Introduction
Hunter Mountain, located in Greene County in the northern Catskill Mountains, is one of New York’s most well-known ski resorts. Known today for its extensive snowmaking, diverse terrain, and proximity to New York City, Hunter has a history that reflects the broader story of skiing in the Catskills. This post traces Hunter Mountain’s development from its early days in the 1960s to its present-day status as part of the Vail Resorts family.
The Catskills and Skiing Near NYC
The Catskills have long been a destination for outdoor recreation. By the mid-20th century, skiing was growing in popularity across the region. Resorts like Belleayre (opened in 1949) and Windham were already established before Hunter Mountain opened in 1960. What set Hunter apart was its combination of accessible location and ambitious development. Situated about 126 miles from New York City—roughly a 2.5 to 3-hour drive—and only about an hour from Albany, Hunter quickly became known as the ‘city skier’s mountain.’ Its location made it particularly attractive to skiers from the metropolitan area looking for a weekend or even day trip into the mountains.
Early History: Founding and Growth
Hunter Mountain Ski Bowl officially opened on January 9, 1960, with the “B” lift serving its first skiers. The early 1960s were a period of rapid development: the “A” lift, which extended service to the summit, was completed in 1962, and by 1963-64, Hunter had introduced night skiing. In 1964, a modern base lodge opened with seating, dining, and amenities that helped establish Hunter as more than just a place to ski—it was a destination.
In 1967, Hunter added the “D” lift, its first triple chair, and soon after achieved summit-to-base snowmaking. By 1980, Hunter became one of the first ski resorts in the United States to offer 100% snowmaking coverage across all of its trails. This innovation made Hunter one of the most reliable ski destinations in the East, famous for maintaining good conditions even when natural snowfall was scarce.
Modern Era: Expansions and New Ownership
Hunter Mountain remained under the ownership of the Slutzky family for more than 50 years. In 2015, it was acquired by Peak Resorts, which invested in further upgrades. A major milestone came in 2018 with the Hunter North Expansion, which added nine new runs, a new high-speed six-passenger chairlift called the Northern Express, and expanded parking and access points. This project increased Hunter’s skiable terrain by about a third and diversified the mountain’s offerings.
In 2019, Vail Resorts acquired Peak Resorts, and with it, Hunter Mountain. As part of Vail’s extensive network, Hunter was included in the popular Epic Pass, further broadening its appeal to skiers from across the country.
Recent Upgrades: 2024–2025 Season
Hunter Mountain continues to evolve with significant capital investments. For the 2024–25 season, the Broadway lift is being replaced with the new Broadway Express, a six-passenger high-speed detachable chair expected to increase uphill capacity by more than 50%. The E lift is also being replaced with the Otis Quad, and over 70 automated snow guns have been added to improve snowmaking efficiency and allow earlier openings of key terrain. These upgrades reinforce Hunter’s long-standing reputation as a snowmaking leader and ensure a smoother experience for skiers.
Unique Features and Off-Season Activities
Hunter Mountain’s appeal extends beyond winter. The mountain is home to a historic fire lookout tower on its summit—the highest in New York State—which offers sweeping views of the Catskills. In the warmer months, visitors can enjoy hiking trails and the Scenic Skyride, a chairlift that runs in the summer and fall for sightseeing.
Hunter has also become a popular location for festivals, events, and weddings. Oktoberfest celebrations have drawn visitors for decades making it a destination in the off season. The surrounding community, supported by the Hunter Chamber of Commerce, offers dining, lodging, and shopping. Just down the road from the resort, The Pro Ski and Ride provides expert boot fitting, ski tuning, and gear for all levels of skiers.
Conclusion
From its opening in 1960 through decades of innovations in snowmaking and terrain expansion, Hunter Mountain has played a defining role in the growth of skiing in the Catskills. Today, as part of Vail Resorts, it remains one of the premier destinations for skiing near New York City. Whether visiting for a winter getaway or enjoying its off-season offerings, Hunter Mountain offers a blend of history, accessibility, and mountain adventure that continues to attract generations of skiers and visitors.