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Hunter Mountain, New York, spent this past week cleaning up the slopes after winter operations and getting ready for summer activities. The resort, located just 2.5 hours from New York City, will kick off its summer season on July 4, when guests can once again ride the scenic Kaatskill Flyer to the summit at 3,200 feet for panoramic views of the Catskill Mountains. At the top, visitors can explore summit trails, visit the stone-carved statue of Rip Van Winkle, or hike to the historic Hunter Mountain Fire Tower, the tallest fire tower in New York State at 4,040 feet.
Summer at Hunter offers a mix of outdoor adventure and laid-back resort experiences. Guests can relax poolside at the Kaatskill Mountain Club, explore the mountain on guided 4×4 tours, or wind down with Friday Night Burger Nights at Van Winkle’s Restaurant. Northeast Off-Road Adventures (NORA) offers guided tours across Hunter Mountain, ranging from beginner-friendly daytime rides to scenic sunset excursions. NORA guests also receive lodging discounts at the Kaatskill Mountain Club.
The on-mountain retail shop offers outdoor essentials and Hunter Mountain-branded souvenirs. At the base area, the Kaatskill Mountain Club serves as Hunter’s central lodging hub, with accommodations ranging from quick weekend getaways to larger family stays. Guests can enjoy year-round access to a heated outdoor pool, hot tubs, a sauna, and a steam room. Van Winkle’s Restaurant, located inside the lodge, offers breakfast and dinner service, while Epic Pass holders receive 20% off lodging through Epic Mountain Rewards.
Beyond the resort itself, Hunter Mountain is surrounded by some of the Catskills’ best hiking, dining, and small-town attractions. Guests can visit nearby Kaaterskill Falls, one of New York State’s most iconic natural landmarks. The two-tiered waterfall drops 260 feet and can be reached via a scenic 1.4-mile round-trip hike.
Just down the road, the town of Tannersville offers boutiques, artisan shops, galleries, and local restaurants along its colorful main street. Nearby favorites include Jagerberg Beer Hall & Alpine Tavern, known for its alpine atmosphere, local craft brews, and German-inspired dishes, and The Last Chance Restaurant, a longtime Catskills staple combining antique shopping with casual dining. The Orpheum Performing Arts Center also offers live music, theater, and dance performances in an intimate mountain setting.
This fall, Hunter Mountain will once again host four weekends of Oktoberfest celebrations. The events will feature live music, traditional food, local beer and wine, artisan vendors, and family-friendly activities, including keg rolling and steinholding competitions. Guests can also ride the Kaatskill Flyer for sweeping views of the Catskills’ fall foliage. Hunter Mountain’s 2026 Oktoberfest weekends are scheduled for September 26-27 (Homecoming Weekend), October 3-4 (Weekend 1), October 10-11 (Weekend 2), and October 17-18 (Weekend 3).
While ski season has wrapped up, Hunter Mountain remains active year-round, offering hiking, sightseeing, lift rides, shopping, dining, and mountain adventures throughout the warmer months in the heart of New York’s Catskill Mountains.
