Press Kit

Only a brief 2.5-hour drive from New York City through the breathtaking northern Catskill Mountains, adventure-seeking guests will find Hunter Mountain, The People’s Mountain. Hunter boasts some of the most thrilling terrain in the East, but it’s not just for seasoned veterans; with a state-of-the-art learning center and dedicated children’s area, Hunter is the gateway to winter sports for generation after generation of skiers and snowboarders. Slope-side accommodation is available at The Kaatskill Mountain Club, where guests are hosted with a unique blend of luxury, comfort and charm. 

New for 2024/25 

Epic Lift Upgrades: We’ve been busy this summer bringing to life a mountain of capital improvements for the 24/25 winter season. Guests will enjoy more snow, more terrain, and more adventure this winter after major automated snowmaking investments to Hunter West and two Epic Lift Upgrades. Together, these enhancements are a pivotal move that aligns with our commitment to providing a progressive learning experience for our visitors of all ski and ride levels, from beginners to seasoned pros. 

• Broadway Express – a new high-speed, 6-person chair has replaced the existing 4-person fixed-grip Broadway Lift and is designed to reduce wait times at one of the mountain’s most popular lifts while increasing uphill capacity, making it even easier for guests to access the terrain they love. This upgrade increases uphill capacity by 55%. 

• Otis Quad – the existing 4-person fixed-grip Broadway Lift has replaced the 2-person fixed-grip E lift, increasing uphill capacity and ensuring guests have more time to learn new skills and explore terrain. 

• Automated Snowmaking – new state-of-the-art automated snowmaking systems were added on three classic and beloved trails, Belt Parkway, Clair’s Way, and Way Out. This groundbreaking project will accelerate the resort’s ability to open terrain earlier in the season, helping to disperse skier traffic; provide greater efficiency to rebuild snow bases later in the season, particularly during periods of volatile weather; and allow for better connection of Hunter North and Hunter West more directly and earlier in the season. 

65th Anniversary: Since opening 65 years ago on January 9, 1960 with the original “B” Lift in operation, Hunter Mountain has a history of innovation and leadership in the industry, from being the first ski resort in New York to install snowmaking; to being the first in the world to feature both top-to-bottom snowmaking and have 100% coverage of the mountain; and to being the first in the U.S. to install an automated snowmaking system. While the resort has grown and evolved over the decades with new lifts and new peaks, it still boasts the same energy and sense of adventure, providing skiers and riders a destination to learn, progress and challenge themselves. 

Commitment to Zero: In 2017, we announced our bold sustainability goal: to achieve a zero net operating footprint by 2030. In 2023, we reached 100% renewable electricity in North America and decreased waste to landfill by nearly 6.1 million pounds enterprise-wide. From snowmaking upgrades to new waste sorting, Hunter is further reducing emissions with energy-efficiency projects. Beginning with Oktoberfest, Hunter is adding sorting stations to better manage waste streams, and at this year’s event our collectors cup will be made of reusable recycled material. Throughout the 24/25 winter season, Hunter will continue expanding sorting stations resort wide. 

Hunter Mountain Fast Facts 

Base Elevation: 1,600 feet (above sea level) 
Summit Elevation: 3,200 feet 
Vertical Drop: 1,600 feet 
Skiable Acres: 320 
12 Lifts: 3 carpets, 2 doubles, 1 triple, 3 quads, 3 high-sleep 6-packs 
67 Trails: 15% Expert, 30% Advanced, 30% Intermediate, 25% Beginner  
Glades: 3 glade areas 
Terrain Parks: 4 freestyle areas 
Snow: 100 % snowmaking coverage 
Average Season Length: Late-November to mid-April 

Hunter History 

Back in the 1960s, skiing was the hottest thing in America—literally the fastest-growing sport—thanks to the media frenzy and the buzz leading up to the 1964 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria. But the real game-changer? A live ski lesson on NBC’s Tonight Show with the legendary Johnny Carson. Picture this: Hunter Mountain ski instructor Kitty Falger on national TV, trying to teach Johnny how to ski. The hilarious 20-minute sketch had America in stitches—and put Hunter Mountain squarely on the national radar. 

Since then, Hunter’s popularity has snowballed (pun intended), and it hasn’t stopped growing. Today, it proudly carries the title of “the snowmaking capital of the world.” But that’s not just a catchy slogan—Hunter’s legacy is one of innovation, always staying ahead of the curve in the ski world. 

From the very beginning, Hunter Mountain has been breaking ground (and making snow). In 1960, its very first season, Hunter had snowmaking, a cutting-edge move at the time. By 1967, it became the first ski area in the world with top-to-bottom snowmaking, thanks to snowmaking lines stretching all the way to the summit. And by 1980, they’d achieved something even more impressive: snowmaking coverage on 100% of their trails, ensuring prime conditions no matter what. 

But Hunter didn’t stop there. In 1989, it became the first ski area in the U.S. to install an automated snowmaking system, revolutionizing how ski areas operate. Fast forward to 2018/19, and the resort unveiled the massive Hunter North Expansion—new trails, a high-speed six-person detachable lift, and a brand-new entrance, adding extra parking. 

And the innovation continues. Honoring Hunter’s long legacy of innovation, guests will enjoy more snow, terrain, and adventure this 2024/25 winter season after major automated snowmaking investments to Hunter West and two Epic Lift Upgrades. Together, these enhancements are a pivotal move that aligns with Hunter’s commitment to providing a progressive learning experience for our visitors of all ski and ride levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.  

From a national TV debut to becoming a leader in snowmaking and beyond, Hunter Mountain’s story is one of trailblazing—and a place skiers and riders visit to live a little more. 

Hunter Mountain Ski & Ride School 

From Kitty’s live ski lesson with the legendary Johnny Carson on national television to our 65th winter season, Hunter Mountain Ski & Ride School has been at the forefront of helping skiers and snowboarders of all levels master their skills on the slopes. Our talented instructors, top-tier facilities, and unmatched dedication to teaching make us the ultimate destination for anyone looking to elevate their winter experience. 

Nestled in the beautiful Catskills, Hunter offers ideal learning terrain. With diverse runs catering to every ability level, our guests can seamlessly progress from novice to pro, finding the right challenge every step of the way. 

In addition to first timer, child, adult, group and private lessons, we also offer a variety of development programs. 

Adult Development Programs:  

• Adult Weekend Development (AM - Half Day) 

• Adult Midweek Development (Wednesdays) 

• Adult Midweek Race Development (Mondays) 

Junior Development Programs: 

• All Mountain Ski (ages 7-17) 

• Freestyle Competition (ages 7-9)  

• Snowboard Development (ages 7-12) 

• Teen Pro (ages 13-17) 

Seasonal Program  

• Mighty Mights (ages 5-6) 

Hunter Mountain Dining 

Hunter Mountain has a variety of selections from grab and go to a full-service restaurant to keep you happy and fueled for the entire ski day! If you’re looking for the party, grab a drink at the Main Bar in the base lodge. And those looking for a low-key bar, we recommend pulling up a seat at Van Winkle’s located in The Kaatskill Mountain Club.  

Pass Holders save 20%, whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch, afternoon pick-me-up, or après grub, just scan your Pass and save when you visit the following locations at Hunter for winter: 

• Goldeye's 

• Inside Waffles and Ice Cream 

• Jerry's Deli  

• Marketplace 

• Santini's Pizza 

• bubly Tubing Park  

• Pika's Waffles 

Guests Save on Their Entire Mountain Experience with Epic Pass  

Now is the time to lock in an Epic Pass before they’re unavailable. Epic Passes offer significant pre-season savings compared to lift ticket prices, and, whether you plan to ski or ride one day or every day, there is a Pass option for everyone. 

• Epic Day Pass offers skiers and riders the ability to build their own Pass – choosing 1-7 days to use throughout the season. Epic Day Passes provide up to 65% savings compared to lift ticket prices.

• Epic Local Pass provides unlimited access to eight resorts in the Northeast including Stowe, Okemo, Mount Snow, Hunter, Mount Sunapee, Crotched, Wildcat and Attitash. For those who want to ski and ride the West, the Epic Local Pass also includes access to Vail Mountain, Park City Mountain, Breckenridge, Whistler Blackcomb and more (with some restrictions).   

• Northeast Value Pass offers incredible value with access to ski and ride resorts across the Northeast including Stowe, Hunter, Mount Snow and Okemo (with some restrictions).   

• Epic Pass continues to offer the best deal in skiing and riding with access to more than 80 resorts worldwide, including unlimited, unrestricted access to resorts throughout the Northeast including Stowe, Okemo, Hunter, Mount Snow and Mount Sunapee.  

• Specialty Passes are available including active and retired Military and their dependents, Veterans and their dependents, and Adaptive Passes that offer access to 42 resorts at a discount. The Northeast Value College Pass is perfect for college students who want to ski or ride resorts across the Northeast.   

View all Epic Passes on epicpass.com before they go off sale. 

Epic Passes also provide savings on other parts of the in-resort experience. Passes come with Epic Mountain Rewards, which offer exclusive discounts including 20% off on-mountain food and beverage, lodging, group ski and ride lessons, equipment rentals and more – all winter long. 

Stay Connected with Hunter Mountain 

Visit huntermtn.com or the My Epic app for terrain updates, snow reports, local lodging & and dining, event details, and the lowest-priced lift tickets guaranteed. Stay connected socially at facebook.com/huntermtn  and follow @huntermountain on Instagram.