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