Hunter July update

Hi All,

I hope this finds you all well and safe.

Since many have been asking the same questions I’ll tell you what I know.

Season lockers have not yet been priced and are not yet ready for renewal.

The Skyride has no opening date as VAIL’s safety & health division has not approved it yet.

The KMC VanWinkles bar & restaurant will not open prior to ski season whenever that will be.

The Zip Line only has the mid-mountain tour open. It is not open from the summit.

All functions through the end of summer and the fall including weddings have been cancelled or postponed.

The Octoberfest weekends although not officially cancelled yet will most likely be cancelled.

VAIL will honor lifetime season passes as did PEAK for Hunter only.

Stay safe, be well and stay tuned....................

Jon

Hunter May 9, 2020

Hi All,

I thought you may like to see this photo I took this am from Scribner’s - February in May.

Temperature 27 with wind chills mid teens.

No news yet on lockers or access to the lodge or hotel.

Stay safe, be well,

Jon

 

 

Hunter April 28, 2020

VAIL refund & season pass news

 

Dear Pass Holders, Thank you for your patience during this unprecedented time. We have been addressing the real-time challenges of COVID-19, focusing on the health and safety of our employees and communities. We have also been working on a comprehensive plan to address our pass holders’ concerns about this past season – and the future.  We have read all your emails and comments on social media. We have heard your two primary concerns: First, you are disappointed with last season’s closures. Second, you are worried about next season because of the current uncertainty. To address these specific concerns, we are sharing a plan that I hope honors your loyalty and provides you with peace of mind about the future:  1) To Address Last Season:  Credits from 20% to 80% for Season Pass Holders - We are providing credits to 2019-20 season pass holders, based on the price of their pass, to apply toward the purchase of a 2020-21 season pass of equal or greater value:   A minimum credit of 20% for season pass holders, based on the resort closures in mid-March impacting about 20% of the core season Higher credits for season pass holders who used their pass less than five days  A maximum credit of 80% if you did not use your season pass at all, because we recognize that some of you were waiting until spring to use your pass Credits for Epic Day Pass, Whistler Blackcomb Edge Card and Multi-Pack Pass Holders - For guests with remaining days on their 2019-20 Epic Day Pass, Edge Card or one of our other multi-pack pass products, we are providing a credit for each unused day, up to 80% of the price paid for your pass to apply toward a pass of equal or greater value for next season.  Your credit will be valid through Labor Day (Sept. 7, 2020) because we understand that you may need time to decide on your plans for next season. This may seem complicated, but something simple would not address all the unique situations of our pass holders.  We will email you personally in the coming weeks to share your specific credit details and your promotion code, which you can use online starting May 13. If you renew your pass prior to receiving your promotion code, we will retroactively provide the credit value back to you. In the meantime, you can click here to use the tables to find your pass credit, see our FAQs, and review the terms and conditions. 2) Looking Ahead to the 2020-21 Season:  New ‘Epic Coverage’ Protects You Next Season - We are confident we will be enjoying a great upcoming ski and ride season, but we also understand that many pass holders are nervous about the future given the current uncertainty. With this in mind, we are launching ‘Epic Coverage’:  Epic Coverage is free for all pass holders and completely replaces the need to purchase pass insurance, which can cost up to $60 for other passes.   Epic Coverage provides for a refund if you have an eligible injury, job loss, or experience other personal events that prevent you from using your pass. Epic Coverage also provides a refund for certain resort closures, including for events like COVID-19, giving you a refund for any portion of the season that is lost. We understand that times have changed so Epic Coverage completely redefines your pass protection. We value your loyalty and we want you to enjoy your pass knowing that we are standing behind our commitment to your peace of mind. Click here to learn more about Epic Coverage, see our FAQs and review the terms and conditions. Savings All Season Long- In March, we announced our new Epic Mountain Rewards, providing pass holders 20% off all mountain food & beverage, owned and operated lodging, group ski and ride lessons, equipment rentals and more at our North American resorts. No sign up. No points tracking. No blackout days. Just savings. Learn more about Epic Mountain Rewards here.  3) The Time You Need: Spring Deadlines Extended to Labor Day - We do not want to rush your decision. We are eliminating our traditional spring purchase deadlines, giving you through Labor Day (Sept. 7, 2020) to use your credit and to lock in 10 Buddy Tickets for next season. If uncertainty continues, we may reassess that deadline again as it gets closer.  Lowest Up-Front Cost - If you want to lock in your pass, we want to provide you the lowest up-front cost during this challenging time. Right now the deposit for your pass for next season is only $49, significantly less than the deposit many other passes require. This offer will extend for the next few months.  My hope is that this plan demonstrates our commitment to honoring your loyalty, with credits of 20%-80% for last season, Epic Coverage for next season, and more time to make a decision.  We recognize that some people may ask why we did not provide 100% credits or cash refunds for last season. We capped our credits at 80% because our mountains were open and operating for the majority of the season and our passes could be used during that time. Regarding refunds, we recognize that our passes, and pass insurance, historically have not provided for refunds in situations like this, which is why we are introducing the new Epic Coverage. Thank you for your loyalty. I am confident that our collective passion for the mountains will prevail and we will get through this together. I hope to see you on the mountain next season.  And most importantly, I hope you and your loved ones are healthy and safe. Thank you, Kirsten Lynch EVP and Chief Marketing Officer Vail Resorts

Huntter March 19 - lodge access

The lodge will not be open this weekend. See attached response to my question from Sarah:

 

Hey Jon

 

The lodge will not be accessible this weekend. We will start having specific hours next week (probably a midweek day and a weekend day) for a few hours to allow ppl to come get items out of their locker. We will be sending out an email tomorrow to locker holders when the times are confirmed. Stay tuned!

 

Sarah

Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 19, 2020, at 3:26 PM, Jon Harris wrote:



Hi Sarah,

Will the lodge be accessible this weekend and if yes, what days / hours as people are asking:

 

- access lockers?

 

- return ski rentals?

 

- buy fishing gear from the shop?

 

Thanks,

Jon

Hunter is CLOSED March 15 "The Ides of March"

Hi All,

In the event you have been under a rock – Hunter is closed as are all VAIL North American resorts.

See attached link:

 

http://view.e.huntermtn.com/?qs=7b09e0e48b6dafe0754019d860a0e6348fe5529555a00769c677bd3bf1ab927380df2c01afd48c9cb20ef5ba344467f8747e758a7102775d78136e29549222f62f4ad608d4d8269d818300c1936c32d8

 

Be smart, be safe,

Jon

Hunter Mar 14 - TAP NY Cancelled

Hi All,

Please note that TAP NY has been cancelled not postponed.

 

https://www.tap-ny.com/tap-ny-2020-canceled

 

Also of note: There have been no confirmed cases of the Coronavirus reported in Greene County........ so far.

The Van Winkles restaurant and bar at the KMC hotel will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays starting this week March 16 until further notice.

Bar stools have been removed from all mountain bars and the tables have been spaced out for “social distancing”.

Here is a link to the VAIL/Hunter notice:  http://view.e.huntermtn.com/?qs=c20df6fa830098af62650282183d35594b0e25eb42d049d58f019f267a3ef3e1ce3b9553497732c529d7fc746da3fbe800bb7a2fe51f3dc1adbfafadd00de355a8835ea67fb53d1f5362255fb6645ae5

Stay healthy,

Jon

Hunter - President's Weekend

Hi All,

Just a heads up on the weather forecast and crowds in case you are planning to be on the hill this weekend.

The temp today is 39 and foggy up from 32 after an inch or two of heavy wet snow last night and topped off with rain.

Management has stated that based on ticket sales Sunday could be the largest winter crowd ever at Hunter so plan ahead.

It’s Happy Valentine’s day tomorrow so don’t forget your better halves.

Jon

 

 

Detailed Forecast

This Afternoon

A chance of rain and snow before 2pm, then a chance of rain between 2pm and 4pm. Cloudy, with a high near 35. Northwest wind 7 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Tonight

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 12. Northwest wind 10 to 13 mph.

Friday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 17. Wind chill values as low as -4. Northwest wind around 14 mph.

Friday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around -3. Wind chill values as low as -12. Northwest wind 6 to 11 mph becoming light after midnight.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 28. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 8 mph in the afternoon.

Saturday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 18.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 37.

Sunday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 22.

Washington's Birthday

Partly sunny, with a high near 36.

Hunter January 30

Hello Hunter fans,

All I can say is the best part of today was the sun because it sure wasn’t the skiing. Looks can be very deceiving. The temps started out at 9 but climbed to 32 now with a strong cloudless and windless sun / sky.

After all the snow making, which was very inconsistent as was the skiing, only 2 trails from the top were groomed flat with a frozen granular surface: the main line and East Side. The west side, north side and Belt Parkway were all CLOSED today due to very inconsistent whale humps from the snow making. Skiing once again was noisy with some guns still blasting away. There was a wet one near the top of Racer’s with inconsistent terrain below. Ike had nice powder but that was it.

All other trails required some defensive and focused skiing / riding. The crowds were light with minimal lines – no D or F. 

It is forecast to cloud up at some point tomorrow and last through the weekend with a mix of precipitation.

Disappointingly,

Jon

 

Detailed Forecast

This Afternoon

Mostly sunny, with a high near 32. Calm wind.

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with a low around 15. Light and variable wind.

Friday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 35. Light and variable wind.

Friday Night

A slight chance of snow showers after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26. Light southwest wind. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Saturday

A slight chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 37. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Saturday Night

A slight chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 36.

Sunday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29.

Hunter January 29

Hi All,

Finally a sunny day after several cold dark flat-light days.  The temp today went from 21 to 29 now with a breeze but great sun that broke through around 10 am.

It was cold and the slopes were frozen solid with some loose granular on the surface and some powder from all the snow making that is in progress. I do not ski under the guns as the risk of hitting one wet gun is not worth it for me.

Racer’s, East Side, Minya, Ike and Claire’s (chutes only) all had heavy snow making. Skiing was very noisy and scratchy and I honestly did not enjoy it as it was defensive. One needed sharp edges. Wayout was hard and fast like the rest of the trails. Looking up at Claire’s from below was intimidating to say the least but it was open for the brave and crazies. The main line, 42nd St. and Cliff – Bleeker to Gunhill were the best in my opinion. I did not go over to the north trails.

Today marked the second day of the firefighters races – east coast hosers. Hopefully with around the clock snow making, tomorrow should be better as long as the sun comes out. It is supposed to cloud up pm Friday with a mix of wet snow & rain for at least the second half of the weekend. See the forecast below:

Sharpen those edges,

Jon

Detailed Forecast

This Afternoon

Sunny, with a high near 33. Northwest wind 11 to 13 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 8. Wind chill values as low as -1. Northwest wind 6 to 11 mph.

Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 32. Wind chill values as low as -2. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the morning.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 16. Light and variable wind.

Friday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 37. Light southwest wind.

Friday Night

A slight chance of snow showers after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Saturday

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 37.

Saturday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 35.

Hunter January 22

Hi All,

Another day in paradise. Today was a copy cat day of yesterday but even nicer. Early temps of 7 climbed to 20 by 10 am and 37 now under a cobalt blue sky with very strong sun and no wind.

The entire front side except Milky Way was groomed to perfection. Racer’s was cut down flat but the guns were on from top to bottom and it was open. Other than a few slick spots on Ike, the trails were fast and easy. No one run was better than any other. One can see that the base is thin in the usual spots with some brown and pebbles showing.  The Flyer line had a very minimal wait if any and no D or F.

I cannot give you first hand reports on the west or north but others did say Wayout and some north trails were well groomed. I had no info on Claire’s which did open.

There were a few more people here today but that is normal for a Wednesday.  Snow making has stopped due to the warm up. Tomorrow is forecast to be a three-peat of nice days for the week with even warmer temps. The weekend still looks like messy weather with wet snow & rain per below.

Stay focused while on the hill,

Jon

 

Thursday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 39. Light southwest wind.

Thursday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25. Calm wind.

Friday

Partly sunny, with a high near 39. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Friday Night

A slight chance of snow after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Saturday

Snow. High near 33. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Saturday Night

Snow. Low around 30. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Sunday

Snow likely before 1pm, then rain and snow likely between 1pm and 4pm, then snow likely after 4pm. Cloudy, with a high near 33. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Hunter January 21

Hi All,

Pleased to advise I’m back on skis after dealing with a damaged big toe issue for close to a year.

It was a great morning to be on the slopes with a sun drenched blue sky and temps from 9 to 24 now. It is cloudy now however. The mountain made a nice recovery from the warm weather and the holiday record breaking crowds at or near 10,000 Saturday & Sunday. All front side trails except Racer’s (frozen bumps and closed) were groomed flat with some granular & powder on the surface. It was a bit noisy and good edges helped but it was easy skiing with no lines at the Flyer. D and F were closed. The top of East Side had some guns making nice fluffy powder with excellent visibility due to the strong sun. No one run was any better than another. I did not go west or north due to shadows and darkness plus my legs could only handle so much on day one. Claire’s is getting a heavy dose of snow making. The rest of the week through Friday morning looks to be a copy of today which is rare for this season.

Here is a link to Albany Channel 10 ABC news piece on Hunter from yesterday: 

https://www.news10.com/video/locals-hit-the-slopes-at-hunter-mountain/4259784/

 

Also please vote for Hunter’s snow makers in a national contest:  https://www.saminfo.com/i-am-a-snowmaker?start=5

 

Below is the current outlook for the week with a storm watch for the weekend:

Happy Trails,

Jon

 

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with a low around 12. West wind around 9 mph.

Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 35. Wind chill values as low as zero. West wind 3 to 8 mph.

Wednesday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 20. West wind 3 to 6 mph.

Thursday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 44. Light and variable wind.

Thursday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24.

Friday

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 39.

Friday Night

Cloudy, with a low around 25.

Saturday

A chance of snow after 1pm. Cloudy, with a high near 33. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Saturday Night

Snow likely. Cloudy, with a low around 29. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Sunday

Rain and snow likely. Cloudy, with a high near 33. Chance of precipitation is 70%.