HUNTER MOUNTAIN RESORT GUIDE
Hunter Mountain Resort Overview
Ski all day and be back in New York City for dinner. That's possible at Hunter Mountain, accessible with a 2.5 hour drive from Manhattan, on a good day. Hunter features a 1,600-foot vertical drop and offers a wide range of terrain, although the steepest runs, such as Westway and Annapurna — only open after sustained snowfall. Hunter might be the poster child for the statement "If you can ski the East, you can ski anywhere." Its variable weather patterns and conditions keep you on your toes, but its excellent teaching program can prepare you in spades.
Meanwhile, the Hunter-Tannersville area is an increasingly attractive place to visit, with new cuisine such as Prospect and Sal's Pizza and lodging such as Scribner's Catskill Lodge, opening each season. Hunter is on the Epic Pass, convenient for those in the New York area who also enjoy skiing out West and/or further North.
Snow Reliability
Snow-Making & Grooming
Ski School
Travel Convenience
Accommodations
Terrain Variety
On Mountain Dining
Extreme / Off-Piste Terrain
Quick Take
Let's Go
Excellent variety of terrain, especially relative to the size of the mountain. Cover it all in one day
The runs here are Vermont quality, but without the Vermont drive
The Hunter-Tannersville area is undergoing a renaissance with increasing options for dining, après and off-mountain activities for the whole family
With snow-making coverage on 100% of its terrain, you are guaranteed to get your runs in no matter how bad the season. Fun fact, Hunter Mountain was the first ski resort in New York State to install snow-making
Hesitations
Hunter's proximity to NYC means it can be very crowded on the weekends. Lift lines can be long and trails may even feel crowded
Grooming is done daily, but the volume of skiers quickly makes that a thing of the past. Frequent rain and sleet can slick up the place
Insider Tips
To avoid early lift lines, head to Hunter North and Hunter West around 10:30am to maximize your shredding time
When eating at the mountain, take your food and head to the Copper Tree for a better lit, more spacious area (*this is not open during the Covid Pandemic)
Resist the temptation to take the D lift when the Kaatskill Flyer lines are long — it's very slow
For a relaxing, cozy stay, Scribner's Catskill Lodge is directly across the street from the resort. With an ice skating rink, beautiful grounds and firepit with s'mores to roast, you will feel a world away. A little further afield with a more boutique feel, consider the Deer Mountain Inn
For the most luxurious, convenient way to enjoy Hunter, consider the High Peaks Club, this membership based club at the West Wing Base, includes a locker room and parking space (space is limited)
Trail Map
For an in-depth breakdown of Hunter's terrain, head to our Mountain Guide. Top trails and mountain stats included.
Getting To & Around
While Hunter is accessible by bus and Amtrak Train; you'll want a car to get around Hunter/Tannersville, or to take a day trip to Phoenica, Woodstock and/or other resorts in the Catskills.
Getting To
Closest Major City: New York, NY
Distance: ~130 miles South East
Travel Time: ~ 2.5 hours drive
Albany, NY: ~80 miles, ~1.5 hours drive
Neighboring Resorts
Hunter Mountain is part of the Catskill Mountains and has many neighbors that make a good day trip.
Other Nearby Catskills Resorts
Windham - on the Ikon Pass (~10 miles, ~20 mins)
Plattekill - small but steep! (35 miles, ~50 mins)
ORDA Neighbors (accessible on the SKI3 Pass)
Belleayre (~27 miles, ~40 mins)
Gore, NY (~140 miles, ~2.5 hours)
Whiteface, NY (~200 miles, ~3.5 hrs)
Travel by Plane
Closest airports:
Albany International Airport (ALB): ~65 miles, 75 minute drive to the resort (limited service)
New York Stewart International Airport (SWF): ~70 miles, 75 minute drive to the resort (limited service)
Closest major commercial airports:
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): ~130 miles South East, ~2 hrs 10 minutes drive
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): ~140 miles, ~2 hours, 20 minutes drive
Travel By Bus
There are 10+ bus tour operators with service from the metro NY and NJ areas. These services often provide deals on lift tickets, rentals and/or group lessons. View the full list of bus operators, their schedules and information on how to book here.
Travel by Car
A car here is essential, especially if staying for more than a day trip.
Pros: Free parking at base; access to accommodations, restaurants and visits to other nearby resorts
Cons: None
Ride shares: Smiley's Taxi operates in the area, contact them at 518-589-6533
Uber and Lyft are not reliable here
