On Monday, May 4, Hunter Mountain, New York, held its annual spring clean-up day and uncovered some interesting items scattered across the slopes. Losing things while skiing or riding is inevitable, and when the snow finally melts, mountain crews often discover everything left behind over the course of the winter.
As expected, there were plenty of empty beer cans and mini Fireball bottles. But crews also stumbled across a full bottle of wine, an empty can of crushed tomatoes, an onion, and several stegosaurus toys tied together with string. All departments at Hunter participated in the clean-up, and according to Emily Kokot, Senior Communications Specialist for Vail Resorts’ New York and Vermont mountains, the resort saw noticeably less trash than last year.
“This brings me back to cleaning up the mountain with my family as a kid,” Sarah Slutzky, Director of Mountain Operations, told SnowBrains. “It’s special to see our teams come together to keep the mountain pristine, even in the off-season. It reflects our Commitment to Zero and our deep love for this place. While we did come across a few interesting finds — like a full bottle of wine — we’re also proud to see less trash each year.”
With winter operations wrapped up, Hunter is now shifting focus toward summer. Just 2.5 hours from New York City, the resort becomes a warm-weather Catskills getaway starting July 4, when scenic SkyRides on the Kaatskill Flyer reopen. The lift carries visitors to 3,200 feet (975 meters) for panoramic views of the Catskill Mountains, summit hiking trails, and the stone-carved Rip Van Winkle statue. Guests can also hike to the historic Hunter Mountain Fire Tower, the tallest fire tower in New York State at 4,040 feet (1,231 meters).
Summer activities include poolside lounging at the Kaatskill Mountain Club, guided 4×4 tours with Northeast Off-Road Adventures, and Friday Night Burger Nights at Van Winkle’s Restaurant. The surrounding Catskills also offer waterfall hikes, small-town shopping, and plenty of local food and drink options.
One of the biggest attractions nearby is Kaaterskill Falls, a two-tiered waterfall with a 260-foot (79-meter) drop and one of New York’s most iconic hiking destinations. Meanwhile, nearby Tannersville features boutique shops, galleries, and local restaurants, while spots like Jagerberg Beer Hall & Alpine Tavern and The Last Chance Restaurant remain longtime Catskills staples.
Later this fall, Hunter Mountain will host four weekends of Oktoberfest celebrations featuring live music, German food, craft beer, games, and autumn foliage rides on the Kaatskill Flyer.
