Hi Stuart, Mystery origin solved. Hammerstein of Broadway theater fame were the original owners. They financed the purchase from a Slutsky owned bank. Hammerstein meant well but low snow years - and little to no snow making - caused it to fail when the Slutsky’s foreclosed on their loan. The Slutzkys knew squatting jack about skiing or running a ski area but they learned quickly and invested in many improvements including massive snowmaking. How do I know, as a kid it was one of my parents go tos close enough to Chez KV in Westchester. When Hunter opened the massive shale deposits offered organic stone grinds to all - and yes, sparks did fly. Last times I skied Hunter was the early 1970’s. By then it was well managed and maintained but skiing was analogous to roller derby with no rules. Even in my twenties fresh off a college ski team it scared the hell out of me.
Thanks Stuart. Hunter was the first "big mountain" I ever skied - the first with a 1000+ ft vertical. Had a great day way back in 1981 as a guest of a friend who had a season pass. Best part was playing hooky from school.
I actually don't think I ever made it back to Hunter. My school ski club went to Jiminy and West Mt and Gore and even Killington. For some reason Hunter wasn't on the rotation.
I miss this place. Ten years ago a skied with random guys on the Flyer. Used names like “K Dog” lol. We tried skiing in the woods and had a great time bushwhacking to the dumpsters behind the hotel. Got some Bud Light at the lodge after. Was the perfect Hunter day. Dudes were absolutely insane… so nice and loved skiing more than almost anyone I ever met. I had kids and I just couldn’t raise them there on a holiday weekend… I will be back…
Hi Stuart, Mystery origin solved. Hammerstein of Broadway theater fame were the original owners. They financed the purchase from a Slutsky owned bank. Hammerstein meant well but low snow years - and little to no snow making - caused it to fail when the Slutsky’s foreclosed on their loan. The Slutzkys knew squatting jack about skiing or running a ski area but they learned quickly and invested in many improvements including massive snowmaking. How do I know, as a kid it was one of my parents go tos close enough to Chez KV in Westchester. When Hunter opened the massive shale deposits offered organic stone grinds to all - and yes, sparks did fly. Last times I skied Hunter was the early 1970’s. By then it was well managed and maintained but skiing was analogous to roller derby with no rules. Even in my twenties fresh off a college ski team it scared the hell out of me.
Thanks Stuart. Hunter was the first "big mountain" I ever skied - the first with a 1000+ ft vertical. Had a great day way back in 1981 as a guest of a friend who had a season pass. Best part was playing hooky from school.
I actually don't think I ever made it back to Hunter. My school ski club went to Jiminy and West Mt and Gore and even Killington. For some reason Hunter wasn't on the rotation.
Thanks for fantastic writing and content!
I miss this place. Ten years ago a skied with random guys on the Flyer. Used names like “K Dog” lol. We tried skiing in the woods and had a great time bushwhacking to the dumpsters behind the hotel. Got some Bud Light at the lodge after. Was the perfect Hunter day. Dudes were absolutely insane… so nice and loved skiing more than almost anyone I ever met. I had kids and I just couldn’t raise them there on a holiday weekend… I will be back…