Who got first chair?

Who got first chair? Diehard Hunter skiers, The Belsky Family...Alan, Shea and Spencer, were at Hunter today gazing at the new Kaatskill Flyer so Brian took them up for a ride.  They'll be here tomorrow standing in line for the real first chair of opening day...where will you be?

Snowmaking Update, 12/4: Belt underway, Ike & Mossy next.

A short e-mail from Bruce -
Top of Hellgate to the Flyer, & H-B-K is running and will be great skiing and riding for Sunday. We are also making snow on the Belt Parkway and Hunter One. Tonight the plan will be to start Eisenhower and maybe Off Broadway and Mossy Brook if everything goes to plan.


Stay tuned!

New photos from a lunch-time ride up the Flyer!

More on Facebook... link up NOW!

Snowguns Churning on Belt Parkway, Top to Bottom & Tomorrow's Opening!

Hello everyone and happy Saturday! We know many of you are waiting for our opening tomorrow morning!

We'd like to first answer a question we feel many of you may be wondering -- WHY NOT OPEN TODAY?

The answer: base depth. We are blowing a LOT of snow. And the deeper we can get the base on the first day, the longer it will stick around at the end of the season. We're thinking ahead in waiting an extra day to open our slopes to the many skis and boards... we want to lay down a strong, deep base to keep snow reliable and packed all season long.

The forecast for snowmaking, meanwhile, looks FANTASTIC. Mother Nature is compensating for making us wait and dumping a metric ton of rain on us last week! We've got long term snowmaking weather and some natural snow coming mid-next week! Stay tuned for an update on the spread-out plan from the snowmaking shop... we'll have lots of new photos coming soon, and we'll get Dre out on his board shortly.

Meanwhile, ticket prices for tomorrow through Tuesday are located here, and conditions reporting starts tonight! If you'd like to receive snow reports (daily or weekend) or powder alerts, sign up at HunterMtn.com!

NEW RIDEHUNTER VIDEO! 1st one of the season!!

We're Opening on Sunday! Ticket Prices, New Videos & more!

Snowmaking is proceeding fantastically and we hope those of you who live nearby have taken a gander at the streak of white down the mainline! We will be opening on Sunday with intermediate/expert terrain of Hellgate/Broadway/5th & Kennedy. Other terrain will open rapidly, as weather looks perfect for snowmaking! We've posted a whole album of snowmaking pics on Facebook -- link up to our profile and check them out!

We've also got a new snowmaking video on our YouTube channel! We'll be posting more photos, videos and more on the website, on Facebook and in the Hunterblog as snow continues to fly!

Ticket prices for Sunday - Tuesday are as follows:
$35 Adult
$32 Young Adult
$24 Junior/Senior
25% off valid for Big Lift Card holders on Sunday, 50% off valid on Monday & Tuesday
30% off valid for ValuePass on Sunday
Our opening on Sunday and first terrain available will be serviced via our brand new Kaatskill Flyer, the first high-speed detachable 6-person chairlift in New York!! We'll even be throwing out a few rails for some jibbing fun!

For those of you on our Snow Report list, reports start on Sunday at 7:30am!

The Power of Hunter Mountain Snowmaking

Here is the piece shot by videographer Shane, Wed and Thursday at beautiful Hunter Mountain. Take a ride on the new Kaatskill Flyer 6 person lift and watch Hunter fire up their snow guns for the 2010 2011 Season!

Sheets of Powder

This year Hunter Mountain went out into the concrete jungle to capture what our guests do during the off season. The results may surprise you...

This is the first of many videos in our collection, stay tuned through out the season as we release even more!



Hunter Mountain, the feeling stays with you!

We hope you enjoyed watching this and share it with your friends!

Snowmaking Has Begun!

The time has finally come! The guns are on! Snowmaking started early this morning and is continuing until further notice. We are shooting for a Sunday opening. Check out more pictures of the progress on our Facebook.




Expect more pictures and video as accumulation develops!

Facebook Final Photo Now Up!

Hello skiers and riders, our famous Facebook Photo Captioning Contest is coming to an end! So get on over to our Facebook page and enter YOUR caption! Here is a preview of what you're working with:



We are looking for the best of the best here! Up for grabs are (2) anytime tickets to Hunter Mountain! Oh yea... and (2) 4th row seats to the Seton Hall vs. Syracuse game on January 8th! (Again!) Be sure to share with your friends! :-)

3X CARD - 3 visits, $109!

Three times the fun!

Three day of skiing or riding for only $109! Our new 3X card is one of the best deals we're offering this year!
Purchase your 3x Card Online.
Not valid on the following holiday periods:

• Dec 26, 2010 - Jan 2, 2011
• Jan 15-17, 2011
• Feb 19-25, 2011

3X Card is for 3 separate visits - good Monday thru Sunday. Limited to one (1) card per person. This card is valid only for the person whose name it is purchased in.  Proof of ID may be required at the time of redemption.

CYBER MONDAY LIFT TICKET SPECIAL!

Happy Cyber Monday to everyone!

Orville was rustling through his desk this morning and came across a stack of leftover 50th Anniversary lift tickets. Instead of throwing them away, we decided to do the right thing... sell them!

Quantities are limited, so you'll need to act fast. These are single-day, all-area adult lift tickets valid for any day of your choice during the 2010/11 winter season. Limit four tickets per person.

Buy your anytime lift tickets right now on eSki!

SNOWMAKING UPDATE! Snowguns start cranking next week!

Good morning and Happy Thanksgiving from Hunter Mountain! We hope your holiday has been a wonderful one!

We wanted to give you a heads up about what's happening with snowmaking. As many of you have noticed, late fall temperatures have been unseasonably warm and humid. Warmth and humidity are two things that do NOT help our snowmakers!

While we have two excellent nights for snowmaking coming up (tonight and tomorrow), our weather reports show a significant rain event on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. With the amount of rain we are looking at, we could potentially lose almost all of what we'd be able to make up until then.

That said, our plan is to wait out the downpour and (weather permitting, as usual) get our guns cranking on Wednesday night. We are committed to delivering the highest quality product -- our snowmaking prowess, combined with potentially good weather, should allow for an opening sometime next weekend. That would still put us ahead of last year's opening date of December 11... so keep your heads up and stay tuned for more snowmaking info!

We hope to see you all soon and are anticipating the coming season as much as you are!

Want to have some fun off the slopes? Join us on Facebook for your chance to win 2 lift tickets with our photo caption contest!

Seasonal Race Camp Opportunities at Hunter Mountain!

For those looking for some extra training this season, Hunter Mountain is offering a number of great training opportunities.

Here is some information regarding the race training opportunities at Hunter Mountain:

1. Hunter Mountain Adult Race Camp - Dec. 13-16, 2010
Here is your chance to get your ski season off to a great jump start. Our new 4-day adult race camp is an interactive camp designed to develop your racing skills and get you primed for the season. Hunter Mountain has one of the best race programs around and here is your chance to learn some of those techniques. Practice your gate training in GS and Slalom courses. Camp also includes video analysis, top-level instruction, and food vouchers. Coaches: Jim Catalano (Hunter Mountain Race Director), Doug Schmidt (Hunter Mountain Competition Team Coach). Price: $299 (does not include lift ticket)/$399 (includes 4 day lift ticket). For further information check out our website at www.huntermtn.com/huntermtn/the-learning-center/

2. Hunter Mountain Race Workshops - Jan. 13-14, Feb 5-6, 2011
Short 2-Day Workshops to improve your racing techniques and tactics to tackle a race course, GS and Slalom. Workshops include video analysis, top-level instruction, lift ticket, and food vouchers. Price: $159 (one day), $299 (two days) - 30% off for season pass holders. For further information check out our website at www.huntermtn.com/huntermtn/the-learning-center/

3. Hunter Mountain Adult Race Program - Starts Dec. 11th, 2010 - March 13th, 2011
Season long racing program to develop or fine tune your racing skills every weekend by using training areas specifically for racing development. This is also a great opportunity for individuals to gear up for Master Racing. Must be an advance skier in good physical condition ready to rip any terrain Hunter has to offer. Program meets from 9:30-11:30 and 12:30-2:30 every Saturday & Sunday. There is a one hour lunch time break. Price: $649 - Registration ends on December 31, 2010. For further information check out our website at www.huntermtn.com/huntermtn/the-learning-center/

If anyone has any questions please feel free to contact Yaron directly at ysteinhauer@huntermtn.com or 800-486-8376

It's Official Like A Referee With A Whistle!

The Kaatskill Flyer, New York State's first six-passenger detachable chairlift is complete and ready to rock!

We anxiously await the arrival of winter temperatures so that we can kick-off the 2010-2011 ski and snowboard season in style.

The state-of-the-art chairlift is built by Leitner-Poma, the world's leading chairlift manufacturer. The new lift replaces our detachable quad chairlift, also manufactured by Poma, which was originally installed in 1987.

To view photos of construction progress, click here. For a video of a helicopter setting the towers, click here.

The Empire Strikes Back!

The Empire will be the place to shred the BEST terrain park in the Catskills, period. As you can see, the terrain park at Hunter now has a name(and a new logo), and we plan on living up to it!

Want to know the latest and greatest on The Empire Terrain Park at Hunter Mountain, then keep it locked at RideHunter.com The site is newly redesigned to streamline the most important content. No more searching around or clicking around. One page, one mission, no problem.

Also, the site will be updated with an array of park events, so keep checking it out. Daily photo updates, weekly video updates, and a constant Twitter feed will keep you in the loop! So do yourself a favor, and bookmark RideHunter.com

Thought You All Should Know...

That it is snowing here at Hunter! :-)
Here are some pics to get you in the mood! A great way to get you through the work week!


Stay tuned for more information about opening day!

Looking For A Job?!

We can help!

Job Fair

Wednesday, November 10th, 2010From 3:00pm to 7:00pm
AND
Saturday, November 13th, 2010From 9:00am to 2:00 pm

Join TEAM Hunter!
We are in the business of fun and adventure…sound interesting?
Please come to our Hiring Day event!

Employee benefits include Skiing/Riding, Lessons, and Equipment Rental privileges - Food, Retail, and Child Care discounts – Employee referral bonus.

Immediate interviews will be held in the Base Lodge for openings in the following departments:

*Rentals *Child Care
*Special Events *Hotel Support Staff
*Lift Operations *Grooming
*Maintenance *Snowtubing
*Ski/Snowboard Instructors
*Repair Shop *Ticket Sales
*Call Center Receptionists
*Housekeepers *Retail Shop
*Snowmaking day & night shifts
*Food Service—wait staff, line cooks


Apply in person at
Hunter Mountain Ski Bowl,
Rt. 23A Hunter, NY 12442

Big Lift Card & BLC+1 SALE EXTENDED to Thursday! SALE ENDS Thursday at NOON!

Due to the overwhelming number of orders streaming in on Sunday and Monday before the deadline of the Big Lift Card and Big Lift Card +1, many of you may have found it difficult to access our storefront.  To those who phoned in to alert us of the lag in processing, we thank you. 

We have extended the purchase of the Hunter Mountain Big Lift Card & Big Lift Card +1 for 48 more hours.  The sale of the cards will end on Thursday at 12 noon. 

Buy a Big Lift Card or BLC+1 and you will soon find that it was one of the most gratifying investments in winter fun that you made this year.  Included with your purchase is the Big Lift Card Passport filled with coupons to save you even more this year!

What does the Big Lift Card do for you?

25% off weekend & holiday lift tickets ALL SEASON LONG!
50% off midweek tickets ALL SEASON LONG!
The Big Lift Card also comes with one (1) unrestricted lift ticket that can be redeemed ANY DAY of the 10/11 season! JUST $45!

And the Big Lift Card +1...
Provides you with the same amazing values on weekend & midweek lift tickets, PLUS TWO (2) unrestricted lift tickets... a $130 VALUE for just $90!

Buy your Big Lift Card or BLC +1 here!

Lift Construction: We Didn't Forget!

Hello skiers and riders! For those of you who have been keeping up with the lift construction project, the end is near! The beautiful Kaatskill Flyer is running and operational. Some of you may have seen it in action during our last festival. The quad terminal is down, chairs are up and padded, and load testing was completed!Below are some pictures of the action!


Gates were going up as well...

This is it folks. The countdown to opening day is winding down! Keep it locked here and on Facebook for the latest Hunter Mountain info on opening day!

The Feeling Stays With You

Hunter Mountain: The Feeling Stays With You!

This year we have a great new contest! We have pictures of Hunter skiers and riders in the off season with only one thing on their mind... a day on the slopes! We will be loading photos on our Facebook for the next few days, we are looking for great captions! The winning caption for each photo wins a pair of non-holiday lift tickets for Hunter Mountain!


Winners will be chosen every 36-48 hours after posting of each picture.
Contest is valid on Facebook only.

So if you are not a fan of Hunter Mountain on Facebook yet, check us out!

VISIT US AT THE ADVENTURE & TRAVEL EXPO THIS WEEKEND!

Hunter Mountain & NY Zipline Adventure Tours will be at the Adventure & Travel Expo at the Meadowlands this weekend, October 16 & 17! WE WANT YOU to come see us at BOOTH 112! And to make it easier, we've got FREE tickets for anyone who wants to come say hi!

To Access the free ticket offer, visit:
www.adventureexpo.com/consumer
Type in PROMO CODE: EXHFREE

Big Lift Card & BLC+1 SALE ENDS SOON!!

Hello from Hunter Mountain! Fall is getting colder, and winter is closing in on us! Our new Kaatskill Flyer 6-pack lift is almost complete, and our early season sale deadlines will be passing shortly!

Have you bought your Big Lift Card yet? This AMAZING deal -- one of Hunter's most popular -- is only on sale for another two weeks! Starting November 1, the Big Lift Card is no longer offered with a free lift ticket... so get yours now! Scroll down below the image for a list of special values exclusively for Big Lift Card holders!

What does the Big Lift Card do for you?
25% off weekend & holiday lift tickets ALL SEASON LONG! 50% off midweek tickets ALL SEASON LONG! The Big Lift Card also comes with one (1) unrestricted lift ticket that can be redeemed ANY DAY of the 10/11 season!

And the Big Lift Card +1... Provides you with the same amazing values on weekend & midweek lift tickets, PLUS TWO (2) unrestricted lift tickets... a $130 VALUE!

Buy your Big Lift Card or BLC +1 here!

Each Big Lift Card and BLC +1 holder will receive a coupon book containing the following coupons:

• Four (4) coupons valid for $45 lift tickets to be redeemed on specific Sundays of the season
  
• One (1) free session in our Progression Sessions program, a value of over $30!
• 2 for 1 Snowtubing ($18 value!)
• Two (2) Bring a friend coupons; your friend will receive your 25% off weekend or 50% off midweek discount!
• Save 20% on demo skis or snowboards in the Salomon Demo Center
• 1 (one) Midweek (Monday-Friday) Buy-one, get-one free Zipline & Canopy Tour, valid for Mid-Mountain or Summit Tours... that's a savings of up to $119!

Buy your Big Lift Card or BLC +1 NOW and save big this season!

Where Should You Be Right Now!? Oktoberfest!

Hello folks! If you aren't at Hunter Mountain for our Oktoberfest, then you should get here right NOW! The place is jammin'! Plenty of food, crafts, and live entertainment! The Skyride and Zipline tours are operating as well! Oh yea, did I mention it's FREE ADMISSION! The celebration continues tomorrow as well!

Our friends from Hudson Champlain Porsche Club Owners of America are in house as well!

Do yourselves a favor and get up to Hunter Mountain on this beautiful fall day, you won't regret it!

Happy Monday! Lift Construction Update!

Good morning shredders and rippers. Let me start off by extending a very big thank you to all who came out to Colors in the Catskills and Oktoberfest, it was a great success! If you missed it, don't worry, we have our second week of Oktoberfest this weekend October 9-10.
If you were here this weekend, you had a sneak preview of what is about to follow. Our chairs have been installed on our new six pack chair lift! We are so very close to being ready to rock! Have a great week and enjoy the photos!



This week the remaining quad base terminal will be removed. Stay tuned for before and after photos of the base by the end of the week. See you all this weekend for Oktoberfest so you can take a look at the new lift for yourself!

Colors in the Catskills is Going Off!

If you are home reading this right now, I'm sorry but you're missing out! The weather has cleared up and it's gorgeous! Oktoberfest is jamming, beers flowing, and bikes are revving! BMW National Demo Trailer is here! 30 bikes for free test rides! Just bring your license and a helmet. Check out the informative seminars! Also dirt rides, and the famous Barber Shop Ride!

If you can't make it today, it's OK! The party continues tomorrow. So do yourself a favor, and head on over to Hunter Mountain!

FREE ADMISSION!

Hunter Mountain eNews 9/30: Oktoberfest, Ski Swap/Sale, Season Passholder Party, Big Lift Card & more!

Hello from Hunter Mountain! Thanks to those of you who came out for our Wine & Brew Fest; it was a tremendous success! We're ramping up for another festival weekend, and the weather is going to be gorgeous! For those of you who have not been up to the Catskills recently, the foliage season has begun! The colors have changed beautifully and the weather has been mild. This Weekend: OKTOBERFEST!  Our awesome fall festival series continues this weekend! This weekend's festival will be held in conjunction with the now annual Colors in the Catskills Motorcycle Rally! ALL BIKES ARE WELCOME! This is your chance to enjoy some of the most beautiful terrain New York State has to offer! There will be live entertainment on Saturday & Sunday, plenty of food & drink, trail riding, motorcycle vendors, Skyride and so much more! On site camping is available! For a full entertainment schedule, visit HunterMtn.com! Columbus Day Ski Shop Swap/Sale NEXT WEEKEND! Held in conjunction with Oktoberfest II! Our Sports & Expeditions Center will start accepting gear (CLEAN clothes and CURRENT equipment) on October 3. The Swap/Sale starts on October 8 and lasts through October 11. You'll get 100% store credit for whatever you have submitted that sells during the sale, and whatever does not sell must be picked up by October 17 or it will be donated! This is an awesome opportunity to find great deals and get new equipment for the coming season so we hope to see you!! For further information, head over to the website or call the Ski Shop at 800-486-8376 x2233! Our annual Season Passholder Party is taking place on Saturday, October 16! We apologize for any confusion, as the incorrect date is listed in our Hunterlogue, which many of you may have received in the mail. SAVE THE DATE: October 16! All season passholders welcome! More information is available here! If you have not yet purchased your season pass, lockers, seasonal programs and other winter items, please do so ASAP! Early rates end on October 17, and programs and lockers are selling out fast! Visit the Hunterlogue for pricing and information on what we're offering this year!

And while we're speaking of winter... Big Lift Card and BLC +1 are ON SALE NOW!! We've got some amazing deals in store for Big Lift Card holders in the upcoming season, so get yours today! JUST $45... ON SALE UNTIL NOVEMBER 1! What does the Big Lift Card do for you? 25% off weekend & holiday lift tickets ALL SEASON LONG! 50% off midweek tickets ALL SEASON LONG! The Big Lift Card also comes with one (1) unrestricted lift ticket that can be redeemed ANY DAY of the 10/11 season! Head over to the Big Lift Card page at HunterMtn.com to view the list of exclusive coupons you will receive to use with your Big Lift Card! And the Big Lift Card +1... Provides you with the same amazing values on weekend & midweek lift tickets, PLUS TWO (2) unrestricted lift tickets... a $130 VALUE with a low price of just $90... ON SALE NOW! Buy your Big Lift Card or BLC +1 here!

Lift Construction: Chairs!

Hello skiers and riders! Here is another lift construction update for you! Things are shaping up nicely. This week were are tackling the task of constructing the new six pack chairs. Let's just say some assembly is required!


Later this week the remaining quad base terminal will be torn down. Stay tuned as we get closer and closer to showtime!

Hello Monday!

Hello Skiers and riders. This past weekend we displayed at the Ulster County Business Expo and received "Best in Show." We were pretty excited! Here is a pic of our booth. Thanks to everyone who came through!


Also, a friendly reminder that this weekend October 1st through 3rd is our Color in the Catskills motorcycle rally, and Oktoberfest! The festival is FREE and will have plenty of vendors and entertainment!
For more information click HERE!

Lift Construction: Cable Installation

Hello skiers and riders! I'm here with another six pack construction update! This week workers had their hands full. Cables were being installed and the main cable was spliced together! The splice is close to 150ft! Check out some of the photos below.

It's show time!

That's a lot of cable!

Next in line is electrical work and the assembly of the chairs. We are right on schedule. Stay tuned for more!

Did You Know?

Did you know that our Hunterlogue is available online? It is an excellent source of information on season passes, seasonal programs, and more! Check it out HERE!

News Flash! Wine and Brew Fest Saturday ONLY!

Wine & Brew Festival September 25th, SATURDAY ONLY! 1-6pm! $20 gets you 5 beer tasting tokens and a Wine Tasting Bracelet. On Sale Now!
More info HERE!

Lift Construction: Summit Terminal Photos!

Hello skiers and riders! I know many of you have been keeping up with the lift construction. Some of you have probably visited and checked out the base terminal for yourself during one of our festivals. But have you seen our summit terminal?!




Lift construction continues full force as you read this! Towers are currently being aligned, and electrical work starts very shortly. Chair pieces have arrived and are ready for assembly. We'll be on it before you know it! Stay tuned!

Hunter Mountain Competition Team Blogspot: Deenae Sujak loves to speed down the slopes

Hunter Mountain Competition Team Blogspot: Deenae Sujak loves to speed down the slopes: "Thursday, August 19, 2010 BY J.C. BAUMULLER Northern Valley Suburbanite SPORTS EDITOR Old Tappan – After the football and soccer seasons..."

Bear Caught on Camera!!

We got this on surveillance video the other night... a bear got into our donut hole stash!!!

Big Lift Card and Season Passes on Sale NOW!

Hello from Hunter Mountain! We just wanted to remind you that our greatest value, the Big Lift Card and the BLC +1 are ON SALE NOW!! We've got some amazing deals in store for Big Lift Card holders in the upcoming season, so get yours today! Remember they are on sale for a limited time only! Scroll down below the image for a list of special values exclusively for Big Lift Card holders! What does the Big Lift Card do for you? 25% off weekend & holiday lift tickets ALL SEASON LONG! 50% off midweek tickets ALL SEASON LONG! The Big Lift Card also comes with one (1) unrestricted lift ticket that can be redeemed ANY DAY of the 10/11 season! And the Big Lift Card +1... Provides you with the same amazing values on weekend & midweek lift tickets, PLUS TWO (2) unrestricted lift tickets... a $130 VALUE! Buy your Big Lift Card or BLC +1 here!

Each Big Lift Card and BLC +1 holder will receive a coupon book containing the following coupons: Four (4) coupons valid for $45 lift tickets to be redeemed on specific Sundays of the season One (1) free session in our Progression Sessions program, a value of over $30! 2 for 1 Snowtubing ($18 value!) Two (2) Bring a friend coupons; your friend will receive your 25% off weekend or 50% off midweek discount! Save 20% on demo skis or snowboards in the Salomon Demo Center 1 (one) Midweek (Monday-Friday) Buy-one, get-one free Zipline & Canopy Tour, valid for Mid-Mountain or Summit Tours... that's a savings of up to $119! Buy your Big Lift Card or BLC +1 NOW and save big this season!

Celtic Fest is Still On! Rain or Shine!

Celtic Festival is on...a little rain doesn't damper our Irish spirit. All of the world class Celtic entertainment is inside the base lodge on two stages and under the big tent outside. The bagpipe and drum competition is happening as is the spine-tingling Mass March! If you're looking for something to do today to get out of the rain...come up to Hunter...the 35th Annual Celtic Fest!



To check out the entertainment lineup click HERE!

International Celtic Fest this Weekend!

Just a quick reminder that the Celtic Festival is this weekend, August 21st and 22nd! If you've never been to the festival, you don't know what you're missing out on! The entertainment lineup is incredible, you can check it out HERE.

Also, if you are a fan of us on Facebook, let us know if you are coming via our EVENT link.

If you don't follow us on Facebook, you should click on that link as well to keep up with the most up to date information around the resort!

Also, Sunday features a Bagpipe Competition, followed by the spectacular Mass March as hundreds of pipers and drummers march down the mountain in unison. After the Mass March, the entire procession will play as one at the base of the mountain - it's a spine-tingling sight that is not to be missed.



See you all this weekend!

Lift Construction Update: Head to the Chopper!

Attention skiers and riders! This is what we've all been waiting for! Below is the video of some of our lift towers going up via helicopter! Everything went smoothly and safely. Completion of the Kaatskill Flyer 6-pack is now closer than ever! Make sure you watch the video in HD!


View from the Jimmy cliffs of the Hellgate towers going up!
What a sight over Racers! Gorgeous day for flying!

All this couldn't be done without our great team!


Summit terminal work is continuing as you read this and should be done shortly. Work still to be completed includes summit, tower aligning, electrical, cable installation, and chair placement. Stay tuned as we continue this awesome project!