Hickory Ski Center: Back From The Dead?

[AdironRider]

I skied Hickory once and thought it was awesome. But they can't average more than 60-80 inches a year and that is a tough road to hoe for any ski area.

It does seem like they could do a robust summer business if they took a couple years and built out a decent mtb enduro style trail network and a summer wedding/event/concert program.

 

[x10003q]

I skied Hickory once and thought it was awesome. But they can't average more than 60-80 inches a year and that is a tough road to hoe for any ski area.

It does seem like they could do a robust summer business if they took a couple years and built out a decent mtb enduro style trail network and a summer wedding/event/concert program.

Various weather sources put the snowfall totals for Warrensburg, NY, at about 70 inches. The Hickory base elevation of around 700ft is also a limiting factor. They need snowmaking to be viable. That would be big money.

 

[Harvey]

All true. I think 70 inches is about right.

 

[PAabe]

We need snow! Got any connections?

Seriously really appreciate the offer.

Call up Mr. Snow Miser

 

[Cornhead]

We internet skiers/posters can get cars parked a half mile down the access road, see Platekill. Not sure it's a good thing, but I guess it's a necessary evil.

 

[Harvey]

There are some hills to climb to get this done.

I climbed the hill:

Hickory Ski Center Hike

I knew that being on top of that hill would inspire me.

nyskiblog.com

 

[p_levert]

After reading about the success of mountain biking at Berkshire East and https://www.highlandmountain.com, it seems likes Hickory is a natural ski/mountain bike resort. But there's a big problem, no chairlift! Otherwise, great access to the Northway and Lake George resort area, makes summer mountain biking a very viable thing.

 

[ne_skier]

A couple days ago Hickory announced on their Facebook that they will not be operating their two Pomalifts or T-Bar for the 21-22 season due to long wait times for insurance and NYS inspections. The mountain is still open for skinning (as far as I know) and they plan to have all lifts operational for 22-23.
In other news, Peter of Liftblog stopped by Hickory today and got some nice pics. I believe Hickory was the last "open" resort in the lower 48 not yet on the website.

Hickory, NY

Click on a lift’s name for pictures. View in fullscreen↗

liftblog.com

 

[ne_skier]

Via Storm Skiing Journal on Twitter:

Hickory Update: All lifts are functioning and have passed state inspections. The last step is to secure insurance, which has been expensive due to the coverage lapse. They are trying to secure coverage and hope to still open for the end of this ski season

 

[skimagic]

Strange news from Hickory, if there's no lift there'll be some kind of vehicle to get you up there.

"Running a ski season without lifts is certainly a challenge and our exploration of alternatives has provided us with a new Hickory partner. We are working with and autonomous vehicle company to provide uphill transportation. They did an initial beta test at Hickory last spring and will come for pre-season testing this fall. Staff has already been identified and assigned to operate the system so we are optimistic that lifts or no lifts we will have skiing available for those who choose not to skin or hike up."

 

[urungus]

Strange news from Hickory, if there's no lift there'll be some kind of vehicle to get you up there.

"Running a ski season without lifts is certainly a challenge and our exploration of alternatives has provided us with a new Hickory partner. We are working with and autonomous vehicle company to provide uphill transportation. They did an initial beta test at Hickory last spring and will come for pre-season testing this fall. Staff has already been identified and assigned to operate the system so we are optimistic that lifts or no lifts we will have skiing available for those who choose not to skin or hike up."

What’s wrong with the lift ? Were they not able to get insured ? Is it easier to get insurance for an ‘autonomous vehicle’ ?

 

[urungus]

What kind of autonomous vehicle are they talking about ?

 

[raisingarizona]

Build a brewery with good food at the bottom and make the area specifically for touring. If the brewery is really good it would attract people from all over, skiers or not and could pay for the basic maintenance on the hill.

As far as mountain biking goes e-bikes are the future and they don’t need lifts, all you need for that is a couple climbing trails and dedicated descending trails.

 

[danimals]

Indy Pass and Unofficial Networks Join Forces to Reopen New York's Beloved Hickory Ski Center

In a heartening turn of events for the ski community, Indy Pass and Unofficial Networks have teamed up to breathe new life into Hickory Ski Center in

unofficialnetworks.com

good news.

 

[jimmywilson69]

that's cool as hell!

 

[jaytrem]

Opening day is Saturday! Just booked 3 Indy tickets. They only allow 30 on weekends, so 27 at most are left. Anybody else thinking of going?

 

[Harvey]

I'm in black, on tele. Say hi!

 

[jaytrem]

I'm with twins with green jackets...

 

[KustyTheKlown]

very interested to hear about this! 1200 vertical of glades and twisting weird trails in day trip distance sounds good to me...

 

[LoafSkier19]

Would like to hear how it goes as well. Really like supporting these places just trying to make it. Only way I see it working from Maine is a long weekend at Killington and taking a day to drive over there