Hunter Mountain to Upgrade Snowmaking for 2024/25 Season

By Max Oppen

HUNTER — Hunter Mountain, a ski resort owned by Vail Resorts, is gearing up for the 2024/25 winter season with a groundbreaking snowmaking upgrade that promises to transform the skiing experience for visitors. The resort is set to automate a significant portion of its snowmaking operations, enhancing efficiency and expanding skiable terrain during the crucial early season.

One of the key improvements is the automation of 70 snow guns on the Belt Parkway trail, a move aimed at adding 38 acres to the holiday skiing footprint. This strategic upgrade will allow guests to enjoy a diverse mix of terrain right from the start of the season, ensuring an unforgettable holiday experience.

The trail "Clair's Way" is also undergoing a facelift with the introduction of cutting-edge, low-energy technology. Thirty-six high-air consumption snow guns will be replaced with automated alternatives, dispersing skier traffic and contributing 10 acres to the holiday footprint.

In addition to these advancements, the trail "Way Out" will install 32 new automated snow guns. This strategic enhancement will enable Hunter Mountain to connect Hunter North and Hunter West more directly and earlier in the season, offering an extended skiing experience for visitors.

"By investing in cutting-edge, energy-efficient technology, Hunter Mountain is not only meeting the demands of unpredictable weather but is also setting a new standard for sustainability in the ski industry," said Trent Poole, VP and General Manager of Hunter Mountain. "We believe that these upgrades will not only enhance the skiing experience for our guests but will also contribute to the overall environmental sustainability of our operations."

The move towards automation reflects a broader industry trend, with ski resorts increasingly adopting advanced technologies to ensure reliable snow coverage amid changing climate conditions.

As Hunter Mountain embraces these innovations, it underscores its commitment to providing a world-class skiing experience while minimizing its environmental impact. The 2024/25 winter season promises to be exciting for visitors as they explore the expanded and improved terrain made possible by these cutting-edge advancements.