Belleayre has a quieter kind of usefulness. It doesn't have Hunter's reputation or Windham's resort polish, but it often gives families and intermediates the better actual day. The mountain feels approachable, well sized, and less committed to being a scene.
The best case for Belleayre is balance. It has enough terrain for a real day, enough snowmaking to matter, and enough separation from the louder Catskills choices to make it feel saner on many weekends. It's especially easy to recommend when the group wants less stress.
The ceiling isn't the same as the more aggressive mountains. Advanced skiers may want more challenge, and people looking for a big resort weekend may find Belleayre modest. But for a smart New York day trip, modest can be the right answer.