Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Check us out at the NYS Snow & Travel Expo!

Happy Halloween Hunter skiers and riders! I wanted to let you all know to stop by Empire Plaza in Albany this weekend to check out our booth, pick up some pamphlets/magazines, and say hi to us! You'll also have the opportunity to check out tons of other ski areas throughout the US and Canada. Check out the info below, and we hope to see you there!

The Great NYS Snow & Travel Expo

11/3/2006 - 11/5/2006
click for larger image
Location:Empire State Plaza Convention Center
Empire State Plaza
Concourse Level, Room 130
Albany, NY 12242
USA
(518) 474-0538
Convention.Center@ogs.state.ny.us
Go to Website
Times:Friday 4pm–9pm
Saturday 11am–7pm
Sunday 11am–6pm

The 45th annual edition of the snow expo makes it the longest running consumer show in the United States.
Featuring cutting edge ski and snowboarding equipment as well as a wide array of fashionable apparel for the slopes and après ski lodges, the Snow Expo has become the destination for those seeking a comprehensive start to the winter sports season.

The one-stop winter shopping experience includes an eclectic mix of ski resorts from the famed Jackson Hole, Wyo., ski resort to the internationally renowned Mt. Tremblant near Quebec City to the world-class mountains of New York, Vermont and Massachusetts.
The Expo will also include perennial favorites including the Ultimate Ski Package raffle, a silent auction by the NY Capital District Ski Council, a Single Ski Club Swap Shop, workshops, as well as raffles and giveaways.

Friday, October 27, 2006

Snow in the Northern Catskills!

It's snowing in Hunter! There's snow in the mountains, and temperatures are inching lower every night. Dust off those skis, warm your boots, and take advantage of the season's best savings before it's too late! We know how it goes ... it starts snowing, and before you know it, you're plunking down too much for a full-price lift ticket ... so get online, give us a call, or stop by and save money before November 1!

Ribbon-cutting ceremony!

This morning was a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new bridge at the base of Hunter Mountain, connecting the road to 23A. The bridge provides a large pedestrian walkway and two outbound lanes to 23A, increasing capacity and adding a more attractive touch to the bridge, which was built in the 1930's. Check out the picture!


Click on the photo for a larger version!

Get a Free Lift Ticket until November 1!

This is a friendly reminder to get your Big Lift Card while there's still a free lift ticket included! After November 1, a free unlimited lift ticket will no longer be available!

The Big Lift Card allows you to save all season long, every single time you go ski or ride. And with the free unlimited lift ticket, the Big Lift Card is the best deal Hunter has to offer - so don't miss out! Take advantage of these savings!

  • $15 off weekend/holiday lift ticket purchases (reg. $57/$59)
  • $20 off midweek tickets (reg. $50)
  • $25 lift tickets on Tuesdays*

Click here to read more, and to renew or purchase your Big Lift Card with the free unlimited lift ticket!

*$25 ticket not valid on Dec. 26th.

Triple Peaks sale ends November 1!

Our Triple Peaks Card, entitling skiers and riders to three non-holiday lift tickets for $99.95, is only being sold until November 1, so get yours now! This deal is a great package for people who are planning on stopping by a few times throughout the season but don't want to commit to a season pass. They make great stocking stuffers too, so before we stop selling, give yourself (or someone else!) three lift tickets for $33 a piece!

Click here for more Triple Peaks information!

Biggest Aspen/Snowmass savings for Hunter skiers starts in November!

Loyal Hunter skiers and riders can save 52% on lift tickets at Aspen/Snowmass starting November 23! Hunter Mountain is giving their most valued visitors (season passholders, Big Lift and Triple Peaks cardholders, and Try-Pak graduates) the opportunity to save at one of the West's premier resorts this season, with savings throughout the season. Don't miss out on the best savings we have to offer at Aspen, from November 23-30! And check out our other savings at Aspen/Snowmass:

  • Nov 23-30, 2006: $39 (52% savings)
  • Dec 1-21, 2006: $63 (33% savings)
  • Jan 4-Feb 8, 2007: $69 (16% savings)
  • Feb 9-Mar 22, 2007: $72 (12% savings)
  • Mar 23-29, 2007: $61 (26% savings)
  • Mar 30-Apr 15, 2007: $51 (38% savings)
Want to read more about Aspen? Go here.

Brooklyn Brewery Beer Dinner at Hunter Mountain!


Tickets are on sale for our Brooklyn Brewery Beer Dinner. The dinner will take place on Saturday, December 9, 2006. Lodging packages including lift tickets are available for booking right now. The dinner will be held at Van Winke's Restaurant at the Kaatskill Mountain Club. The menu will be "beer centric," pairing different beer with each course of the meal.

The dinner will feature Brooklyn Brewery's brewmaster Garrett Oliver and locally renowned chef Shamus Butler, head chef at Van Winkle's. If available, tickets to the dinner alone will be sold starting the second week of December. For a full dinner menu, visit the info page here. We hope to see you here to enjoy this elegant dinner and extensive beer tasting opportunity.

For more information, please call 1-800-HunterMtn.

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Check out our new Park Bully!

We just got a sweet new machine for sculpting the terrain park and decided to share it with all of you...so check it out! You can even click on the image for a larger version.



For more info on what the Park Bully does, check out TELEMET's park bully page.

Monday, October 23, 2006

Hunter Mountain's new Wikipedia page!

Hey guys! Hope everyone had a nice weekend, and thanks to the hundreds of people to dropped by our table in New Jersey on Friday night, or stopped by Randy's table in Connecticut!

I wanted to let you all know that Hunter Mountain now has tons of information up on the Wikipedia site, searchable by all. Click on the Wikipedia logo below to view the page:


Hunter Mountain on Wikipedia.org


For those of you who don't know what Wikipedia is, go to Wikipedia's WIKIPEDIA page!

Take care, and check back soon for updates and new events to be announced!

Thursday, October 19, 2006

New RideHunter website up tomorrow!

Everyone! I JUST finished the new RideHunter website, and it's going up tomorrow morning, so check it out...complete with event calendar, photos, a 42 North video and more to come! Here's a sneak peek!

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Come see us in Jersey!

For Northeasterners in the northern New Jersey area, come check out the NJ Ski Council Jamboree in Morristown on Friday (Oct 20) from 7pm to midnight! Stopping by is the only way to get the Big Lift Card for the original $39! Here's all the info:



§ At Westin Governor Morris Hotel in Morristown, NJ
§ Official kickoff of the 2006-2007 Ski Season
§ Attended by 48 NJSC member ski clubs
§ Combination Trade Show and Dance Party with DJ – reserved tables at Party Room for GSSC members
§ GSSC will have a booth and display with handouts
§ Good opportunity to attract new members
§ Over 25 mountain resorts will have booths with information on resort and available trip packages
§ Opportunity to get copies of NJSC annual Guidebook listing ski trips by each club and much more.
§ Time is 7:00pm to midnight
§ Free admission – door prizes will be available
§ Ordinarily attracts more than 1,000 skiers
§ No need to sign up in advance – just show up!

Click here to download the flier!

Check out The Westin Governor Morris for directions, and hopefully we'll see you there!

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Hunter Mountain welcomes all season pass holders to our Season Pass Holder Party!

Skiers and riders everywhere, if you have a season pass for the coming ski season at Hunter Mountain, you're invited to our annual Season Pass Holder Party! The party kicks off at 1pm on Saturday and lasts until 6pm, with free food, drinks, Skyrides and raffle items! There will also be live entertainment and many giveaways throughout the evening.

A memorial for long-time Hunter Mountain friend Gregory Sergin will be held in conjunction with the Pass Holder Party. Guests arriving for Greg's memorial will sign in and receive wristbands alongside pass holders, and receive the same free food, drinks and Skyrides.

We request that you RSVP to this event as soon as possible by calling 1-800-HunterMtn.

Please join us for this very special occasion…with the colors of the area at this time of year and the beautiful weather we've been experiencing, don't miss out! This party presents a fantastic opportunity to meet other season pass holders and to become acquainted with the resort staff…we hope to see you there!

Monday, October 09, 2006

Oktoberfest recap!

Hello all, hope you had a nice weekend! Below are some pictures from Oktoberfest...you can click the picture for a larger version! Happy Columbus Day!


On the way down the Skyride



Fun times (and long beer lines) inside Colonel's Hall!



Autumn colors



People enjoying the lovely weather



...and ice cream, funnel cake, crafts and live entertainment.



Fencing & rockface with a view



Busy times at the ski shop!



At the summit



Still at the summit!

Friday, October 06, 2006

Last chance to check out Oktoberfest: October 7 & 8!

Hurry over to Hunter Mountain for the last weekend of Oktoberfest! Last weekend, thousands of people arrived at the gates to enjoy the many perks of this festival: German food and drink, live music, dancing, vendors and the friendly atmosphere. Don't miss this festival! Admission to the festival is free, and the Skyride will be open for incredible views of the Catskills and surrounding areas.


Just a quick reminder of what we've got: Austrian and German-American bands, Schuhplattler dancers, lots of vendors, puppet shows, jugglers, magicians, horse petting zoo, and food and drink. We even have free arts & crafts and free pumpkins for the kids. This year's entertainment includes Radlpass Trio direct from Austria, the popular JT Orchestra from the tri-state region, and die Lustigen Almdudler from Rochester, NY. Our second stage will feature local artists.


The leaves are turning fast, and the atmosphere of Oktoberfest is the best way to enjoy this scenic area. The live acts start at 11am on Saturday and Sunday and finishes at 6pm. Join us for food, drink and the many changing colors. http://www.huntermtn.com/festivals_oktoberfest.html

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

Get a book and bread pudding from Evelyn Kanter on Saturday!

Regional food critic Evelyn Kanter's new book Eating the Hudson Valley features a stellar review of Van Winkle's Restaurant at the Kaatskill Mountain Club. The author herself will be joining us this weekend during Oktoberfest for a book signing.

She'll be at the base lodge of Hunter Mountain for the first signing. Each book purchase comes with a sample of Georgia bread pudding, which was hailed in her review of Van Winkle's. The second signing will be at the Kaatskill Mountain Club. A 10% off dinner for two at Van Winkle's will accompany a book purchase. The coupon is valid for food purchases at the restaurant all day/night Saturday, October 7.

We hope to see you all at the signing and/or at Van Winkle's: please stop by either location for the signing, and enjoy the renowned food of Van Winkle's!

Monday, October 02, 2006

Last chance to get the Big Lift card at lowest price!


Get ready for the winter! On Friday, October 6, Hunter's Big Lift Card will jump in price from $39 to $49, so get it before you have to pay more! The Big Lift card is one of Hunter's best deals, and entitles the holder to:

  • $15 off weekend/holiday lift ticket purchases (reg. $57/$59)
  • $20 off midweek tickets (reg. $50)
  • $25 lift tickets on Tuesdays*
  • Plus, purchase or renew your card by Nov. 1 and we'll throw in an unrestricted lift ticket!

You don't want to miss out on these deals! The Big Lift card gives you an opportunity to save all season long. So take advantage of the lowest price before it's too late! For $39, you can save a lot of money throughout the season-you're literally paying once to save every time you ski! Do NOT miss out on this! *Some restrictions apply. http://www.huntermtn.com/biglift.html

Sunday, October 01, 2006

Frequenty Asked Questions (FAQ)

Last modified: 1/9/11

What IS a blog?
Blog is short for weblog. A weblog is a journal (or newsletter) that is frequently updated and intended for general public consumption. Blogs generally represent the personality of the author or the Web site. (definition from ByTownInternet)

You're a ski resort: why do you have a blog?
We figured it'd be a good way to allow people to keep in touch with what's happening at Hunter Mountain. Our website posts features, but with a blog, real-time news can be posted very quickly and the news spreads faster. Because the blog logo is on our main site, a lot of traffic is redirected here and people remember it because there's always fresh news.

How often do you update? I try to update every few days with news. At times it will be updated every day, and other times it stay the same for a few days, then have 5 or so posts in a single day. Mountain news tends to be pretty unpredictable.

Why can't you update more often? I am one person and have a lot of other responsibilities. I am the blogger here, but there is absolutely no way I can constantly post in the blog and do everything else I have to do, so please be understanding if you want new pictures and there are no new pictures posted. Generally I am the only one doing the posting, and I do not have time to post all day. Most mountains do not have blogs for this very reason.

Why have a website and a blog? As I said, the main point of the website is to carry feature information...our programs, events, statistics and information about the resort and its surroundings. The purpose of the blog is to carry fresh news, photos and event coverage, keeping everyone who's interested up to date as much as possible with what's going on here. That way, while one person is handling the website and feature content, I can run out and take photos and capture news, and take the pressure off the webmaster.

Who posts in this thing?
I set this blog up so anyone who wants to post will be able to -- our webmaster Steve and a few other members of management will be involved from time to time. I moderate all comments and contributions and post the news as much as I can. To answer the original question, though, I'm Jessica, the communications director.

Can I say something? Of course! The best way to say something is to comment on a post in the blog, but you can also e-mail me or fill out one of the comments forms on the other websites. If you comment, chances are if it needs a response, you'll get one.

I posted a comment, but it hasn't shown up. Why is this? This could be happening for two reasons: (1) I have yet to approve the comment, or (2) your comment contained something offensive. The blog is not a venue for complaints: it is a way for customers to get news and information. If you'd like to send a complaint, please send it directly to me via e-mail, or call 800-HunterMtn and speak to the operator.

Because this blog is operated by Hunter Mountain, we cannot tolerate offensive language, subject matter or derogatory remarks about people, operations, policies, pricing or other resorts. If your comment was general and has yet to be approved, you won't be waiting long: I approve comments throughout the day, every day.

Can I send in pictures or stories? Of course you can. Send them into questions#huntermtn.com.

I have a problem with my reservation...who do I call? NOT ME! Call 1-800-HunterMtn and ask for reservations or dial extension 2200 for ticket information.

What's the mailing list all about? If you sign up for the mailing list, you get a lot of the updates in your inbox. You get the eBlasts that go out (reminders, sales, etc) but you do NOT get everything. Contributions, stories and other things will be posted in this blog that do not get mailed out to everyone. The email list gives people the opportunity to keep track of sales and events at the resort.

How do I use RSS feeds? Check out this page at about.com to find out how to use RSS feeds. To find our feed, click the Atom Feed button on the left sidebar of the blog, and load the URL into your feed device. For questions about the feeds, ask me.

I'll be adding more questions soon, too.
Want to submit a question? E-mail me.