Pre-Arrival Information
Hunter Mountain Basecamp
We Can't Wait To See You At Hunter Mountain!
Check out the info below to finish planning your trip and helpful resources to prepare. Have more questions? View our FAQs at the bottom of the page.
Get To Know The Resort
Preparing For Your Trip
Packing List , opens in a new window
- Helmet: The use of helmets is strongly recommended. Children age 14 and under must wear a winter sport protective helmet while participating in ski & ride school, subject to local regulations. In addition, children and teens under age 18 who participate in designated children's classes or programs must wear a helmet. Rental helmets are available at our children's ski school locations for your convenience.
- Warm clothes including moisture wicking base layers, mid layers to trap body heat, and water-resistant outerwear, warm calf-high socks, and gloves or mittens.
- Goggles or sunglasses
- Sunscreen is recommended, even on cloudy days.
- Don’t have your own gear? Rent with Hunter and let our experts fit you with the best boots, skis or snowboard for your best day on the mountain.
- Lift Access: All lesson participants must have a valid lift ticket or pass. Tickets can be purchased online with a group lesson package or separately here.
First time on mountain this season? Make sure you review and sign the waiver in your account prior to your trip.
Arriving on Mountain
You've made it! Here are some tips for your on-mountain arrival, including Express Lift Ticket Pickup if you purchased your lift tickets less than 9 days in advance.
On the Hunt for the Best Insider Tips? Look No Further.
- Hunter is one of the most popular day trip mountains in the East. Day lift ticket sales are limited this season, so it’s a great idea to go online and purchase your ticket prior to traveling to the resort. It’ll save you time and lock in your access!
- Hunter has a well-earned reputation as the ideal place to learn skiing and riding, thanks to its renowned ski school and excellent beginner terrain. It’s not just for first-timers, though – in fact, Hunter West is legendary among advanced skiers and riders as one of the best expert pods in the East. “The People’s Mountain” really does offer something for everyone, terrain-wise.
- Just because you look out your window and don’t see snow, that doesn’t mean there aren’t great conditions at Hunter. Our resort can claim a number of impressive snowmaking firsts – first top-to-bottom system, first automated system and first 100-percent coverage – in the industry! That system consistently delivers awesome ski and ride surfaces for our guests.
- Download the Epic Mix App and check the alerts to get the latest real-time updates on the mountain.
First Time Skiing or Riding? , opens in a new window
Plan Your Day On The Mountain
Start Your Day Off
- Breakfast Options
- Getting to the Lift
Refuel During the Day
- Lunch Options
- Places to take a break on resort
Ending Your Day
- Aprés & Dinner Options
- Exploring the Town
- Night Activities
Are you a Pass Holder? , opens in a new window
Complete Your Trip
Recommended Get Your Gear
FAQS
When do your resorts open for the winter?
Our projected opening day is November 18th! We can't wait to see you then. Think snow!
Is there a height or age requirement or limit to your activities?
Tubing has a height minimum of 36" but there are no other restrictions. Have fun out there!
Is childcare offered and how can I make a reservation?
Hunter Mountain’s Playcare offers childcare services just steps away from the slopes for children ages 2 to 6 years old. Enjoy a worry-free stay on the slopes while our staff entertains your child indoors with games, storytelling and crafts. The full day program includes 2 snacks and a lunch option for an additional fee. Children will be cared for by attentive and enthusiastic staff members within a safe and welcoming environment. For more info click here
Do you allow service animals?
Service animals are allowed on leash. Emotional support animals are not allowed. We love all four-legged friends, but we thank you for your understanding and adhering to the policy.
How do I cancel or change the date of my lift ticket?
If more than seven days before your first planned day, please call or email us; If less than seven days, please call us at 970-754-0005 to allow adequate time to make this change. If you have already arrived at your resort, or if it is the day you would like to ski, please feel free to stop by any ticket window to make your changes. All lift ticket change pricing will be for the date of request regardless of when the ticket was purchased. For example: if a ticket is purchased with advanced ticket pricing and then changed inside of 7 days of the start date, the pricing will not receive advanced ticket pricing.
Do you offer an early bird "First-Tracks" Program?
Not at this time but we'd love to think about this in the future!
Where can I view mountain cams?
To view our mountain cams, click here
What winter activities do you offer?
Snowtubing, skiing, riding, and fun for the whole family or you and your friends. There's no shortage of winter fun here at Hunter. Not big in to the slopes? No worries - head inside for a cozy drink, live music (dates soon to be announced), and the legendary Hunter apres scene! (Yes, we consider that a winter activity here.)
Where can lessons be reviewed and booked?
All lesson options can be reviewed and booked online here
Is a lift ticket included in my ski lesson?
Discounted lift tickets can be added on at the time of booking an adult or child group lesson. Private Lessons require a full price lift ticket. All guests must have a valid lift ticket or season pass in order to participate in a lesson group or private lesson.
I am not seeing availability online, is there a waiting list we can be added to?
We do not have a waitlist. Guests make changes/cancellations to their reservations, so continue to check the website for availability.
I need to change the date of my ski school, how can I do that?
Email huskischool@vailresorts.com or call
How can I cancel my ski school?
Email huskischool@vailresorts.com or call
Do I need a reservation?
Lift tickets, rentals and lessons are inventoried products that sometimes sell out. We encourage purchasing these products in advance. Reservations are not required for skiing or riding with your Epic Pass.
I bought my pass/ticket, now what?
Passes are shipped to your home address. If you receive it in the mail, you can head straight to the lift! If you didn't receive it in the mail, head to any pass office at any of our base locations. If you have an old pass on the same account, you can reactivate the card at a ticket office. For tickets that are shipped, if purchased far enough in advance, tickets can be loaded to your previous card if you have one, or can be picked up at the ELTP (Express lift ticket pick up) line. If you need rentals, please order on line in advance or visit our rental shops.
How to check if my pass has access to specific resort?
Please go to EpicPass.com, and then to “Passes” (top left) on the Epic Pass homepage. Then click on your specific pass and scroll down to “Resort Access.” Please read carefully, as all passes provide specific access, and can have restrictions involving both resorts and active dates.
Where can Lift tickets be reviewed and purchased?
Tickets can be purchased by visiting our resort websites and selecting the dates you would like to ski. Be aware that lift-ticket sales are limited this season to enhance the on-mountain guest experience, so lift tickets (or days) do sell out. We highly recommend purchasing lift tickets in advance.
We will mail all tickets that are ordered more than 9 days prior to arrival. Please go to any of our ticket offices, present a photo ID, where you can also pick up your ticket. Please call the Epic Pass Service Center at 970-754-0005 with any questions prior to your arrival, or contact a ticket agent via Live Chat at EpicPass.com.
What are the Passes that have access to Hunter?
A variety of Passes include access to Vail Resorts. Be aware that passes can have restrictions on the number of days or the dates of access. For detailed information, please go to www.EpicPass.com, go to Passes (found on the menu bar at the top of the page), and click on the specific pass you would like more information on.
Where do I buy buddy tickets/ski with a friend tickets?
The ability to purchase discounted Buddy Tickets and Ski-With-A-Friend Tickets are included with certain passes, if purchased in the spring. If you have Buddy or SWAF tickets included with your pass, you can purchase the discounted lift tickets at www.EpicPass.com or at a ticket window. To avoid delays, we encourage you to purchase online. To purchase online, a Pass Holder must sign into “My Epic Account” (top right) at EpicPass.com, click on the “Passes” tab and navigate to the “Benefit Tickets” section. You can select the specific day and resort after you click on “Buy For A Buddy” or “Buy For A Friend.” Once purchased, the lift tickets must be picked by the Pass Holder at the Resort by displaying their pass. For more information, please go to www.EpicPass.com, Benefits (top, center) then Ski With A Friend and Buddy Tickets.
Do you offer discounts for military personnel?
Yes. There are two different options and the most economical is the Epic Military Season Passes. We provide options for Active, Retired, and Veteran military members and eligible Dependents. U.S., Canadian, and Australian personnel and their eligible dependents qualify. Military Passes require verification of current military status and verification CAN NOT be completed in the resort. For more information, please refer to this link: https://www.epicpass.com/pass-results/military.aspx Please Note: Partner resort access and Buddy Tickets are NOT included with any Military Passes. Ski-With-A-Friend Tickets ARE included. For more information, please go to EpicPass.com, Need Help? (Top center) and then Military Passes. The second option is Military Lift Tickets. We offer discounted Military Lift Tickets for Active and Retired military members and eligible dependents. Guests can purchase Military Lift Tickets at the ticket window or by phone at 970-754-8245. Military Lift Tickets require verification of current military status at the ticket window or at the time of purchase by phone. Please Note: Veterans and their Dependents do NOT qualify for Military Lift Tickets.
Do you offer professional discounts for non-Vail Resorts Ski Patrol?
Yes, we offer professional discounts for National Ski Patrol (NSP) members, along with other professional organizations, such as PSIA, CSIA, and others. NSP members can purchase one discount lift ticket per day. Discounted Tickets can be purchased at the ticket window or by calling the Epic Pass Service Center at 970-754-0005. Whistler-Blackcomb guests call 800-766-0449. You also can contact an agent via Live Chat at EpicPass.com. A current NSP ID must be presented at the time of purchase.
How do I cancel or change the date of my lift ticket?
To change or cancel a lift ticket date, please call the Epic Pass Service Center at 970-754-0005. Whistler-Blackcomb guests call 800-766-0449 or go to the resort ticket window by 5 pm on the expiration date of the lift ticket. In addition, be aware that two or more day lift tickets have a range of dates of use, depending on the number of days of the ticket. For example, a two-day ticket can be used anytime within a three-day range. A three-day ticket has a five-day range of use, etc. Stop by a ticket window for more details. Also be aware that lift-ticket sales are limited this season to enhance the on-mountain guest experience, so lift tickets could sell out. We highly recommend purchasing lift tickets in advance. If a resort is not sold out, lift tickets can be purchased online or at the resort, but not by phone. For more information, please go to Snow.com, Tickets (top, center), and then scroll down to FAQs.
Is my pass or lift ticket transferable to my friend or family member?
No. Season Passes and Lift Tickets are non-transferable and they are assigned to an individual person. Anyone caught using another person’s Lift Ticket or Season Pass will be removed from the mountain and could face other additional penalties.
What discounts are include with my pass or lift ticket?
There are many season-long discounts attached to your Season Pass. Benefits include Epic Mountain Rewards of discounts up to 20 percent on food and beverages, lodging, group lessons, and gear rentals, among other benefits. Other Season Pass benefits include discount Buddy Tickets and Ski-With-A-Friend Tickets, and Summer Access. For more information, please go to EpicPass.com, Benefits (top, left) then View All Benefits.
All Epic Day passes include season-long Epic Mountain Rewards discounts. Other benefits and access are determined by the type of Epic Day Pass purchased. For more information, please refer to this link: https://www.epicpass.com/passes/epic-day-pass.aspx Please Note: Epic Day Passes do NOT include Buddy Tickets, Ski-With-A-Friend tickets, or Summer Lift Access.
For discounts and benefits attached to Whistler Blackcomb Passes, please refer HERE
Lift ticket benefits include the ability to change the date and also refund all unused days.
Can I buy lunch with my pass?
Yes! You just need to make sure you have resort charge set up. Learn more on how to set up resort charge here
Do I get my Epic Mountain Rewards at your restaurants?
For the most part - absolutely! All of our cafeteria style restaurants on mountain offer the EMR discount (20%!) on food. Alcohol is excluded at all locations and there is limited participation among our fine dining and full service restaurants. Be sure to look HERE to see everywhere you can use this awesome pass holder discount
Do I need a reservation to have lunch on mountain?
No! No reservations required to enjoy our convenient on-mountain cafeterias this year. Just ride until you're hungry, and then pop in.
I want to have lunch with a big group, is it okay if I save a bunch of tables?
It depends, but we, and a lot of the other guests on the mountain, would really prefer you do not save tables so that those who are looking to sit can find a place to enjoy their lunch. If you want to eat with a big group all together, we recommend trying before noon or after 1:30 PM.
Last year you told me I had to leave after 45 minutes, is that still true?
Thankfully we are in a different place than last year and required table time limits are no longer in effect. However, out of respect for other guests, we do ask you to be thoughtful and limit your time at the table, especially during peak times and holidays. Go ride!
When is the best time to eat lunch?
When you're hungry! But also, to get the most out of your day, consider dining outside of our peak hours of 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM. We always recommend an early start, an early lunch (11:00 is awesome), and an early apres.
Where can I get my skis or board tuned?
Hunter Mountain Rentals
Where do I search and book online or call to review my vacation plans?
Check out our lodging options across our resort portfolio here.
How do I find ski in/ski out lodging?
You can filter for ski in/ski out properties on many of our search and book pages. Select which resort you'd like to visit to search properties
Where's the best place to stay in-resort?
Check out our recommended signature properties across our resort portfolio here
Can I bring my pet?
Some of our properties are pet friendly. You can review the detailed information on property amenities on our resort search and book pages.
How do I get to the resort?
Hunter Mountain is located just over 2 hours north of New York City in the northern Catskill Mountains of New York State. Whether you are coming from the north or the south, Hunter is a convenient half-hour ride from New York State Thruway exits 20 or 21. Please check here for more details on transportation!
Does the resort offer lockers? Do I need to purchase in advance? How much is a locker pass for the season?
Yes! Day lockers are available for use by our guests, first come first serve. Seasonal lockers are available from Guest Services. It is recommended to reserve in advance to secure your spot! Check here for more info
Where can I park? How much does it cost?
Parking is free!
What time do I need to arrive for ski school?
All programs and lessons begin promptly at their designated times and locations. Please allow at least one hour-and-a-half to arrange equipment rentals and arrival at the designated meeting place on time.
Where to meet for Ski school?
Private Lessons/Adult Group Lessons/Mountaineers Lessons meet Slopeside of the learning center. Explorers/Scouts Lessons meet in Childrens Programs (lower level of the Learning Center).
What transportation options exist from the airport?
What is the weather like when I arrive?
For the latest snow and weather conditions, click here
Where do I find the daily morning snow conditions report?
For the latest snow and weather conditions, click here
Where are the ticket window locations?
Ticket windows are located in the Ski Lodge, on the plaza level (open Sat & Sun). All other days ticketing can be accommodated in the Rental Center (Ski Lodge, plaza level) or the Season Pass Office (Ski Lodge, upper level)
How do I activate the card I have?
When purchasing online, you can select "have a card" while logged into your epicpass.com account, select pass number of the card you have to continue to use the card you have in your possession.
I never got my pass in the mail. Can I still go skiing?
Absolutely. All Season Passes provide access as determined by that particular pass, even if you don’t have the physical pass in hand. Please go to any Vail Resorts ticket office, present a photo ID, and a new pass will be issued. If time permits, please call the Epic Pass Service Center at 970-754-0005 and a new pass will be mailed. Whistler-Blackcomb guests call 800-766-0449. Or contact a pass agent via Live Chat at www.EpicPass.com to have a new pass issued.
Where do I pick up my pass?
Please go to any Vail Resorts ticket office, present a photo ID, and you’ll be able to pick up your pass. If time permits, please call the Epic Pass Service Center at 970-754-0005 and a new pass will be mailed. Whistler-Blackcomb guest call 800-766-0449. Or contact a pass agent via Live Chat at www.EpicPass.com to have a new pass issued.
Where do I pick up rentals?
Hunter Mountain Rentals
Are there any Covid restrictions in the restaurants?
At this time we have no COVID-19 related restrictions in our dining facilities - that means no reservations, no proof of vaccines, no masking requirements, and no social distancing. Dinner reservations are required in select fine dining locations. Of course we always recommend you and our team follow common sense best practices, wash your hands frequently, and please stay home if you're feeling sick or have a fever.
What food and beverage options are open, and what are hours of operation?
There is something for everyone here at the mountain, from quick service options like pizza, burgers and fries, to full service restaurant options and slopeside treats! Please check here for all the great options, locations and hours
What are our options for on-mountain dining for lunch?
Right at our base lodge you'll find plenty of options to refuel before heading back out to tear up the slopes! Check here for all dining options
Someone in my family has a food allergy or sensitivity, are your lodges able to accommodate them?
We strive to offer meals that suite a variety of modern lifestyle and dietary preferences, due to the nature of our menus, please ask locally during your visit.
Do you take cash in your restaurants?
At this time, Vail Resorts does not accept cash in it's restaurants. All major cards, ApplePay, and resort-charge are accepted.
I just want to keep skiing, do you have grab & go options?
Yes, most lodges offer snacks, protein bars, and to go sandwiches and salads to keep you fueled and on the go!
What time do lifts close?
Flyer, B, C, Hunter East Carpet: 4pm
E, H, F, D, Zephyr: 3:30pm
Northern Express: 3:45
Frostyland Carpet: 3pm
Discovery Carpet: 3pm
When do different sections of the mountain close?
For hours of operation, click here
Why are some trails groomed and other not?
Typically, all trails will be groomed every day. On occasion, trails will be left ungroomed due to natural snow at the discretion of management. To view groomed and ungroomed trails visit us our terrain status page.
How to contact safety/ ski patrol
For emergencies during the winter operational season, Ski Patrol can be reached at 518-263-3800 or at Guest Services in the ticket sales area.
Which runs are open?
For the latest trail and lift status, click here
Which base areas are open?
We have one base area at our Main Lodge, open Monday - Friday: 9am - 4pm Saturday & Sunday: 8:30am - 4pm
What transportation options exist within the resort?
On weekends, there is a free shuttle from lots that are further from the base lodge. Get here early for the closest parking!
Why didn't Epic Mountain Rewards apply?
The Epic Mountain Rewards discount is available at eligible Vail Resorts restaurants, lodges, rental shops, golf courses, and other businesses and activities. The discount applies to all food and non-alcoholic beverages. The pass holder must present their eligible pass to receive the discount. For more details, Please go to www.EpicPass.com, Benefits, then Epic Mountain Rewards to learn more, or click here
Where are the restrooms?
Restrooms are located in the Learning Center and on either end of the Main Base Lodge.
Where to return rentals?
Hunter Mountain Rentals
I forgot my boots, where can I rent additional gear?
The Rental Shop is located in our beautiful state of the art Learning Center, adjacent to our main base lodge.
Where can I request a refund?
Refund requests can be made by emailing huinfo@vailresorts.com or visiting the ticket windows.
Where can I book dinner?
Where can I take my family for a quick dinner for tired kids?
Where can I go for apres ski?
Hunter"s Iconic Main Bar located in the Base Lodge featuring Live Band and Dj's on weekends. Van Winkles Restaurant located i@ The Kaateskill Mountain Club. Speciality Cocktails , Appetizers and Dinner.
Do you provide over-night ski storage?
No