Hunter Dec 23

Hi all and Merry Xmas / Happy Chanukah.

Rain rain go away. We have had no sun at all since Monday Dec 15. Although the light has been flat to outright dense fog on most days, the surface conditions have reportedly been good to excellent as much new snow has been made to recover from a previous ice & sleet storm. It has been raining all day so far and looks to continue right through Wednesday and into Thursday with some heavy downpours. The temps have finally broken out of the 20’s to near 40 now and forecasted close to 50 Wednesday. The top 2/3 of the mountain is in a dense fog and has been since yesterday pm. Colder weather will move in for the weekend and snow recovery will again commence.

The 7 day outlook:  http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Hunter&state=NY&site=ALY&lat=42.2112&lon=-74.2157#.VJmVtv9MKEA

Movie schedule: http://www.catskillmtn.org/retail/movie-theater/index.html

Happy hour will be suspended over the holidays at the KMC.

Work on the new Hunter Brewery (old Fireside) is progressing and it hopes to open in early January however the liquor license has yet to be granted.

Wishing you all a safe and joyful holiday period.

Jon      http://hunterskiscene.blogspot.com/

Hunter Dec 15

Hello Hunter fans,

Today, by most accounts, was the best day of the young season. Brilliant sun, no wind, temps from high 20’s overnight to near 40 now. First time we had sun and decent visibility since last Monday except for a few hours on Saturday.

All that great 16 – 18” of new snow was groomed out to perfection and all open trails were consistently excellent – Kudos to Skip and the groomers. The entire front was open and groomed except Racer’s and Gunhill. Huega had a thin cover sign on it so I didn’t ski it.

Only Wayout was open and groomed on the west side but there could be a late opening of Claire’s if it softens up. It was a real ego snow day! The crowd was decent for a Monday but not enough for a lift line or the need to open “F”.

HBK, all of the Eastside and Cliff to Ike were really sweet. Great coverage for this time of year.

We are supposed to get some rain late Tuesday into Wednesday before it cools off again.

7 day forecast: http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Hunter&state=NY&site=ALY&lat=42.2112&lon=-74.2157#.VI8kEXsjBBI

It is 1:11 pm and I just heard the patrol open Taylor’s and Claire’s.

Ski on...........

Jon

Hunter Dec 8 ski conditions

Hi all you Hunter fans,

I can finally give you some first hand information. It is a beautiful sunny windless but cold day with temps barely reaching 20. There is heavy snow making on Cliff, Bleeker, Ike, Eside & Wayout all of which were still closed. There were also guns blowing some great powder on the mid-station area. HBK was the best run today with nice hard pack on Hgate and super creamy powder from mid-station right on down to the Flyer. Minya was groomed but very crunchy, inconsistent and noisy. The only way out was down through Mossy which was very dark. They have no snow behind the top of B-lift so unable to cross over to Kennedy from the east side. The Belt was very consistent and easy but dark.

There were hardly any people which made it very nice and care-free. It was great for a first day out.

The storm should bring some significant but very wet heavy snow Tues- Thurs with predictions anywhere from 6 to 15 “. It will certainly not be conducive for powder skiing and not good for trees or power lines.

Here is the 7 day forecast:  http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Hunter&state=NY&site=ALY&lat=42.2112&lon=-74.2157#.VIXddMloSIw

Drive and ski with caution.....

Jon

 

Hunter snow forecast Wed - Thurs

Hi All,

Just thought I would update you on the forecast for snow and wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving.

Hunter re-opens on Friday Nov 28.

We are in the 8 – 12” area on the below map.

Be safe on the roads.

Jon

 

Hunter Nov 20 - pre opening report

Hi All,

I just came from the mountain and tried unsuccessfully to get a run in on the main line so I could report conditions to you first hand.

I was told that HBK is smooth as silk with a decent base and width. Guns are blasting Hunter One and Mossy Brook today.

The groomers will be out tonight on the Belt. Currently 32 with a light wind and a hazy sun.

Only the main line (HBK) and the Belt will open tomorrow on the main mountain as there is no coverage on any other trail.

The season pass printer is still being worked on due to software problems and could possibly be working by late today or tomorrow. If not, you have to go to a ticket window for a day pass where they will have to check your name against the computer list of pass holders.

The weather will be cold and quite windy tomorrow then a slight warming trend up to Saturday night / Sunday with rain and mixed snow turning to all rain on Monday.

Hunter plans to close on Monday thru Thursday and possibly Friday of next week.

7 day forecast:  http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Hunter&state=NY&site=ALY&lat=42.2112&lon=-74.2157#.VG41ZcloSIw

 

The cafeteria will be open for breakfast and lunch Fri – Sun.

Here we go.......  miss any of my reports check out the blog site:  http://hunterskiscene.blogspot.com/

Jon

Hunter 11/18 update

Hi All,

Winter has arrived with an Arctic cold blast. Currently 21 and windy dropping to 12 tonight with gusts to 40 mph. It will not get above 30 all week.

Hope all of you with homes up here left some kind of heat on.

The snow making is intense on the Belt with top to bottom coverage – all guns blazing which I can see from my windows.

You may notice that the concrete “castle” at the top of the mountain has been painted a beige color and the protruding re-bar has been removed.

Van Winkles Bar and Restaurant in the KMC Hotel returns to a 7 day operation following Thanksgiving with a new winter menu.

 

Keith and Anita have requested that I advise you of their annual ULLR Fest (the sacrificial burning of a pair of skis to the snow Gods) and invite you to join them and all your friends this Saturday night Nov 22 from 6 – 9 pm in the parking lot behind their shop, “The Pro Ski N’ Ride” 518-263-5303. Refreshments, hot cocoa & cider provided along side a toasty bon fire – please bring a folding chair if you care to sit and dress warm!

 

7 day weather outlook for Hunter:  http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Hunter&state=NY&site=ALY&lat=42.2112&lon=-74.2157#.VGuSC8loSIw

Ski ya soon,

Jon

Hunter news 11/17

Hi All – It’s that time of year again!

Hunter has blown snow top to bottom and side to side with good depth on HBK – great job Bruce!  Today it is in the low 40’s and raining which is actually a good thing because when it all freezes there will be a great base. All the natural snow that had been on the lawns and in the woods is gone.

Snow making operations will resume early am Tuesday on the Belt.

Hunter still plans to open this Friday Nov 21 and should have quite a bit of terrain ready. 

For all you season pass holders, the new pass printer has arrived but it is not working. A tech has been called in to work on it and hopefully it will be ready by Friday. If not, I do not know how you will get passes other than at the ticket windows on a daily basis. A good portion of the parking lots have been re-surfaced (oil & stone) which is a major improvement. Let’s see how it holds up after plowing.

The Hunter Brewery (ex Fireside restaurant) is scheduled to open Thanksgiving weekend under new mgmt (again) – let’s see!

American Glory BBQ in T’ville has been open for a few months. The ambiance is great but I (and many others) did not like the food, service or prices however you can judge it for yourselves.

The 7 day weather outlook is very favorable for snow making:  http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Hunter&state=NY&site=ALY&lat=42.2112&lon=-74.2157#.VGo-hMloSIw

Sharpen those skis and hit the gym!

Ski ya soon,

Jon

Hunter Season Passholder Party

Hi All,

It’s that time of year again and since I did not see any email to pass holders from Hunter on the party I will advise you that it is this Saturday October 18 from 1 to 6 pm behind the main bar in the base lodge. Guests are $15 each.

The mountain is also hosting its 4th and final October fest and a wine tasting event this weekend so expect a good crowd.

Weather permitting Hunter will try and open for the season around November 15 but don’t hold your breath.

Ski ya soon,

Jon

Hunter April 9 - final season report

Hi late season Hunter fans,

The endless winter finally ends this Sunday when the mountain closes. Windham closed for the season last weekend. 

There is more snow on the slopes and in the woods than ever for this time of year with 41 trails still open and only a few brown & bare spots visible. Check out the photo below.

The nights have been below freezing preserving the base and skiing has been firm early but quickly turning very soft by mid morning. It is 47 now (30 this am) with very high winds that have forced the Flyer to shut down several times today.

It is mostly sunny with a few high hazy clouds. The NWS forecast: http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Hunter&state=NY&site=ALY&lat=42.2112&lon=-74.2157#.U0WGV1f4ZzU  shows some rain later this week but much warmer in general.

Weekend movies: http://www.catskillmtn.org/retail/movie-theater/index.html

In other restaurant news: Curran’s Rest in T’ville has closed for good. Drew & Natasha (Country Store in Windham) are also taking over the General Store in T’ville.  Vesuvio’s is on vacation until April 30. Chicken Run, Bistro Brie/Bordeaux & The Prime in Windham are also closed for a few weeks vacation. Millrock open Thur – Sun until June when they close for a month. No further news on the Hunter Brewery opening.

Van Winkles will close April 14 –22 and re-open on April 23 at 3 pm.

Good luck finding a place to eat! 

In Hunter’s own words:

Saturday 4/12 & Sunday 4/13 will be that last weekend of the season, and we'll be open from 9am - 4pm each day, so come get your fill while you can!
2013-14 Other Mountains Season Passholders, Big Lift Card Holders and Value Passholders get special deals for the rest of the season! Gold Passholders, you can share the deal with a friend!
As this season winds down, we're a looking forward to next season.  2014-15 Season Passes are on sale now, Purchase by April 30, 2014 to take advantage of the lowest rates and our Easy Plan payment option! Get your 2014-2015 Season Pass here!





Reminder: Season ticket & locker prices go up May 1 so buy before then for next season! 

Have a great spring – glad to have been able to keep you informed.
Jon

Hunter April 3

Hello all Hunter fans,

The reports have been excellent for spring skiing although many say it gets too soft in the afternoon. There are no visible bare spots yet but with bad weather predicted for tomorrow into Saturday that could change. The mountain has been empty for the most part. This Saturday is the “Gilligan’s Island” theme pond and deck party with a rain date of Saturday April 12th.

The NWA forecast:  http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Hunter&state=NY&site=ALY&lat=42.2112&lon=-74.2157#.Uz202Ff4ZzU

WRIP97 forecast:  http://www.ctweather.com/wrip-weather.php

Weekend movies:  http://www.catskillmtn.org/retail/movie-theater/index.html

I was both surprised and pleased at how many of you fell for the April Fools report – you should know me by now! Mtn mgmt had a good laugh too.

I am going for reconstructive surgery (rotator cuff, labrum, socket glenoid bone and bicep) on my right shoulder on April 25 so I will be ready for skiing next season.

Two dislocations in 19 days was too much for it.

Get ready to P A R T Y!!

Jon

Hunter March 27

Hi All,

Finally some spring-like weather today with temps from 12 last night and high wind to a very sunny 40 now and no wind. Expect some unsettled mixed precipitation however over the next several days.

Skiing has been flat, hard and fast with excellent visibility according to those few who have been out this week. Pond skimming and the spring party are still scheduled for Saturday April 5th.

Many of you who use Central Hudson will be shocked when you get the latest electric bills. They have price gauged everyone this winter. I will include below the contact info for our local NYS Senator James Seward and Representative Pete Lopez for you to write email complaints should you wish to do so.  Complaining to CH will not help you.

NWS forecast:  http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Hunter&state=NY&site=ALY&lat=42.2112&lon=-74.2157#.UzRfC4X4ZzU

 

http://www.nysenate.gov/senator/james-l-seward/contact

 

http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Peter-D-Lopez/contact/

 

 

Weekend movies:  http://www.catskillmtn.org/retail/movie-theater/index.html

 

Party on.............

Jon

HUnter March 9

Hi All,

My intention was to write a glowing report about conditions on Thurs Mar 6 when all open trails were once again groomed to perfection HOWEVER a nasty spill and slide on Claire’s resulted in a separated right shoulder (2nd in 14 months) and a trip to Kingston Hospital in the Hunter ambulance where it was put back in place under complete anesthesia. Needless to say it isn’t working too well and an MRI is scheduled for Tuesday. Of course I am right handed so everything now takes a lot longer.  My season it appears is over so I will not be able to give you all first hand accounts of the trail conditions.  To further complicate my ability to communicate with you a brand new computer system set up I purchased to replace my 9 year old dinosaur was not functioning properly until today.

Having said that, the weather today is partially cloudy with a breeze and a temp of 30 with a few flurries around. There was a huge crowd yesterday for the Grand Marnier after ski party with temps holding in the low 40’s.

NWS Forecast:  http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Hunter&state=NY&site=ALY&lat=42.2112&lon=-74.2157#.Uxyo54X4ZzU

In other news: The managers of Slopes / Dublin Bear bar & restaurant which showed early season promise neglected to pay their lease so it was shut down by the building owners. I will try and get you an update / estimated opening on the new Hunter Brewery.

Be safe my friends,

Jon

Hunter March 4

Hello all and a happy Fat Tuesday!

Today was an unexpected bonus day.  The temp dipped to a near record low last night of -9 and was only around 10 upon opening (warmer on top due to an inversion) but now 28. It was overcast and dreary but by mid morning it was really pleasant for a change. The sun filtered through the high clouds and there was no wind at all. Every open trail on the mountain was groomed to perfection and I was able to ski them all. Claire's and Racer's were excellent and in fact there was not one trail today I wouldn't take again. The mountain was empty - right onto the lift every time. Tomorrow may not be as nice but Thurs and Fri are both looking very good.

NWS forecast:  http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Hunter&state=NY&site=ALY&lat=42.2112&lon=-74.2157#.UxYuK84XIxA

This Saturday Grand Marnier will sponser fireworks, a laser light show, a fire dancing show and a torchlight parade so be ready to party!!

Ski ya soon,

Jon

Hunter Feb 28

Hi All,

Last day of Feb - can you believe it?  March is roaring in like a lion! Brrrrrrr  -2 this am at the base and minus 9 at the top (without the wind) but now a heat wave at 15. The wind had died off after a wicked white-out squall last evening that left about 2" of snow in a half hr. Very strong sun today with a cobalt blue sky but it did nothing to warm things up - just made visibility great. Grooming once again was very good (except on the steeps like Racer's & Claire's) and the surface was corduroy powder on a rock hard base. The west side was very cold and hard packed - like skiing into a freezer - so one Rt 80 and done there. All front side groomed trails were flat and easy. There were no crowds at all.

The long range forecast shows unseasonable cold for the next two weeks. http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Hunter&state=NY&site=ALY&lat=42.2112&lon=-74.2157#.UxDayc4XIxA   The storm that is due on the east coast Sun into Mon according to the Albany weather services now looks like most of the snow will fall to our south in NJ, LI & NYC with maybe 4 - 6" here but this could change.

Movies:  http://www.catskillmtn.org/retail/movie-theater/index.html

Be safe,

Jon

Hunter Feb 26

Hello Hunter fans,

This week and today grooming is everything and let me say it was fantastic today. Everything including Claire's and Racer's was double groomed last night making for some very sweet powder (not sugar) on a hard base today - great job Skip and the groomers!! LowerK  & 44 were closed as usual.  The weather was cold 16 base and 10 on top with a stiff wind and some flurries. The sun was in and out this am but now very sunny. Every run front and back was sweet although with some flat light issues earlier. Crowds - what crowds? There was a mechanical issue with "B" lift and for a short time period the "D" was put into action until it was fixed (Scott to the rescue!). We are in for an arctic blast well into next week with snow flurries and some light accumulation:  http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Hunter&state=NY&site=ALY&lat=42.2112&lon=-74.2157#.Uw5Ax84XIxA

Weekend movies:  http://www.catskillmtn.org/retail/movie-theater/index.html

Hello to the NJ Ski Council trip members out in Vail - some 140+ of you - enjoying a great western trip!

Happy hour and wing / shrimp night resumes tonight at Van Winkles.

Be safe,

Jon

Hunter Feb 24

Hello All,

Hunter just experienced its biggest 9 day holiday week crowd in decades. Great conditions sure helped.

Well it's back to winter today and all this week. Everything froze overnight as temps dipped into the teens and basically stayed there. It was 12 on top and 22 at the base but getting colder now. The wind was strong out of the west and would almost stop you on Huega and knock you sideways on lower Kennedy. Skiing was hard and fast with sugar shaved from frozen courduroy on a very hard packed surface - it was noisy and you needed good edges. The sun was in and out with some flat light situations on several runs. I did not go west due to the wind and was subsequently advised by ski patrol that Wayout was very cold, windy and slick (wind blown). One could only ski where it was groomed which did not include any of the steeper trails.  Lower K and Claire's were closed, Cliff & Racers ungroomed frozen moguls. The main line, Eside & Minya were okay. A Local Motion race was held on Madison today with the party at MacGregors. Here is the NWS forecast for the week - cold and snowy:

http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Hunter&state=NY&site=ALY&lat=42.2112&lon=-74.2157#.UwuOJs4XIxA

The Bakery/Cafe changed its hrs: Mon - Tue 7 - 3, Wed thru Sat 7 - 5, Sun 7 - 2.

Ski on.......

Jon

Hunter Feb 21

Hi All

Hunter has been experiencing some of the best crowds and conditions ever for a President's Week until today. Fog and light rain this am with heavy rain now and temp at 42. The problem is that it could all freeze tonight.

NWS forecast:  http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Hunter&state=NY&site=ALY&lat=42.2112&lon=-74.2157#.UwejMs4XIxA

The water has no where to go and is ponding all over the place. Flood, fog and black ice warnings have been issued.

Movies:  http://www.catskillmtn.org/retail/movie-theater/index.html

Hunter's new bakery / cafe has now posted a dinner menu per attached.

Drive and ski safely,

Jon

Hunter Feb 12 & powder alert

Hello snow diggers,

It was a "Trifecta" week - 3 bright sunny days in a row of squeaky groomed powder. Yes it was cold as overnight lows dipped to -10 last night but recovered quickly to 22 now. Everything (front & west side) was very good today as once again the grooming excelled. There was no wind and no lift lines but a few more skiers & boarders than over the past 2 days.

The local radio station WRIP is saying that a winter storm warning has been issed from 7am Thurs thru 10 am Fri with 5 - 7" tomorrow plus another 5 - 7" Thurs night for a total of 10 - 12". Other forecasts vary depending on the actual storm track & speed.

NWS forecast: http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Hunter&state=NY&site=ALY&lat=42.2112&lon=-74.2157#.UvvPAfvDWEs

 

 

Weekend movies:  http://www.catskillmtn.org/retail/movie-theater/index.html

 

Fireworks Saturday night and a Billy Joel tribute band for presidents weekend - based on i-net ticket sales and room bookings a huge crowd is expected up here.

Happy B'day to Abe Lincoln today.

Get ready to P-A-R-T-Y!

Ski ya,

Jon

Hunter Feb 11

Hello Hunter Fans,

Just another day here in paradise. Great sun, exceptional grooming (kudos to Skip and the groomers) but cold and windy. Temps from an early 0 to 16 now for the high. Very light crowds, no lift lines at all and lots of groomed corduroy powder. Best run of the day: Claire's with Wayout a close 2nd. Every front side trail was groomed too except Racer's and that was still okay. It really felt like a private country club today as many runs had hardly anyone else on them. The polar ice caps may be melting but I think they are reforming here in the Catskills - ha! This is by far the longest & coldest stretch of weather in the 9+ years I have been living here - we can't even break 20°. The cold will continue with snow coming in Wed pm and Thurs but I haven't seen any accurate accumulation predictions yet. It all depends on the track of the storm. Tomorrow looks like another great sunny day.

NWS forecast: http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Hunter&state=NY&site=ALY&lat=42.2112&lon=-74.2157#.Uvp2R_vDWEs

Ski ya,

Jon

Hunter Feb 10

Hi All,

The weekend hoards are gone.  With 2" of snow overnight there were freshies most of the am due to a very light crowd. Everything on the front side was groomed except LowerK & UpperCross. Cliff / Racer's was a very nice run. Rt 80 was very nice but windy. Claire's was flat but slick and 44 was all fozen wind blown bumps. It was quite cold today with temps still in the teens and a steady wind 15 -20 mph out of the west. The sun was in and out and there were some flurries recently. Overall great conditions but slick underneath the thin layer of powder. Tomorrow looks to be a nice day but cold and there is a storm watch for Wed pm into Thurs.

NWS forecast: http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Hunter&state=NY&site=ALY&lat=42.2112&lon=-74.2157#.UvkYnfvDWEs

The Local Motion race today was in the Highlands with the party at Cosmic Charlies.

Be advised Van Winkles will suspend happy hr and wing night Feb 14 - 23 for the holiday week.

Ski ya,

Jon

Hunter Feb 6

Greetings from the snowy north country.

We had a total of between 10 - 12" yesterday in a blinding snow storm - powder powder everywhere!

The sun was out strong today with early temps at 10 but now 23 and no wind. The surface conditions were groomed but still a bit bumpy dry powder on most trails. Claire's, Racer's and 44 were not touched and looked / sounded very scratchy between moguls. The entire front side and Wayout were in great shape although Minya was a bit bumpy / not groomed. There were more people than usual for a Thursday but a good snowfall brings them out. The crowd was well spread out over the mountain.  "F" was running but not busy at all and the lines at both the Flyer and Z were very minimal. It really was a beautiful and pleasant day to be on the slopes. Tomorrow is looking to be a repeat of today but with even better grooming. The rest of the week will stay cold and the snow storm previously predicted for Sunday now looks like a bust.

NWS forecast: http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Hunter&state=NY&site=ALY&lat=42.2112&lon=-74.2157#.UvPcBfvDWEs

Weekend movies:  http://www.catskillmtn.org/retail/movie-theater/index.html

The new Bakery/Cafe has added home made soups to its menu along with daily specials - excellent!!

Be safe on the roads and slopes,

Jon

Hunter Feb 4 Powder Alert

Hi All,

What a beautiful weather day to ski with bright sun, no wind, temps from 2 overnight to 28 now. Surface conditions were only consistent on the groomed trails: HBK, Ike, Gunhill, Eside Dr, Huega/Dropoff, Belt and Rt 80 otherwise there was dust on crust and you needed sharp edges. We had 2" of wind driven nuisance snow yesterday that cut visibility way down and just barely covered the hardpack. High clouds are moving in now in anticipation of a storm that is forecast to begin around 3am and dump 10 - 15" in our area per the below map. There is another potential major storm brewing for Sunday but forecasts are still sketchy. Don't be surprised if the Gov's of NY & NJ declare states of emergency.

 

 

 

NWS forecast:  http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Hunter&state=NY&site=ALY&lat=42.2112&lon=-74.2157#.UvEwhPv4Jp0

Albany WNYT: High pressure will keep us dry today and through the evening hours tonight.  Sunshine will give way to increasing high clouds by late afternoon and highs will be in the lower 30's.
A storm developing over the western Gulf of Mexico will slide up through the Deep South and into the Ohio Valley by this evening.  On this track, light snow will begin after midnight tonight. The storm will reach to about Pittsburgh before transferring its energy to a new low south of Long Island.  This will keep snow going, heavily at times into the day tomorrow.  Snow will wind down tomorrow evening with most locations picking up 7-12 inches.  Highs tomorrow will be near 30.
Dry and colder weather with highs in the mid 20's for both Thursday and Friday.
Click here for video, radar, maps and more weather info

 

Powder hounds get ready!

Jon

Hunter Jan 30

Hello Hunter Fans,

OMG - two in a row - another home run day here in paradise.

No wind, brilliant sun, exceptional grooming and temps from an overnight low of 0 to 25 now. No crowds, no lines, no guns and no lift problems. #44 opened around noon time and was quickly attacked by the powder hounds - huge whales & swales of soft powder along the fence line but a few nasty ripples right at the bottom. The entire mountain was in A-1 condition. There wasn't a bad run anywhere today.

Looks like some clouds and light snow with warmer temps Friday and through the weekend:  http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Hunter&state=NY&site=ALY&lat=42.2112&lon=-74.2157#.Uuqjbvv4Jp0

Weekend movies - full schedule now posted:  http://www.catskillmtn.org/retail/movie-theater/index.html

Check out the photo I took of a sunset over Hunter earlier this week.

Ski ya soon,

Jon

Hunter Jan 29

Hi All,

Today was a triple **10** OMG such great dry powder conditions - best winter skiing of the year! Okay so it was a little cold (-5 last night) but + 7 by the time it opened and 17 now with no wind, strong sun - not a cloud in the sky - and grooming perfection! There were no crowds / no line at any lift. The firefighters who have been here for 2 days raced on Madison but the numbers were way down except at the bar - ha! There were guns on Racer's making dry powder for each run and every trail on the front side had hero snow. The west also was well groomed and a pleasure to ski. There is very heavy snow making on #44 Westway and that may open either Thurs or Fri - wow! There were volcanos of snow on skier's right of Lower Cross waiting to be groomed out but lots of sweet powder on the left side. Thurs & Fri (maybe light snow) look to be a repeat of today but warmer - play hookey and come enjoy it - you won't regret it.

NWS forecast: http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Hunter&state=NY&site=ALY&lat=42.2112&lon=-74.2157#.UulKxvv4Jp0

I stopped by the old "Fireside" soon to be named "Hunter Mountain Brewery" with 12 craft beers and a good variety of American comfort food (not just BBQ as previously planned) with specials and occasional live music. They are hoping for a mid March opening - can't wait! The liquor store in the Village of Hunter will be moving into the space adjacent to the new Brewery with a larger selection and more reasonable prices so I am told.

Weekend movies:  http://www.catskillmtn.org/retail/movie-theater/index.html

Ski & ride hard but safely,

Jon

Hunter Jan 24

Hello Hunter fans,

WOW!! - that's the bottom line on conditions - some of the best dry powder made in years and tons of it. There was no wind, the sun was strong but it was frigid. The early temp was -4 but now we have a heat wave at +11. The guns were still blasting on many slopes including LowerK27 (closed until Saturday) and UpperCross which today was incredible as was most of the mountain. Claire's which had been great the past 2 days was firm today with big mounds and not sure if it will get groomed tonight but Rt 80 (WhiteCloud/Wayout) was incredible. My only beef is that they are not (yet) blowing on Annapurna.  We are expecting 2 - 4" of new snow starting tomorrow afternoon according to the local radio news.

Come on up and enjoy some real cold weather powder skiing and riding! The base is deep and should insure some sweet spring conditions well into April.

NWS forecast: http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Hunter&state=NY&site=ALY&lat=42.2112&lon=-74.2157#.UuLHVftOl7I

Movies: http://www.catskillmtn.org/retail/movie-theater/index.html

Have a great weekend!

Jon

Hunter Jan 22

Hi All,

All the snow fell to our south and we received a big fat ZERO inches. What we did get was the cold:  -5 this am up to +4 now with some gusty winds making the chill factor something like -20. The sky is a crystal clear blue with no clouds and plenty of sun but that is not adding any warmth to the air. The grooming looked to be exceptional and Hunter is making alot of snow on the face of the mtn in a recovery effort (the weekend crowds scraped it off down to the hardpack).  All roads are clear.  The local plumbers are busy with frozen pipes.  There are very few people on the hill - see for yourself on the webcams:  http://www.huntermtn.com/huntermtn/webcams.aspx  Tomorrow could be even colder. NWS forecast: http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Hunter&state=NY&site=ALY&lat=42.2112&lon=-74.2157#.Ut_6eftOl7I

Weekend movies include some Oscar nominees: http://www.catskillmtn.org/retail/movie-theater/index.html

No other noteworthy news at this time.

Bundle up!

Jon

Hunter Jan 17

Hello Hunter Fans,

Today was near perfect with lots of sun, temps that went from 15 overnight to 36 now, extraordinary grooming of the entire mountain and some fresh powder blown on the main line. The hard groomed surface softened quickly and made for some easy hero snow. Snow making had ceased by the time the mountain opened. The crowd was relatively light considering we are heading into a 3 day MLK weekend with a minimal wait at the Flyer, no wait at either "F" which was running or "Z". Wayout was sweet but Claire's was a bit scratchy, hard, well groomed and softening a bit as the day progressed. White Cloud was closed until about 1:30 due to some earlier wet guns and irregular mounds of snow. Our friend George T fell and dislocated his left shoulder on Huega and we wish him well. He is being evaluated at Kingston Hospital. Looks like some snow during the day tomorrow of 2 - 4" with similar temps as today however an arctic blast is due next Tues - Fri.

Don't forget the laser light show Saturday evening slopeside.

NWS forecast: http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Hunter&state=NY&site=ALY&lat=42.2112&lon=-74.2157#.UtmEmPtOl7I

Weekend movies:  http://www.catskillmtn.org/retail/movie-theater/index.html

Have a great weekend!

Jon

Hunter Jan 15

Hello All,

I have no first hand condition reports since I haven't been out on the slopes yet this week. The morning weather conditions have not been to my liking. Yesterday was a complete washout with rain and mid 40's all day. Today and this past Monday had very frozen am conditions although the brilliant sun softened things up by the afternoon. You could not ski where it wasn't groomed but grooming was excellent. Snowmaking will resume tonight in a recovery effort as the weather will hopefully cooperate. Forecast: http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Hunter&state=NY&site=ALY&lat=42.2112&lon=-74.2157#.UtbMgfs0WJ4

Hunter is planning a laser light show Sat evening and there will be a Bon Jovi cover band at the main bar for apres ski time:

"Join us for a Cream of Wheat Laser Light Show Spectacular on Saturday January 18th!

Brilliant laser imagery choreographed to music will dance across our slopes just after dark.  Live Entertainment from the ultimate Bon Jovi tribute band "Living on a Bad Name" in the Main Bar will keep the party rocking all night long!  "                         It looks like the new Brew / BBQ restaurant (the old Fireside) will try and open by mid Feb. There is work going on there constantly.

Weekend movies: http://www.catskillmtn.org/retail/movie-theater/index.html

If you are up Friday night stop by "Cheese after Dark" in Tannersville for a live performance @ 8:30 of Marco's Jazz/Rock band - you won't regret it!

If you are a cheese cake fan try it at the new Bakery - great!

Ski ya,

Jon

Hunter Jan 9

Hi All,

Another beautiful day to be out on the slopes!  Overnight temps stayed at 12 and warmed up to 23 with oodles of sun and no wind. Snow making was suspended which was fine (the guys did a great job lately and needed a rest) but grooming was almost non-existent which was not okay. Most trails were left untouched from yesterday except for Claire's which fortunately was groomed out flat from top to bottom and accounted for most of my runs today - It was as good as it gets. Wayout was all swales but powdery from yesterday's snow making. Eside was a mess of whale humps and bumps and the Cliff was very bumpy. Racer's however stayed flat, firm and fast but with a thin powder surface. The main line was a bit inconsistent with some whales at the top of Hgate but easy to navigate due to the excellent visibility. The crowd was relatively light with a very minor wait for the Flyer. I was told that there will be some major grooming tonight but it looks cloudy for tomorrow. The weekend weather unfortunately does not look good at all:  http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Hunter&state=NY&site=ALY&lat=42.2112&lon=-74.2157#.Us7_1vuvkrc

Looks like a party weekend so party on.......

Jon

Hunter Jan 8

Hi All,

It felt like the polar ice cap here the past few days but today it let up a bit as temps have climbed from 0 to 15 (a heat wave) with great sun and no wind. Surface conditions and visibility were excellent as the guns deposited fresh dry powder on most trails for the past few days. I didn't ski any bad trails although Eside was full of whale humps & ungroomed. Minya / Lowercross was excellent. The Cliff had the best powder and down thru Racer's, Ike or Gunhill also all good. The main line was sweet but getting a bit scratchy by late morning. Huega was a bit granular. The Belt was very sweet all the way and only ended up on it to eyeball Wayout (west was opened only after 11:00) but the snow making made such a fog that it was near impossible to see so I continued down the Belt. My guess is that the high winds yesterday polished the west side so it was in a major recovery mode. There were no lift issues and the crowd was light - maybe had to wait for 3 or 4 chairs as it is "college week" with discounted tickets.

 

Thurs and Fri look pretty good but Sat & Sun could be messy:  http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Hunter&state=NY&site=ALY&lat=42.2112&lon=-74.2157#.Us2b1_uvkrc

 

Weekend movies: http://www.catskillmtn.org/retail/movie-theater/index.html

Can't say enough good things about the new Bakery / Cafe with a great selection of goodies - also excellent sandwiches with Boar's Head cold cuts. Very neat and clean with that bakery smell - mmmm!  The new micro brewery & BBQ is still a few months away.

Van Winkles has resumed it's happy hour 4 - 6 every night now that the holidays have passed.

Happy trails,

Jon

Hunter Jan 3

Hi All,

It was an interesting powder day with 12" over the past 24 hrs.  It was fairly dry snow but had some weight to it.  First few runs were fun but once it got cut up, skiing became a bit more challenging and inconsistent. The only groomed and consistent powder trails from the top were the Belt and Huega/Dropoff or mid station which was groomed from the top of "D" down thru Kennedy. There was no "D" or "F" running. The temp was brutal at + 4 at the base and -10 at the top with gusty winds especially coming from the west side. It got colder and and more windy as the morning progressed. I would estimate the wind chill now at around minus 20 to 25.The only significant line was when the Flyer opened but after that you only had to wait for 3 or 4 chairs. The sun has been strong but didn't add any warmth - just good visibility. Many snow guns were and still are on. I would expect some major crowds tomorrow due to the snow that fell down state. Main St has a hard packed white surface - no pavement showing but the roads leading up here I am told are clear.

Weekend movies:  http://www.catskillmtn.org/retail/movie-theater/index.html

There is another snow / mixed with rain system due Sun into Monday which will then freeze on Tue due to single digits forecast.

Forecast: http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Hunter&state=NY&site=ALY&lat=42.2112&lon=-74.2157#.UscOffuvkrc

Ski safely.....party hearty,

Jon

Hunter Jan 1 powder alert

Happy New Year Hunter Fans. I hope it is a good and healthy one for all of you.

Please see below snow forecast map and note we are in the 10"+ area for tonight thru Friday morning and it will be very dry and drifting snow due to the cold temps and below zero wind chills.

 

http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Hunter&state=NY&site=ALY&lat=42.2112&lon=-74.2157#.UsQ_GPuvkrc

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for Greene County from 7 p.m. today through Friday morning. Heavy, fast snowfall is expected, with accumulations of six to 12 inches. Light snow is expected to start tonight, then become steadier through the day tomorrow and taper off tomorrow night into Friday morning. The snow will be accompanied by low temperatures, ranging from -4 to 21 degrees over the next two days.

 

Be safe on the roads and on the slopes!

Jon