Hunter Mountain is located just over 2 hours north of New York City in the northern Catskill Mountains of New York State. Whether you are coming from the north or the south, Hunter is a convenient half-hour ride from New York State Thruway exits 20 or 21.
Epic Passes
Mountain Stats
Highest Elevation
Base Elevation
Skiable Terrain
Average Snowfall
Lifts
Terrain Parks
Trails
Beginner Terrain
Intermediate Terrain
Advanced Terrain
History
In the early 1900s, the Hunter area was one of the leading and most popular resort areas in the United States as a summer destination for New York City families. By the 1950s, the Village of Hunter fell on hard times as the Great Depression took its toll on the local economy and the tourism trade faded.
A group of local businessmen, including Orville and Israel Slutzky, developed plans to revive the economy through building a ski resort. After a failed attempt to get the state of New York to fund the building of the ski area, the group published an article in the New York Herald Tribune announcing a mountain giveaway as long as the developer agreed to build a ski area. Hunter Mountain Development Corp, headed by James Hammerstein and a group of New York City Broadway show business people, became the first operators of Hunter Mountain. Orville and Israel Slutzky provided most of the land, and their firm provided the construction. An agreement was made under two stipulations: the mountain had to be called Hunter Mountain, and it had to have snowmaking capabilities.
Construction of the ski area started in the summer of 1959, and on January 9, 1960, Hunter Mountain opened for the first time. The Slutzky brothers stepped in and took over the operation after the Hunter Mountain Development Corporation went bankrupt in the middle of their first season. As the popularity of the mountain grew, so did the resort's expansion with the building of lodges, accommodation, additional trail areas, and innovative snowmaking.
Getting Here
****Suggestion for image: A map showing the location of Hunter Mountain and nearby airports.****
By Air
Nearby airports include:
- Albany International Airport (ALB): 1 hour (64 miles / 103 kms)
- New York Stewart International Airport (SWF): 1 hour (65 miles / 105 kms)
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): 2.5 hours (132 miles / 212 kms)
- LaGuardia Airport (LGA): 2 hours (122 miles / 196 kms)
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): 2.5 hours (127 miles / 204 kms)
By Car
From the north or south, Hunter is a 30-minute ride from the NYS Thruway.
By Train
Taking the bus or driving are the most recommended ways to reach Hunter Mountain, but you can opt to ride Amtrak to nearby Hudson, NY.
Take the Hudson Line on Metro-North to Poughkeepsie Station. Before your trip, visit Zipcar to reserve a car (Zipcar is located at the station) or take an UBER or LYFT car service that can bring you directly to the mountain. Alternatively, taxi service through Chase Transportation can be reserved ahead of your trip.
By Bus
Don't let your lack of wheels dampen your spirit to ski and ride. Bus Tour Operators are a convenient way to travel to Hunter Mountain from the Metro NY & NJ Areas. They can supply you with a lift ticket, ski or snowboard rentals, and group lessons.
With so many different bus options, you're certain to discover a hassle-free alternative to driving. There are a variety of charter bus companies and tour operators making runs to Hunter Mountain on a regular basis.
****Suggestion for image: A bus arriving at Hunter Mountain with skiers and snowboarders disembarking.****
