I love New York City. I can’t see myself living anywhere else. I also love to leave New York City.
NYC can get to me. The constant noise. Overcrowded streets and subways. School drop-offs and pickup times. All those things add to the list of reasons I get away to refresh my mindset.
Even though I’ve been snowboarding for about 10 years, I’m still pretty lousy at it. I’m about to go snowboarding in the Carpathian Mountains and I was feeling the need to brush up on my skills. I looked up several places to flee to for a few days and all my searches directed me to Hunter Mountain in Upstate New York.
Hunter Mountain is in the Catskill Mountains, a little over 2 hours from New York City. With 67 trails, there is a trail catered to every level. Beginners and seasoned enthusiasts can find a trail that fits their need, ensuring everyone has a pleasant ride down the mountain. 13 lifts help keep the crowds to a minimum. With the highest elevation at 3,200 ft, visitors can have a relaxing ride down the mountain, or a fast-paced race. 4 terrain parks are available for the more adventurous riders. And if snow tubing is more your style, Hunter Mountain has that too.
I was excited about my getaway, when days before I was to arrive, the heavens poured down rain all over New York State. I thought it washed my snowboarding trip out. Once the rains stopped, Hunter Mountain began making snow. When I arrived, there was a good amount of powder on the slopes. Every employee I talked to told me how they prepped the mountain for the day’s wintery activities. The snow machines dusted the mountain throughout my time.
My trip to Hunter was exactly what I needed. Not only was I able to get my snowboarding comfort level back, I had a great time on the mountain. I said to myself several times, “Why haven’t I been coming here?” I wish I would’ve made the trip sooner.
What made my trip to Hunter grander was that I stayed on the mountain at The Kaatskill Mountain Club & Spa. The room was nice and spacious, with a beautiful view of the mountain. Being a sucker for hot tubs, I enjoyed soaking my aching muscles. The outdoor pool is also heated, which was a welcomed dip. To round out my spa experience, I also enjoyed stops in the steam room and the sauna. Definitely going to stay at the Kaatskill Mountain Club again.
When I wasn’t snowboarding or relaxing at the lodge, I was enjoying the town. Every restaurant was a friendly and delicious experience. Which is great because when you snowboard, you usually go from 9am till 3pm, which means you’ve got time for other things. In my case, the other things were relaxing in the spa and eating.
Spending time on Hunter Mountain was fantastic. It made me wish that I visited sooner, and that I had been an Epic Pass Member for years. I’m sure I’d be a lot better snowboarder had I picked up a pass. If you’re not familiar with the Epic Pass, The Epic Pass is the perfect gift for adventure enthusiasts, unlocking access to thrilling slopes.
Epic Pass is run by Vail Resorts, providing members access to a network of world-class resorts. From the iconic slopes of Vail and Whistler Blackcomb to the European charm of Verbier, the pass transforms winter into a season of boundless exploration. Whether you crave the powder of the Rockies, the alpine beauty of the Alps, or a relaxing getaway from New York City, the Epic Pass has you covered.
With the Epic Pass, value and convenience collide. A single pass grants access to multiple resorts, eliminating the need for multiple tickets and reservations. The investment in an Epic Pass pays dividends as flexibility, enabling spontaneous getaways and last-minute decisions to chase fresh powder or explore summer landscapes. The membership also offers a 20% discount on rentals and lodging.
It’s too late to pick up an Epic Pass for this season, so have it on your radar for next year’s ski season. I have a big birthday coming up next winter and I know what I’ll be gifting myself.
Until then, you might find me making a lot of day trips to the Catskills.
Snowboarding Tips for Beginners
Disclaimer: I partnered with Vail Resorts for this post.
Another one of my favorite places to snowboard is Mont Tremblant. Check out these Tremblant related stories.
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