The Hunter Mountain Experience – Year-Round Fun for Everyone
World-Class Skiing
From its original groundbreaking in the summer of 1959, Orville and Israel Slutsky’s vision of reviving the Catskills-area tourist economy has transformed the region into a northeastern beacon for all-season, outdoor adventure, fit for the entire family. In the year 2015, estimates placed the number of annual visitors to Hunter Mountain between 270,000 and 300,000, per season.1
Hunter Mountain’s 58 pristine trails, two terrain parks, and 100% top-to-bottom snow-making technology, attract visitors from all over the country, every year. However, the Hunter Mountain area provides many year-round, adrenaline-inducing adventures for thrill seekers, as well as more serene activities for those looking to bask in the panoramic ambiance of the breathtaking Catskill Mountains.
Scenic Skyride
For those looking to experience Hunter Mountain in a more relaxing manner, the Scenic Skyride is the answer – a six-person chairlift that takes riders to the summit and back, of Hunter Mountain’s ski slopes – 3,200 feet above sea level. The incredible summit views reveal the northern Catskills peaks – and if the weather permits – the Massachusetts Berkshires and Vermont Green Mountains. For more information on Hunter Mountain’s Scenic Skyride, visit www.huntermtn.com/summer/skyride.
Hiking
Not for the faint of heart, the Hunter Mountain area offers several hiking trails – ranging from ‘easy’ to ‘difficult’ – bringing hikers to the second highest peak in the Catskills – at just over 4,000 feet – with expansive views. Some popular trails leading to the peak include Becker Hollow Trail, Hunter Mountain Trail, Devil’s Path, and Spruceton Horse Trail. For more information on Hunter Mountain hiking trails, visit www.trails.com or www.catskillmountaineer.com.
Zip Line
The Hunter Mountain area is also home to New York Zipline Adventure Tours – operating the largest zip line tour in North America, with riders flying across the treetops at 50 mph, reaching a maximum height of 600 feet above the ground for its most intense tour – the ‘Skyrider Tour’ The company also operates two smaller zip line tours – ‘Mid-Mountain’ and ‘Adventure Tower.’ For more information on New York Zipline Adventure Tours, visit www.ziplinenewyork.com.
4×4 Off-Roading
For even more adrenaline-pumping action, Hunter Mountain offers one and two-day off-roading excursions, in conjunction with Northeast Offroad Adventures (NORA), where certified International 4-Wheel Drive Trainers’ Association (I4WDTA) instructors guide guests as they traverse rugged terrain trails, streams, rocks, and more – with the Hunter Mountain summit climb serving as the pièce de résistance for the expedition. For more information on Hunter Mountain 4×4 off-roading, visit www.huntermtn.com/summer/adventures.
Fly Fishing
For visitors looking to try something new, Hunter Mountain offers full-service, half-day and full-day excursions on the Schoharie and Esopus Creeks – where aspiring anglers can learn the ins and outs of fly fishing, guided by experienced instructors. This unique adventure allows guests to experience and interact with the aquatic side of the Catskills. For more information on Hunter Mountain Fly Fishing, visit www.huntermtn.com/summer/fishing.
No matter your age, interests, skill or adventure level, Hunter Mountain has activities that your whole party will love. And for the avid golfers in the group, the area is home to a dozen, 18-hole golf courses, which will be highlighted in our upcoming post – stay tuned!