History of Byrncliff
Byrncliff Resort & Conference Center started in 1964 under the name of "Big Tree Development". Construction began in the spring of 1965 on the golf course under the direction of chief architect, Russ Tryon. In the fall of 1966, Big Tree Development opened its clubhouse, restaurant, and nine-hole course. The complete 18-hole layout opened in the summer of 1967 and Big Tree Development changed its name to Byrncliff Country Club.
Originally established as a semi-private country club, Byrncliff CC featured a small clubhouse with a downstairs golf pro shop on the first floor and a glass-enclosed dining and lounge area on the second floor. A larger banquet room, locker rooms, and outdoor swimming pool were added in 1971 to accommodate golf outings, banquets, and weddings. Up until this time, Byrncliff was a seasonal operation, opening from April through December.
The addition of Byrncliff’s winter program came in the 70s thus opening the facility year-round. In 1970, under the direction of a management team from Chicago, the “Snow Ranch” at Byrncliff was created. Its primary attraction at that time was renting snowmobiles to the general public. This program was eventually phased out the following year and for the next seven seasons Byrncliff closed again from January to March.
Finally, in 1979 Byrncliff re-introduced its winter program with the addition of 4 miles of cross-country ski trails. To compliment our full service restaurant and lounge, lights were placed on the ski trails in 1983 and Byrncliff became the only area in Western NY that offered lighted, night skiing in the cross country recreation market.
In 1984, Byrncliff decided to change its status as a semi-private country club to a year round recreational resort open to the public. Shortly after the change, Byrncliff Country Club changed its name to Byrncliff Resort & Conference Center. Overnight lodging was a natural fit to the plan. Construction began on the Brookview motel in 1985 followed by the Fairfield motel in the summer of 1990. Byrncliff then became a destination resort for both summer and winter activities.
Over the years, Byrncliff has made a continuous effort to upgrade the facility and grounds. In 1994, the pool area was renovated to include a hot tub and miniature golf course as an added attraction. The golf course has undergone many changes over the past 30 years including the addition of sand traps, reconstruction of holes, and additional ponds to enhance the golfer’s experience. To assist in the care of the ski trails, Byrncliff purchased a state-of-the-art Pisten Bully snow groomer in 2001 that provides the very best in grooming and conditioning of the snow for our skiers to enjoy.
Another winter sport that has gained popularity in Western New York is snowmobiling. Byrncliff is situated on the main snowmobile trail system in Wyoming County and has become a central stop for riders looking for trailer parking, dining, lodging, and nightly entertainment. This extensive trail system leads to other trails in the surrounding counties and states providing scenic, outdoor entertainment for the adventurous.
Byrncliff is a popular and notable year-round stay and play resort with many activities for guests to experience. Along with outdoor recreation activities, Byrncliff provides indoor entertainment as well. Entertainers from around the Western NY region provide both music and theater performances throughout the year. Many of Byrncliff’s customers come from Western NY, New York State, Canada, and the surrounding states. In the future, Byrncliff looks to become the premier resort destination and conference center in region.
