I've spent a lot of time on ski lifts. From the mountains of Massachusetts to the peaks of Utah, summits in Wyoming and slopes of Colorado, I have seen a lot of different chairlifts in my day. But a chairlift in the summer? This was a first.
It was the first time I walked right onto a lift in a summer dress and a flip flops with a tan and a smile instead of my winter coat and skis. The prognosis? it was absolutely lovely to be on a lift not freezing my buns off. So let's just say that my (new) favorite way to get up a mountain is on a perfect sunny summer day, sitting on a chairlift and enjoying the breeze and the views below.
The ride to the top of Hunter Mountain in the summer months is called the "Scenic Skyride". This 11-minute chairlift does all the dirty work for you for all views no effort. I usually spend my summer and fall weekends hiking to the top of mountains for this kind of view. But the Skyride? I can appreciate a six-seat chair lift doing all the hard work to get me to 3,200 feet.
On a clear day on top of Hunter Mountain, you can see high peaks of the Northern Catskills, the Berkshires of Massachusetts and the Green Mountains of Vermont. All this is yours without walking more than a few hundred feet. This means this activity is just about perfect for everyone in your group. You don't have to be a hiker to enjoy this view, you get to experience the peaks of the Catskills from the summit after taking a beautiful ride to the top with your feet dangling in the air.
Rates:
Tickets are purchased inside the lodge (not at the lift) and are for a round trip ride
Adult (ages 13+): $12 midweek; $14 weekends
Junior (ages 7-12): $10
Senior (age 65 and over): $10
6 and under: Free with paid adult
The Ride: The Skyride takes approximately 11 minutes each way.
Operating Schedule:
Memorial Day Weekend (May 25-27): 10am - 4pm
Weekends in June: 15-16, 22-23, and 29-30: 10am - 4pm (closed June 1-2, 8-9)
July 1st - Sept. 2nd: Wednesday - Monday (closed Tuesdays)
Mon, Wed, Thurs & Fri: 11am - 4pm
Sat: 10am - 5pm
Sun: 10am - 4pm
Labor Day (Monday, Sept. 2nd): 10am - 4pm
Sept 7 - Oct 20: Saturdays and Sundays: 10am - 4pm
Columbus Day (Monday Oct 14th): 10am - 4pm
What to do
Picnic - bring lunch up with you and enjoy lunch with a view. There are a few picnic tables scattered around the summit area.
Take in the View- we walked over to the overlook (looked like a spot where people were married). Sit down, take it all in, and enjoy the quiet of the Catskills
Hike- hiking trails lead to the Hunter Mountain Fire Tower (the highest fire tower in New York State at 4,040 feet) are a great option (3 hours round trip, moderate 4-mile hike).
Rules
- The Skyride operation is weather permitting (you can call 518-263-4223 to confirm).
- Arrive 30-minutes before closing if you are planning to get back down
- No pets
- No glass
- No smoking
Catskills, you always amaze me on just how beautiful and quiet you are. No lines, no crowds, just mountain views and solitude. If you want to hike to the Catskills highest fire tower or see the view from the top of Hunter Mountain then this is the perfect way to do it.
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