I wanted to one day own a ski mountain. I would dream about it as my family was driving home to NJ after a weekend of skiing."

Laszlo manages operations and infrastructure planning at Plattekill. His focus on snowmaking and grooming, including the installation of more than 28 miles of piping, has drastically improved the mountain's conditions, earning him the nickname "Snowfarmer." He also managed the installation of a chairlift to replace the original T-Bar on the north peak, marking a significant step towards modernizing the mountain, enhancing the mountain's appeal, and transforming it into a premier Catskills ski destination. Laszlo and wife Danielle's no-debt, steady improvement philosophy has been the key to maintaining the mountain's financial stability and enhancing its traditional appeal.

One of Laszlo's greatest rewards is seeing his sons, Nicholas and Matthew, develop the same passion for skiing. "My favorite part about the job is seeing the passion my kids have for the mountain." You will often see Laszlo helping Ski Patrol, Snowmaking, Lift Operations and introducing himself to the Platty community.