New York's 'Ski Hickory' Has "No Plans" To Operate This Season
Hickory Ski Center, located near Warrensburg, New York, posted a cryptic message to their Facebook page over the weekend, which broke the news that the mountain will not open for the 2025/26 ski season.
Despite being able to open for the last two seasons thanks to community fundraising efforts, Hickory has “no plans to operate this season.” Check out the announcement below. Keep reading for more on Hickory Ski Center.
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While there isn’t additional info at this time, the post cites hope that new management will continue Hickory’s legacy as a place for “families to gather, friends to connect, and kids to learn to ski.” It also mentions a new web page and construction on the mountain’s lodge.
The mountain is currently owned by a group of shareholders whose families were involved in the development of the ski area. POWDER has reached out for comment but did not receive a response in time for publication. This article will be updated should we receive a response.
Hickory is no longer allowing public access for hiking, skinning, snowshoeing, disc golf, or camping, but there will be opportunities for groups to reserve and use the mountain. Locals have expressed frustration about the ski area closing access to hikers and backcountry skiers.
A Facebook commenter wrote about the decision: “Bummer. This hill is a big resource to the backcountry community in the area. Folks would be happy to volunteer to maintain the hill for hike/skin access if you let them and allow them to skin for free.”
Developed by a crew of World War II Veterans from the 10th Mountain Division, the ski area is known for its historical significance.
Hickory doesn’t use any snowmaking technology, opting for whatever Mother Nature delivers, and even foregoes the use of chairlifts in favor of Poma and T-Bar lifts. The area was previously closed in 2016 due to a lack of natural snow. However, skiers have still been able to access its 1,200 vertical feet by skinning up and skiing down.
Ahead of the 2023/24 ski season, Hickory had a moment in the spotlight when the mountain’s managers posted to Facebook saying that a sum of $38,000 was needed for insurance costs in order to reopen the mountain.
Donations from several ski publications, individuals, and even the Indy Pass came in to save the mountain, which also resulted in a short film being made about Hickory’s revival, which was released earlier this year.
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