Just a few hours from Manhattan, Hunter Mountain is where city skiers come to breathe fresh air and find real vertical. With 1,600 feet of drop, 67 trails, and a party-ready base village, it’s both the heart of the Catskills and a rite of passage for East Coast riders. Hunter blends easy access with legit terrain—whether you’re carving cruisers or tackling moguls under the lift, it’s the closest thing to a “real mountain” you’ll find this side of the Hudson.

Quick Stats

• Location: Hunter, New York (Catskill Mountains)
• Elevation: 1,600 ft base / 3,200 ft summit
• Vertical Drop: 1,600 ft
• Skiable Terrain: 320 acres
• Annual Snowfall: ~125 inches (plus powerful 100% snowmaking coverage)
• Number of Runs: 67
• Lifts: 13 (including a six-pack express and two high-speed quads)
• Vibe Check: Lively, urban-meets-alpine, and always buzzing

The Vibe

Hunter has personality—and plenty of it. On weekends, it’s alive with the energy of New York City escapees, seasoned locals, and diehard riders chasing first chair. The mountain is straightforward but full of variety: wide blues for carving, steeps on Hunter West for a challenge, and a world-class terrain park for freestyle fans. Après here is loud, friendly, and always memorable. It’s not about perfection—it’s about fun, and Hunter delivers that in spades.

Must-Ride Runs

🟢 Greens

• Broadway – long, forgiving trail for beginners with great mid-mountain views.
• Belt Parkway – winding cruiser from summit to base, great for families.

🟦 Blues

• Kennedy Drive – smooth and flowing, one of Hunter’s best all-around runs.
• Claire’s Way – fun intermediate trail with good snow and consistent pitch.
• Jimmie Heuga Express – fast and playful with wide turns and nice views.

♦︎ Blacks

• Westway – the steepest run in the Catskills and a true test for advanced skiers.
• Hellgate – narrow, classic East Coast black with moguls and attitude.
• Racer’s Edge – groomed black perfect for speed and big turns.

Après + Town Stays

Après at Hunter has real character—half mountain, half Manhattan energy. Whether you’re sipping a craft cocktail, downing a local IPA, or dancing in ski boots, there’s no shortage of good vibes.

• Scribner’s Catskill Lodge (Prospect Restaurant) – upscale dining with stunning mountain views.
• Van Winkle’s Restaurant & Bar – classic base lodge bar with hearty food and live music.
• Hunter Mountain Brewery – local brews and pub fare with big portions and friendly locals.
• Jägerberg Beer Hall & Alpine Tavern – Bavarian-inspired après spot with pretzels, steins, and schnitzel.
• Mama’s Boy Burgers (Tannersville) – fast, fun, and perfect for a quick lunch or post-ski bite.
• Scribner’s Lodge – boutique hotel blending modern design with Catskill coziness.
• Kaatskill Mountain Club – slope-side lodging for families and groups.

Travel Tips

Hunter is one of the most accessible major resorts in the Northeast—just 2.5 hours from New York City and 3 hours from Boston. Fly into Albany International Airport (ALB) for the quickest route (1.5 hours). Parking fills quickly on weekends, so early arrivals score better access. Hunter’s snowmaking system is one of the most advanced in the region, keeping coverage strong even during dry spells. Weekdays bring smaller crowds and smooth laps all day.

Fun Facts

• Hunter Mountain opened in 1959, one of the first ski resorts built with snowmaking in mind.
• Known as the “Snowmaking Capital of the World.”
• Hunter West expansion added some of the steepest lift-served terrain in New York.
• Hosted the New York State Ski Championships and countless snowboard competitions.
• Its proximity to NYC makes it the most visited ski area in New York State.

Why It Made Our Top 50 List

Hunter made the list because it’s the East Coast’s most accessible adrenaline rush—bold, high-energy, and full of heart. It’s the mountain where city skiers find their edge, where powder days meet pizza nights, and where the stoke never fades. Hunter isn’t just close to New York—it’s part of its rhythm.