Hunter Mountain

Hunter Mountain is one of the best known ski resorts in the Catskills, with a reputation as a party slope first and a ski resort second. But don’t let this deter you, there’s plenty to do out on the 240 acres of skiable territory. Hunter features 58 runs with a difficulty split of 30/30/30/10 of beginner, intermediate, advanced and expert trails. There are also two progression terrain parks and three glades to play around in for those so inclined. Hunter’s base lodge rest at 1600 feet, while the upper peak sits at 3200 feet for a vertical of 1600 feet.  Snowmaking covers the entire mountain, so when Mother Nature skimps, Hunter has you covered.

Skiing on Hunter

Hunter is only a two-and-a-half hour drive from New York City. That means Hunter still draws in the crowds from all over Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Because Hunter hosts such a lively nightlife, most of the skiing crowd doesn’t get to the slopes until late. Unless you’re one of those who are still sleeping off the night before, getting to Hunter early means you’re going to miss the crowds and long lift lines.

The best run in the morning for skiers with some experience under their belt is K27. This double black starts off where the Katskill Flyer Lift ends. Alternately, hit the Jimmy Huega Express to Eisenhower for a run with more turns. After the crowds hit the mountain, stay off the Flyer and hit up the F-lift to dodge the mobs. Alternately, if you can deal with the double blacks, hit Hunter West and spend the afternoon exploring the expert runs there.

Novice runs are centered on Hunter One and B-Lift. After the Learning Center becomes passe, H and C-Lifts reach midmountain at Hunter One, while B-Lift leads to Off Broadway, Gateway, and B-Flat, three nice rolling groomers that also treat you to one heck of a view. Be warned, that in early afternoon on holidays and weekends, there are lines for most of these lifts.

Hunter has daycare available for kids from 6 months to 6 years old. For kids that are four years and older can also participate in on-snow programs, getting them out on their first pair of skis and teaching them fundamentals

Après Après Ski

If you can’t find somewhere to enjoy the down time at Hunter Mountain, you aren’t looking. The base lodge starts the party, with loud music and plenty of friendly locals mingling with skiers.  Live bands and DJ’s provide the entertainment on the North Side while quieter relaxation can be found on the West on the deck watching the Flyer take skiers up for their last runs of the day.

The party doesn’t stop when The Copper Tree closes. It continues as skiers and locals flow into nearby Tannersville. The most “Infamous Winter Party Destination” is at Slopes and there are three floors to party on. Each floor has its own DJ, and the house special is the Jägerbomb. The party doesn’t stop until Slopes closes at 4 am, which explains why Hunter is mostly empty in the mornings.