Thursday, March 9, 2017

Hunter March 9

Hello Hunter Fans
Hunter is contemplating making snow again in order to recover from the recent warmth & rain. This would be unprecedented but necessary in order to make it through March. The mountain is not in good shape.
This weekend will be sponsored by Moet Hennessy with a host of events including a torchlight parade and fireworks Saturday night. Their premier spirit Belvedere Vodka will be the focus of the event.
FYI - They sold the Grand Marnier brand to Campari.
The event schedule is below.
The weekend weather will be bitter cold & windy with little or no snow accumulation. Lift operations could be affected by the wind. There is a winter storm watch for next Tuesday.
For those of you who have asked, my rotator cuff surgery last Friday was successful and I await the start of PT in a few weeks – ugh & ouch!
Bundle up and have sharp edges!
Jon
 
 

Detailed Forecast

Today
Mostly sunny, with a high near 41. Breezy, with a west wind 20 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph.
Tonight
A chance of snow, mainly after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23. West wind 6 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
Friday
A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 31. Blustery, with a northwest wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 16 to 21 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
Friday Night
A slight chance of snow before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 7. Wind chill values as low as -10. Blustery, with a northwest wind around 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Saturday
Partly sunny, with a high near 17. Blustery, with a northwest wind 17 to 23 mph.
Saturday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 3.
Sunday
Partly sunny, with a high near 17.
Sunday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 1.
 

Moët-Hennessy Winter Bash

March 11th - 13th, 2017

 Get ready for a weekend full of fun, music and events! Sponsored by Moët-Hennessy and Belvedere Vodka

Friday March 10th
6-8PM: Champagne tasting at the hotel / Van Winkles - Price: TBD

Saturday, March 11th
Day's Agenda:
12-2pm: Ardbeg and Glenmorangie Single Malt Tasting with guest presenter, small plates, BBQ style. $25 - Register Here
3-5pm: Hennessy Tasting - brand education and mixology event where guests can create their own cocktail! $25 - Register Here 
SAVE$$ - when you register for two or more events, the price is reduced to $20 per event!
Belvedere Vodka Presents:
4-6PM: Belvedere Vodka Party at the Main Bar
5:30 to 10:00PM: Funk Evolution plays at the Main Bar
6:45PM: Torch Light Parade and Fireworks

Sunday, March 12th - The US Chef's Ski Club Race. From classic french recipes to dazzling down-hill speeds, these racers bring the speed and the class. 
3-5PM: Wine and Food Tasting - Wines from around the world coupled with food pairing stations.  $25 p/p Open to the public with advanced registration. Register here
For more information on the Chef's Race, click here.

Monday, March 13th - The Bartender Bash, open to anyone in the restaurant/bar industry upon proof of employment. If you work in the industry make sure you come celebrate with us! Meet industry peers, learn some new skills from Belvedere's talented Mixologists.
Day's Agenda:
9am: Sign in at the Bartender Bash Registration Site
9am-12pm: Ski at your leisure or join us on the outside deck for fun activities
12pm-4pm: Lunch, cocktail tasting, DJ David Barese and games at the Snow Lounge on the outside deck!

Don't miss one of the best weekends on the hill! Grab your friends and hit the slopes, then Apres Ski with Moët-Hennessy and Belvedere!
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Monday, February 27, 2017

Hunter Feb 27

Hi Hunter Fans,
As many of you know Hunter took a big hit this past week & weekend with the record breaking temps, heavy rains, sleet and Sunday’s freeze. The west side was closed for that past few days in order to preserve what snow is left.
The grooming I was told has been exceptional with “snow farming” to cover some bare and thin areas.
In an unprecedented move, Hunter will turn on the snow guns later this week when the cold wave arrives (after more rain Tuesday night and Wednesday) in order to lay down some fresh powder over the frozen crust. Yes, really – making snow in March!
This weekend there will be consumer demo days with 2018 equipment available to try out.
For entertainment, The Marco de Sade Band (blues / rock) will be at Last Chance Cheese in Tannersville Saturday night. They are awesome!
Local restaurants have fortunately been very busy on weekends so wherever you plan to go, reservations are suggested.
The MTV filming is ongoing and will most likely air as a reality series in the fall.
For those of you interested in the local arts, classical, folk or jazz music and theater, you should get your names on the weekly email for: 
WAA Newsletter for the Week of February 19, 2016   Trautman5@aol.com
This will most likely be my last blast for quite a while as I am scheduled for left rotator cuff surgery this Friday in Albany.
Detailed forecast below.
Happy Trails,
Jon
 
 

Detailed Forecast

Tonight
A slight chance of rain and snow after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. Southwest wind 13 to 18 mph decreasing to 5 to 10 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Tuesday
A slight chance of rain and snow before 8am, then a chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49. South wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.
Tuesday Night
Rain likely, mainly between 7pm and 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. South wind 8 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Wednesday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 62. Southwest wind 11 to 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Wednesday Night
Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. Breezy, with a southwest wind 15 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Thursday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 36. Breezy.
Thursday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 17.
Friday
A chance of snow before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 27. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Friday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 12.
Saturday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 27.
Saturday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20.
Sunday
Partly sunny, with a high near 42.
Sunday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28.
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Friday, February 17, 2017

Hunter Feb 16

Hello Hunter Fans,
Many of you have asked if you were deleted from my list since you have received no daily ski reports. The answer is “no”. I have not been skiing nor will I be this season – it ended before it started for me due to injuries to my left arm from fall yard work. My left elbow (bicep tendon) was surgically repaired in October and my left rotator cuff is due to be repaired hopefully within weeks. Getting old sucks!
I cannot comment on daily trail conditions, grooming etc. based on others’ opinions as they vary greatly. If you want to know I’m afraid you will have to ask your friends who have been on the slopes.
This has been a good snow season but I can’t say the same for the weather. I call it the season of flat light and, to date, you can count the number of full sunny days on one hand. The wind and cold have also been major negative factors.
 
The crowds this season, especially on weekends, have been much larger than the past few years with some days hitting close to 8,000 which number by the way is expected both this & next President’s Day weekends.
 
Regarding other mountain top issues, MTV Productions which was responsible for the reality TV series“Jersey Shore” cut a deal with Hunter/PEAK and began filming here last weekend. They will be here for six weeks and have hired pro snow boarders as their main focus to be filmed in the base lodge, on the slopes and in various local bars, restaurants and other businesses.  They have rented a large local house (no, not mine) as their main base and have wired it with cameras & microphones etc. They are spending a lot of money up here. I have no clue as to when they will finish filming, editing and air the episodes.
 
In restaurant news, the Brewery is open and offers a good pub fare with 20 beers on tap. It should have its own craft beers shortly I am told but I have heard that before.
Scribner’s Lodge –Prospect Restaurant & Bar - is spectacular after a 3 million dollar renovation with great ambiance, amazing views , excellent food, wines & liquor, but it is expensive.
Hammo’s in Hensonville (The ex Horton Smith House) offers excellent pub food plus some Indian dishes together with 10 craft brewed-in-house beers.
 
The weekend forecast:
Friday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 27. Northwest wind 10 to 14 mph.
Friday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 15. Southwest wind 5 to 8 mph.
Saturday
Partly sunny, with a high near 41. Southwest wind 5 to 7 mph.
Saturday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 29.
Sunday
Partly sunny, with a high near 41.
Sunday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 27.
Washington's Birthday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 35.
 
I will be back on skis next season with a vengeance!
Jon
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Monday, November 21, 2016

Hunter openinng day news

Hi All,
Here is the Hunter press release:
 

opening daY

Yesterday was an exciting day on the mountain! We happily welcomed 10" of natural snowfall (a few more inches falling this morning!) in addition to 20 brand new snow guns! Our Snowmaking Team made its mark on the mountain early yesterday morning and is still making snow on Hellgate, The Cliff, Kennedy, Fifth Ave, The Battery, Seventh Ave, 42nd Street, Central Park North and Grammercy Park. Our plan is to move onto additional trails as temperatures permit, which look promising through early Wednesday morning.

We're thankful that Mother Nature is doing her job this Thanksgiving week, and we're pleased to announce we plan to open this Friday, November 25th at 9am! We expect to have details regarding available terrain in the coming days - stay tuned by checking our snow report and social media pages, and subscribe to our Daily Snow Report emails.
Happy Thanksgiving and happy trails,
Jon  

 

 

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Saturday, November 12, 2016

Hunter snow guns are on!

Hi All,
Pleased to advise Hellgate is already covered with that white stuff down through Kennedy. Hunter would like to be open for Thanksgiving if not sooner.
Night time temps will be below freezing for the next week although daytime temps will be in the upper 40’s to low 50’s.
Due to recent elbow surgery to repair a torn biceps tendon I will not be able to provide first hand reports before January.
In restaurant news, Scribner’s has opened. Here is an article about it:
http://www.metropolismag.com/October-2016/Modern-Mountain/   and their website: 
 
The Hunter Brewery is also open:  www.HunterMountainBrewery.com
 
Think & pray for snow and rain which we desperately need.
Jon
 
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Monday, March 7, 2016

Hunter March 7

Hello Hunter fans,
It was a magnificent morning to be out on the slopes. All trails were groomed to perfection and partial sun with high clouds made for excellent visibility. The temps went from 22 late last night to 40 this am and now 57 base / 44 summit.
The surface conditions were very consistent & fairly firm but softened with each run until late morning when it became a bit mushy and sticky. No significant brown or bare spots. It was very windy on top gusting to 35 mph but it was not real cold. Every open trail was excellent with ego snow. The west side: Claire’s & Wayout were superb. “Z” was running slow due to the wind but the Flyer had no issues.
There was a very light crowd even with the Localmotion and Grand Marnier Bartenders races. Most of the deck was fenced off for the bartenders party including a mechanical bull (see attached photos).
The firemen come in to race tomorrow and Wed – man are they going to sweat in those heavy jackets! The cold beer will be flowing.
 
I am pleased to advise officially that Hunter / Peak Resorts will honor all LIFETIME passes for Hunter only. The new season passes are being offered at bargain prices and cover 7 of Peak’s eastern resorts including Mount Snow but must be purchased by April 30th with only a $99 down payment.
 
The weather for the rest of the week is forecast to be very warm with possible rain due Wed night into Thurs. I do not enjoy skiing mush so I may not be out to write a first hand report for a while.
Party on........
Jon
 
Tonight
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. West wind 5 to 7 mph.
Tuesday
Partly sunny, with a high near 57. Southwest wind 3 to 6 mph.
Tuesday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. Southwest wind 5 to 7 mph.
Wednesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 66. West wind 7 to 11 mph.
Wednesday Night
A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Thursday
A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 62. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Thursday Night
A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Friday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 51.

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Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Hunter March 1

Hello Hunter fans,
Mother nature is still playing tricks on us. After periods of rain yesterday and temps in the 50’s a front came through last night with high winds and cold temps down to 19.
Today started out sunny with no wind but the damage was done. The light went flat around 10 am and the surface was flat frozen corduroy so visibility for my old eyes was tough.
Thankfully the groomers made skiing possible but it was noisy, frozen hard and fast. It was like skiing on a Ruffles Potato Chip – it rattled your bones but it was edgeable. After a while the ridges broke down on the main trails and it turned to sugar on hard pack. All front side trails were groomed but there were ice & brown patches. One could not venture where it was not groomed.The snow base is receding from the edges of the trails.
Apurna and Dropoff look to be done for the season. Claire’s was not groomed and showed quite a bit of brown and bare from what could be seen from the intersection with Wayout. One could not access Wayout from White Cloud as the narrow path there was bare. Temps are now 35 at the base / 25 at the summit and the sun is peeking through but clouds and mixed precipitation are forecast for later today, tonight and more rain/snow tomorrow – really can’t catch a break.
The hoses have not been removed from the guns yet so there could be some recovery effort Thursday night and Friday as very cold temps move in.
None of the rumors you hear about closing early or going with weekends only after mid March are true as no decision has been made yet but stayed tuned.....
This Saturday is Grand Marnier weekend with bands, torchlight parade and fireworks well past dark – big time party!
 
On a more serious note a Go-Fund-Me page has been set up by the ski patrol and family members of Tommy “Wheels” Cannalonga to purchase a new wheel chair accessible vehicle for him. Many of you see Tom wheeling around the base lodge in his wheel chair and skiing the mountain on his uni-ski. Here is the link:    www.gofundme.com/kmqvfp5p  Please try and help out.
 
Be safe out there!
Jon
 
NWS Forecast:
Tonight
A slight chance of rain, snow, and sleet before 9pm, then a chance of rain between 9pm and midnight, then rain and snow after midnight. Low around 33. South wind 11 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow and sleet accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Wednesday
Rain and snow showers before 9am, then a chance of snow showers between 9am and 4pm. Temperature falling to around 21 by 5pm. Breezy, with a northwest wind 11 to 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
Wednesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 10. Wind chill values as low as -3. Northwest wind 11 to 17 mph.
Thursday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 25. Northwest wind 7 to 11 mph.
Thursday Night
A slight chance of snow after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 13. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Friday
Partly sunny, with a high near 30.
Friday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 17.
Saturday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 34.
Saturday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23.
Sunday
Partly sunny, with a high near 39.
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