Our Story

Swain Resort is the oldest independently owned ski resort in Western NY, operating continuously since 1947. Originally started by the Robinson family, the hill began with just one T-bar taking skiers to the top of the “Main Slope,” later renamed “Clark.”

Swain was one of the first ski areas to implement snowmaking in the late 1970’s and has expanded to 97% snowmaking capacity. The founding of Swain Resort was documented by Bina Robinson in a full-length book titled “With Our Own Four Hands: and a lot of help from our friends and new neighbors, Swain Ski Area came to be”.

Swain’s founding was enabled by the local community working together, and that trend continued in 2009 when Richard Ash and other local businessmen raised startup funds to help Celeste and Shawn Schoonover take over operations.

Shawn, Celeste, and their first grandchild Eloise learning to ski

Celeste was born into a ski family. Her parents, Mike and Joyce Knefley, operated Ski Denton in Pennsylvania since 1983 when Celeste was nine—she is no stranger to what it takes to run a ski resort! Meanwhile Shawn has worked in the ski business since his early twenties.

It’s truly been a family operation as all 4 of Celeste and Shawn’s children have worked at Swain at various times, along with other extended family members. Swain has been graced by 3 generations (sometimes 4 if you count the grandchildren!) of Schoonover’s & Knefley’s working at any one time.

Under Shawn and Celeste’s ownership Swain has added slopeside properties on the west side of the hill, expanded snowmaking capacity, and introduced a new slope over a mile long. Swain has also purchased the Mountainside Inn and 5 condos to make staying at Swain more convenient and comfortable for everyone.

Shawn, Celeste, and their first grandchild Eloise learning to ski

Swain Resort was the first ski resort in New York State to allow snowboarding and the ski area has multiple terrain parks.

Today, Swain Resort features challenging skiing terrain while still catering to families and schools with beginner skiers. Our school club members total over 1000 and are often multi-generational! Voted best ski resort to learn to ski in NYS, we are proud of our ski and snowboard community!

Swain Resort…where families LOVE to play!