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 Warrensburg, New York. This collaborative effort marks a significant milestone for the beloved ski center, set to operate its lifts again after an eight-year hiatus.

The Hickory Ski Center, with its rich history dating back to 1946 and founded by 10th Mountain Division veterans, had been a cornerstone for the local ski community. Its recent struggles with operational costs, especially soaring insurance prices, had cast a shadow over its future. However, the center’s relentless spirit and the support from Tim Konrad, the publisher of Unofficial Networks, and Erik Mogensen, CEO of Entabeni Systems and Indy Pass, have sparked a glimmer of hope.

Konrad’s personal connection and passion for Hickory, coupled with his awareness of the center’s struggles, propelled him to reach out to Mogensen. This call ignited a chain reaction of support, leading to Indy Pass and Unofficial Networks stepping in to offer a much-needed lifeline. Mogensen’s vision to involve more organizations in supporting independent ski areas aligns perfectly with this initiative, offering a sustainable future for these cherished local gems.

The partnership has resulted in Hickory Ski Center reopening as well as joining the Indy Pass for the 2023/24 season.

Sue Catana, Hickory’s manager and the daughter of its founders, expresses deep gratitude for this intervention. The collaboration between Unofficial Networks, Indy Pass, and Entabeni Systems not only ensures the operation of lifts for the season but also brings hope for many more seasons to come. Furthermore, the team from Indy Pass and Entabeni will offer their expertise in streamlining operations at Hickory, reinforcing the center’s journey toward sustainability.

The collaboration of Indy Pass and Unofficial Networks in the revival of Hickory Ski Center reaffirms the two entities’ dedication to safeguarding the unique culture and legacy of independent skiing.

In commemorating this remarkable achievement, we are reminded of the immense strength of community cooperation and joint efforts. It is our hope that the rejuvenation of Hickory Ski Center extends beyond a local victory; it serves as a shining example and source of inspiration for small, independent ski areas across the globe.

About Hickory:

Hickory Ski Center, nestled above the Hudson River in Warrensburg, NY, stands as a hidden gem in the world of skiing. This quaint center, reminiscent of the 1950s, charms visitors with its vintage lodge, complete with a unique, handmade fireplace, and a welcoming front porch that offers panoramic views of its main slope, “The Hunny Run”. Ideal for relaxed lunches or après-ski socializing, this porch epitomizes the center’s community spirit.

Hickory boasts 1,200 vertical feet and 19 trails, providing a variety of terrains accessible via three vintage surface lifts. These trails, maintained by a dedicated community of members and volunteers, preserve the authenticity of old-school skiing, untouched by modern machinery. The tree skiing and steep runs off the summit are highlights of the terrain, especially on a snowy day. The ski area relies entirely on natural snowfall for an authentic experience.

Hickory’s The atmosphere is distinctly family-friendly, welcoming skiers of all ages. Practicality is key in dress code, with skiers opting for comfort and utility over modern ski fashion.

For those interested in more stories and details about this charming ski haven, the Hickory Ski Center Blog offers an in-depth look at the experiences and memories created at this unique skiing destination.

Image Credit: NYSkiBlog

Official Press Release:

INDY PASS AND UNOFFICIAL NETWORKS TEAM UP TO KEEP NEW YORK’S HICKORY SKI CENTER OPEN

 23/24 INDY PASS WAITLIST TO CLOSE ON DECEMBER 10th 

GRANBY, COLORADO – Indy Pass and Unofficial Networks announced today that they have combined efforts to provide financial assistance to Hickory Ski Center in Warrensburg, New York, so the resort may run its lifts for the first time in eight years.

The ski center will join the Indy Pass for the 2023/24 season, and season passes go on sale today at skihickory.com. Hickory pass holders will be eligible to purchase Indy AddOn Passes at a 30% discount. The Indy Pass will close the 2023/2024 waitlist on Sunday, December 10th.  

Hickory Ski Center was founded in 1946 by veterans of the 10th Mountain Division and has served the surrounding community and offered uphill traffic only since 2016. With rising costs, specifically insurance, the ski area faced an uncertain future until their plight caught the attention of Tim Konrad, publisher of Unofficial Networks.

“My family spends much of the winter in the Adirondacks, and I have been ski touring at Hickory since 2015. Over the years, I’ve been keeping close tabs on their struggle to reopen lifts, and when I learned how far they had come and how close they were to achieving their goal, I knew we had to do something. So I called Erik at Indy Pass to discuss how we could offer our support,” said Konrad. 

“After Tim called, we did a quick assessment and decided that Entabeni would step in on this one. It is important to recognize the collaboration between Entabeni, Indy Pass and Unofficial Networks. The more organizations we can get involved to stabilize these small, independent areas, the better our chances of scaling this movement,” said Erik Mogensen, CEO of Entabeni and Indy Pass.

“We have been working with our Hickory skiing community to help overcome the financial obstacles that could prevent the opening of the lifts at Hickory. The emergence of Tim and Erik with their lifeline has put us in a position to operate this season with lift certification, and hopefully for many more to come,” said Sue Catana, Hickory manager and daughter of founders Fran and Hans Winbauer.

The Indy Pass and Entabeni team will also consult with Hickory management on how to streamline operations and become more sustainable.  

Indy Pass and parent company, Entabeni Systems support independent resorts from Europe to Japan, but primarily in the US and Canada. On October 18, 2023, Black Mountain, New Hampshire, announced that support from Indy Pass would enable it to remain open for the coming season and has since hired a new GM and retained ski resort turn-around expert Andy Shephard to help secure a buyer.

About the Indy Pass –

The Indy Pass is the fastest-growing multi-mountain pass in the world. It offers 180+ Alpine and Nordic resorts across the US, Canada, Europe, and Japan, each providing two days of skiing or riding. Indy resorts are independent of any major corporate ownership, and many are owned and operated by multi-generational families providing a uniquely authentic and affordable skiing experience.

About Unofficial Networks –

Established in 2006, Unofficial Networks stands as a leading online destination for mountain adventure, with a strong emphasis on skiing and snowboarding. The website boasts a passionate team of contributors who diligently craft, curate, and highlight a broad spectrum of content. This includes in-depth features on global skiing culture, up-to-date news, and diverse entertainment aspects related to mountain sports. Serving as a comprehensive resource, it appeals to a global audience of mountain sports aficionados, from beginners to experts, providing them with insightful, engaging, and informative content that celebrates and promotes the captivating world of skiing and snowboarding.

Follow Indy Pass on Facebook and Instagram @Indyskipass, #indyrevolution

Follow Unofficial Networks on Facebook and Instagram @UnofficialNetworks

In order for a unique New York ski area to operate its lifts this season, they need help from the ski community. For the past couple of years, the folks over at the Hickory Ski Center have aimed to spin the lifts for the first time since 2015. However, in order to spin the lifts again, they need to pass state inspection and pay for a large insurance premium payment of $38,000.

This high insurance payment is due to the lapse in coverage that the ski area has faced since its lifts stopped spinning in 2015. While new activities have been added to support the mountain during the offseason, they do not have the money to pay for the $38,000 insurance payment.

The ski area is now asking for donations and for people to purchase season passes when they go on sale, likely later this week. If you purchase a season pass and they don’t reach that threshold, they will refund the buyers.

You can read their full press release below. If you’re interested in helping them out, click here. They will have season passes for this winter available on the website, likely starting on December 1st. In the meantime, Hickory has set up a GoFundMe. You can also make donations to their operations fund or purchase gear. If you have ever wanted to help out a small ski area, here’s your chance.

Hickory’s 2023-24 Ski Season  (77 years from inaugural season)

We are at a crossroads.  We have our lift inspections scheduled, sticks are on, the lodge is ready, the slopes are (almost) ready.   What we are missing is liability insurance required for state certification of our lifts for operation.

Historically we have raised funds to cover insurance and other operating costs through the sale of season passes.  We have been hesitant to do that given the challenges we faced with lift certification.  We no longer have a choice.  Our timeline is short.   We have until December 15^th to raise sufficient funds to cover our full insurance premium payment of $38,000. Yes, it is outrageous, and we have explored all options over the last 2 years to lower this amount, with no success.   We anticipate that this premium will be reduced in subsequent years because the cost reflects our lapse in insurance coverage, placing us in a high-risk category, and that we would be offered quarterly or monthly premium payment options. 

We have been able to cover off-season operational expenses with events, the café, and access fees for hiking and skinning, and with financing from Bill Van Pelt and the Hickory Legacy Foundation.  In addition, the Foundation has installed lighting for night skiing and the new disc golf course which will open in the spring.  We appreciate all the support that has come from our extended Hickory Family, local businesses, and those organizations that have provided grant funding.

The Foundation continues to seek grant funding opportunities, events are being planned, we are collaborating with new partners, and without season pass sales now, we do not have the funds to pay the insurance premium. 

We are now asking our Hickory skiing family to do their part in supporting our efforts to re-open the mountain for skiing with lifts operating by purchasing season passes.

We are finishing up the purchasing platform on our website skihickory.com. We will have individual passes for upper and lower mountain skiing, couples discount, family packages, and bundled as well as single day tickets available.  We will publish pass prices when we go live for pass purchases, anticipated on December 1^st.

If the lifts don’t spin, we will refund season pass payments in full. 

Email: hickorysc2@gmail for questions.  

SKI THE LEGEND, The Hickory Team.

Anticipated Operating Schedule (Weather Dependent) 

• Wednesday, Thursday, Friday:   2PM -8 PM
• Saturday: 9 AM – 8 PM 
• Sunday: 9 AM – 4 PM

Sample PRICING Until December 15th

• Upper / All Mountain Season Passes – Adult  $500 
• Lower Mountain Season Passes – Adult          $300
• Lower Mountain Season Passes – Under 18    $100

Image Credits: Visit Lake George (Featured Image), Hickory Ski Center

Since 2015, the Poma lifts at the Hickory Ski Center in New York have not spun. Two years ago, the Hickory Ski Center was purchased by locals. Since then, they’ve brought many activities back to the mountain, and are working on bringing back lift-serviced skiing to Hickory.

Last week, Hickory gave an update on the latest happenings at the ski area. One thing that has eluded them so far is reopening the lifts. While the Poma Lifts have been approved to operate from the State of New York, liability insurance costs have blocked them from running them to the public. This month, they’ll be meeting with an insurance company to try and work out a partnership.

If that doesn’t work though, they have another idea for bringing people up the mountain. Last spring, they had an autonomous vehicle company test out their product on Hickory’s terrain. The company is returning for pre-season testing this fall. It has been confirmed by the Storm Skiing Journal & Podcast that this would be the dolaGon autonomous vehicle. It’s unclear if they would still purchase the autonomous vehicle if they’re able to acquire insurance for the Poma lifts.

In terms of the summertime, Hickory has continued to grow its activities. Over the past couple of years, they’ve built out an extensive hiking network, with five different trails to the Three Sisters Peak. The hiking map is available online, with Hickory planning to add them to AllTrails in the near future. An 18-hole disc golf course is also being installed, with its completion expected this fall.

Another idea they have in the future is to add a taproom to the base lodge. Hickory completed the lodge inspections, so they know they can add it. They are working with Hickory Hill Brewery and Event Planning to complete the lease agreement and building permits, with a projected opening in early 2024.

Let’s keep our fingers crossed for a snowy winter at the Hickory Ski Center.

Mountain Stats

Trails: 19

Lifts: 4

Vertical Drop: 1200 feet

Skiable Acreage: 225

Location: Warrensburg, New York

Image/Video Credits: DolaGon (Featured Image), Hickory Ski Center

Hickory Ski Center near Lake George, New York is preparing for its big comeback season. After being closed since 2015, it was announced in May of 2021 that the Hickory Ski Center would be reopening. For their first year under new management, the mountain was open for public events, hikers, climbers, bikers, and uphill skinners for shredding. Their goal for this winter is to reopen the lifts once they get approval from the state of New York.

This past spring, I got to talk with David B. Cronheim from the Hickory Ski Center, who described how the comeback efforts have been going.  After a busy past couple of months on my end, along with them just receiving six inches of new snow, I thought it would be a good time to tell people about what’s been going on at this revived New York ski area.

Some of their offseason work has included creating a new website, trail clearing, reconnecting the South and North Warren snowmobile trails to the North Country network, renovating their Poma lifts, creating a new space in their lodge for corporate events and parties, hosting various public events, and opening a quick service restaurant in the base lodge: 3 Sister’s Cafe, which is open year-round for breakfast and lunch.

The ski area is being run by the Hickory Legacy Foundation, which is a nonprofit aimed to establish it as a community recreation, education, and ecologically sustainable venue for healthy living. They are doing the following fundraisers right now: Light Up the Mountain, and Unrestricted Operating Funds.

Funds from the Light Up the Mountain cause will go towards installing lights around the t-bar, giving access to night skiing for local schools. The Unrestricted Business Funds cause will go towards supporting the mountain’s business expenses due to inflationary pressures. Some of their developmental efforts include doing after-school programs with local schools and becoming a venue for outdoor education programs.

Hickory originally opened in 1946 with the help of the skiers that were a part of the 10th Mountain Division. The mountain is considered by locals to be the Mad River Glen of New York due to its steepness. Last winter, the ski area dealt with some logistical issues regarding getting their state’s approval to run their surface lifts. In spite of these hurdles, this past winter was a success. Many uphill skinners used the slopes when there was snowfall in January and February. If you want to learn more about the skiing experience at Hickory last winter, check out this article from the Adirondack Explorer.

If you’re interested in visiting Hickory this winter, you should check out the Mountain Access Season Pass-No Lifts, which allows you to “ski, hike, mountain bike, snowshoe, rock climb, or cross-country ski in the Three Sisters Range on contiguous Hickory property.” These passes, which are currently on sale, range from $100 for the winter or spring-summer-fall to $175 for the whole year.

They will be offering two season passes for lift access: The Lower Mountain Pass will give you access to the handlebar and the t-bar with prices ranging from $0-$100 depending on your age group. This pass will become available once they get approval from the state of New York.

The Upper Mountain License goes for $300, and gives you access to the T-Bar and handle tow, along with the upper mountain lifts. Those who purchase this pass are given the opportunity to purchase day tickets for the upper mountain Poma lifts, which feature the steepest terrain on the mountain. This season pass is currently on sale, but Hickory is recommending that guests wait until they pass their lift inspections from the state of New York, as they are an annual non-refundable expense.

So if you’re in the Lake George area this winter, go check out the historic Hickory Ski Center.

Mountain Stats:

Trails: 19

Lifts: 4

Vertical Drop: 1200 feet

Skiable Acreage: 225

Location: Warrensburg, New York

Image Credits: Hickory Ski Center

Last summer, Hickory Ski Center saw some new life from locals and ski enthusiasts after being left abandoned for around six years. Before the season, the ski area announced they would reopen the slopes with a unique subscription season pass model for lift tickets and skinning, while also selling day tickets.  Thanks to recent snowfall, skinners have been able to access the slopes. But it looks like locals will need to wait until next season to ride their lifts again.

In order to get the lifts approved by the state of New York, the state needs the insurance companies to inspect and issue a policy to give the official green light for the Poma lifts to run again. With this whole process taking between 6-8 weeks, Hickory informed the public on social media Monday that the lifts won’t spin this season. Skinners are still allowed to go up slopes, and the hill is focusing on their summer activities, which will include hiking, mountain biking, and hosting public and private events. The post from the Hickory Ski Center is below.

Image/Video Credits: Hickory Ski Center, Dreams of Mountains

Another ski area in the Northeast is about to make a comeback. Hickory Ski Center in Warrensburg, New York is reopening after being shut down since 2015. According to The Sun, the ski hill is aiming to reopen this ski season, weather permitting. The ski area is planning on hosting local school kids to use the slopes on weekdays, and then be open to the general public during weekends and holidays.

The ski area has hosted various events at its vintage base lodge, including company events, a summer barbeque, and Octoberfest. Offseason improvements at the base lodge have included door and window replacements, renovations to their kitchen, upgrades to their electrical systems, and additional outdoor lighting. Brushwork is planned to clean out the trails that sat dormant for half a decade. According to Foothill Business Daily, future plans could include hiking and mountain biking trails, ATV/UTV and offroad trails, and other economic opportunities including housing developments on the backside of the ski area.

Hickory Ski Center is a retro ski area, as it opened back in 1946. There are no chairlifts at this hill, as it’s serviced by Pomas, T-bars, and a Platter Pull. But don’t underestimate this mountain. Most of the upper mountain features steep black diamond terrain, making it an underestimated small ski area destination. One issue Hickory ran into during prior seasons before its closure was a complete lack of snowmaking equipment. If they get the snow, definitely plan on making a trip for an authentic retro skiing experience. The ski area is now hiring for the winter season, as they are looking for ski patrollers, ski school instructors, lift operators, a kitchen manager, and members of their maintenance team. It sounds like a great part-time opportunity for those who live around the Lake George area. More information about their comeback and job opportunities is below.

Hickory Ski Center Stats:

Trails: 18

Lifts: 4 (Two pomas, one t-bar, and one platter pull)

Chairlifts: 0

Skiable Acres: 225

Vertical Drop: 1200 feet

Summit/Base Elevation: 1900/700 feet

Location: Warrensburg, New York

Image Credits: Hickory Ski Center

BY ANDY JAMESON

Tired of missing midweek powder? Don’t like chairlifts? Prefer steep, challenging, uncrowded slopes? Hickory Ski Center may be for you. Stuck in your cubicle crying over photos of your friends ripping powder from a Wednesday storm? No need to shed a tear, because Hickory is only open Saturday-Sunday and certain holidays, midweek snow will be untouched come Saturday morning.

Living in the shadow of the more popular Gore Mountain, 35 minutes away, Hickory is one of New York’s hidden gems. Closed in 2005, but re-opened in 2010, Hickory preserves skiing similar to simpler times. Today, the mountain is run by a combination of employees and dedicated volunteers. Like other resurrected lost ski areas (think Magic Mountain Vermont), skiers are attracted to Hickory’s laid back vibe, unique natural terrain, and throwback feel.

When you ski Hickory, it doesn’t take long to notice this place is different: there are no chairlifts. Two Poma lifts and a T-bar pull you up 1,200 vertical feet. From the summit, you can access 220 acres of old school ski terrain, with steep and natural upper mountain trails. Meanwhile the lower mountain offers well-maintained beginner and intermediate terrain.

Hickory’s Trail Map: Note this is not the work of James Niehues

Jack Rabbit Run

If you’re into old school skiing, prefer natural snow, don’t particularly love high-speed detachable chairlifts, and are willing to sacrifice a few amenities for an experience more in-tune with nature, give Hickory Ski Center a try.

Mountain Stats:

Location: Warrensburg, NY

Chairlifts: 0

Surface lifts: 4 (2 Poma, 1 T-Bar, 1-Rope Tow)

Vertical Drop: 1,200ft

Stores in Shopping Village: 0

Trails: 18

Skiable Terrain: 220 Acres

Snowmaking: Limited

Adult Full Day Lift Ticket: $45

About the Small Ski Area: Few skiers have the privilege of learning in amazing places like Jackson Hole, Whistler, or Squaw Valley. Instead, most of us fell in love with the sport shredding a few hundred vertical feet at some small local hill. We came to these small hills because they offered easy access, low prices, and accessibility. Sadly, many of these small hills have either died or are struggling to survive. At Unofficial, we understand that these small hills are the life blood of our sport. Through this feature, we hope to raise awareness of these small ski areas, and if possible, direct a few readers their way.