View from the wedding deck at the summit!

The Official Magazine of Hunter Mountain
Summer/Fall 2016
WIN
12
The Zombies have invaded
Hunter Mountain. Can you
save humanity?
FO R
06
Combine a trip to Hunter
with a short hike to breathtaking Kaaterskill Falls.
FLIP
02
The unstoppable rise
of Hunter Mountain’s
summer festivals.
TER
g
the weddin
m
o
r
f
w
ie
V
summit!
deck at the
SUMMER/FALL
COOL DOWN. drink up.
2016
Aquafina is a proud PARTNER of
®
Summer Festivals Rock to New Heights
HUNTER MOUNTAIN
A look at Mountain Jam and Taste of Country’s unstoppable rise.
Night Zip Tour
The largest zipline canopy tour in North America adds night ziplining.
It’s Cooler in the Mountains
Combine a summer trip to Hunter with a short hike to Kaaterskill Falls.
Join the Club
Find out what it takes to join the Catskill 3,500’ Club.
Doxie Derby
What’s better than Dachshunds racing? Doxies racing, beer and Bratwurst!
The Zombies Have Arrived!
Experience Zombie Hunter Wars at Hunter Mountain.
Race for a View, Race for a Cure!
FLIP FOR WINTER!
Are you up to the Spitz Blitz challenge?
AQUAFINA is a registered trademark of PepsiCo, Inc.
HUNTER MOUNTAIN LIFE
SUMMER/FALL 2016 |
1
COMING
IN 2016!
We’re excited to announce that
2016’s Taste of Country Fest
headliners will be Kenny Chesney
and Jake Owen! For ticket info,
visit TasteofCountryFestival.com.
A scene from Mountain Jam X in 2014.
Mountain
Jam
2014. Photo
by Douglas Mason
Photo:
Douglas
Mason
Mountain Jam, Country Fest Continue to Raise the Bar
By Katie O’Connor
Close your eyes. Picture yourself at Hunter Mountain. Not on the snow-covered slopes, but just
before the calendar declares the official day of
summer. The trees are plush and green, grass is
beneath your feet, there’s a slight breeze that
gently whisks across your skin, calming the
warmth from the sun. In front of you is a massive
stage with world-renowned artists performing
your favorite tunes, echoing through your body.
Some would say the feeling of being at Mountain
Jam is difficult to describe; it’s just something you
have to experience for yourself. There are many
experiences at Mountain Jam, whether you want
to make it a four-day camping experience, a
swanky VIP experience, or a luxurious stay at our
on-site hotel, The Kaatskill Mountain Club. Oneday passes are also available for those who can
only handle a quarter of the fun.
Music festivals at Hunter Mountain are some of
the most unique on the East Coast, with Hunter’s ski slope acting as a natural amphitheater.
For 11 years, Hunter Mountain has been the host
of Mountain Jam, one of the East Coast’s largest and top-ranked music festivals. The four-day
multi-stage festival grows each year, with more
artists and festival-goers who flock to the scenic
beauty of the Great Northern Catskill Mountains.
While the music line-up is incredible every year
(this past year’s headliners included The Black
Keys, Robert Plant, Alabama Shakes, Gov’t Mule,
and moe.), there are other aspects of the festival
that make it one of the best. Food trucks and
tents, vendors selling everything from clothing to
hula-hoops, workshops, and yoga provide a variety of activities for Mountain Jam-goers, making
it a well-rounded event.
2
| SUMMER/FALL 2016
10 YEARS OF MOUNTAIN JAM
No. of
YearBands Headliner
2005
4
Gov’t Mule
2006
12
Gov’t Mule
2007
15
Gov’t Mule
2008
21
Bob Weir & Ratdog
2009
26
Allman Brothers Band
2010
37 Levon Helm & Friends
2011
56 My Morning Jacket
2012
38
Steve Winwood
2013
39 Phil Lesh & Friends/
Widespread Panic
2014
Allman Brothers Band
39 2015
43
The very next weekend, the best names in country music take over the stage for the three-day
Taste of Country Music Festival. The 2015 festival was record-breaking in terms of attendees,
which wasn’t surprising considering the all-star
line-up. Headliners Tim McGraw, Keith Urban,
and Toby Keith rocked the stage during their
sets and were preceded by other top names
in country music, including Billy Currington, Eli
Young Band, Sara Evans, Tracey Lawrence, and
many more.
Music is only one part of the attraction at the
country festival; camping is the other. Like
Mountain Jam, attendees can choose from
many different experiences, including RV Camp-
ing, VIP RV Camping, nearby car-camping, tent
camping, or off-site camping. No matter which
you choose, it’s an unforgettable experience.
Camping not your thing? No worries. You can
still book a room at the Kaatskill Mountain Club
Hotel, where pristine mountainside accommodations await!
If you’ve missed the opportunity to experience
either festival in the past, mark your calendars
for the 2016 Mountain Jam and Taste of Country
Festivals in June! Keep up to date with the latest
festival information, including 2016 dates, lineup announcements, and more at MountainJam.
com and TasteofCountryFestival.com.
buy your mountain jam &
Taste of Country tickets
early for the lowest rates!
Black Keys, Robert
Plant, Alabama Shakes
HUNTER MOUNTAIN LIFE
HUNTER MOUNTAIN LIFE
SUMMER/FALL 2016 |
3
My Experience on Hunter’s Exhilarating Night Zipline Tour
By Justin Foy of WDST Radio Woodstock
f you’re looking for an
adrenaline rush to add
to your bucket list, try
“night zipping,” with NY
Zipline Canopy Tours at
Hunter Mountain.
You’ve probably heard about the Summit
Skyrider at Hunter; the longest, fastest and
highest Zipline Tour in North America, and
the 2nd largest in the world. But the Night Zip
Tour, which they launched last winter, is an
extremely different experience.
You begin in the base lodge, where you check-in
by signing the prerequisite waiver, are given a
wristband color-coordinated for your group, and
are fitted with the gear that will keep you safe
and secure during your nighttime expedition.
After an easy walk through part of the beginner ski area, during which you get to know
and bond with some of the members of your
group, you arrive at a beautiful, open log cabin
meeting place. Once seated, your group is given a brief safety course on how to use the gear
and navigate the night zip course, the guides
peppering their instructions with humor, which
helps to disarm any anxiety or fear that may be
creeping in. As darkness begins to fall and the moon ap-
t
Breakfas
e
Homemad
ncakes
ttermilk Pa
Bu
fresh fruit
filled with
Huge
ettes
untry Omel
Co
nic,
fresh, orga
farm
made with
filled with
gs
eg
e
ng
smoked
free ra
bles, locally eeses.
ta
ge
ve
h
ch
fres
a variety of
trout and
owned
World ren
an
Banana Pec
st
a
o
French T
Plus REAL
ezed
freshly sque
orange &
juice...
grapefruit
sooo good!
4
| SUMMER/FALL 2016
pears in the sky, you climb a gentle staircase,
walk across the first of four rope bridges, and
arrive on the first of nine aerial tree platforms.
Once your guide carefully clamps you in, and
runs through a multi-point safety check, the
intense anticipation of soaring through the evening tree canopy for the first time sets in. NIGHT ZIP TOURS
After you’re given the cue to launch into the
nighttime forest like a nocturnal bird, your heart
racing, you are swept off your feet and begin
your descent. It’s at this moment that you realize this is a sensation unlike anything you’ve
ever experienced, taking on an almost dreamlike quality. Because it’s nighttime and you can’t really see
the next platform at the end of the zipline until
just before you arrive (green spotlights at each
platform welcome your arrival), the sound of
zipping down the line is omnipresent, and adds
excitement to the experience. At the arrival and departure of each of the
course’s next five ziplines, the guides continue
to ensure your safety and keep you entertained
with their friendly and humorous conversation,
some even telling jokes along the way. This
keeps you from getting frightened as you go
deeper into the forest, and the nighttime sky
becomes even darker. The third to last aerial tree
Night Zip follows the Mid-Mountain
tour, taking guests through a series of
six ziplines, four suspension bridges and
an exciting final rappel. Check availability
and book online at www.ziplinenewyork.
com/night-tour.html.
Tune into WDST (100.1 FM)
on your way to and from Hunter!
platform is almost 70 feet off the ground, and
when the tree sways a bit it can give you chills.
Your final zipline on the tour is the longest and
fastest; approximately 650 feet long, and at 3040 mph is the fastest. Your excursion ends with
an exciting 65 foot rappel to the ground, that’s
like something straight out of the movies!
So if you’re looking for an experience that’s a little scary, but exhilarating at the same time, and
you want to get out of your comfort zone for a
few hours, there is nothing like the adrenaline
rush of the Night Zip Tour at Hunter Mountain.
Catskill Mountain Country
Store & Restaurant
We are proud to introduce our second
location in the Heart of Tannersville!
Our unique country store is overflowing
with homemade fudge, old time candy,
Gus’ Apple cider donuts and our country
restaurant features an incredible
breakfast and lunch menu. Stop in today!
6014 Main St.
Tannersville, NY 12485
(518) 589-6777
Visit our website for our full menu:
www.catskillmtncountrystore.com
Shout it from the
Mountain Top
Lunch
Big juicy 1/
2 pound
Angus Burg
er
served with
a big helpin
best French
g of the
fries you ha
ve ever ha
d!
A great se
lection of
...
Wraps, San
dwiches
and Salad
s
Homemade
Soups
that would
make Sein
feld jealous
!
...and lots
of
Vegetarian
Options
Don’t forget
our old fash
ioned
ice cream an
d
soda founta
in!
HunterMtn.com • 800.486.8376
HUNTER MOUNTAIN LIFE
Destination Weddings • Spacious Reception Venues • Parties up to 300 • Flexible Accommodations • Impeccable Service
SUMMER ESCAPES
NEW! Skyride Season Pass
Get unlimited Skyrides all spring,
summer and fall! (Does not permit
admission into festivals).
week schedule for the Scenic Skyride, which
allowed visitors to take the peaceful chairlift
ride to the 3,200’ summit Wednesdays-Mondays. For the more frequent Skyride visitor,
Hunter Mountain launched a Skyride Season
Pass – unlimited Skyrides all spring, summer, and fall for only $39! At the top of the
lift, guests can get off, walk around, hike to
the Hunter Mountain Fire Tower (see story
on next page for more info) enjoy a lunch,
or just relax and take in the breathtaking
panoramic views of the surrounding Catskill
Mountains and beyond.
Kaaterskill Falls is the highest cascading
waterfall in New York State, dropping 260
feet over two tiers. It was recently ranked
as one of the “Top 25 Most Beautiful
Waterfalls in America” by Huffington Post.
But the best thing about Kaaterskill Falls?
It’s only 9 miles from Hunter Mountain
and is easily accessible via a 2.5 mi. trail.
See the locator map on page 7
Improvements to Kaaterskill Falls Trail Aimed At Preventing Injuries
By Katie O’Connor
Adventurists flock to the Great Northern
Catskills during the spring, summer and
autumn months for unprecedented outdoor
experiences, including kayaking, biking, fishing,
and hiking. Whether it’s to the Hunter Mountain
Fire Tower, Overlook, or High Peak, hiking in the
Northern Catskill Mountains is a unique adventure. One of the most well-known hiking spots
in the area is Kaaterskill Falls which boasts the
highest cascading waterfall in New York State,
dropping 260 feet over two tiers. Popular
during the winter for ice-climbing and during
the summer for swimming and hiking, Kaaterskill Falls sees thousands of visitors every year.
Tragically, a number of hikers are injured from
slips and falls, and in more tragic cases, lose
their lives. To prevent unfortunate events
like these in the future, NY Works provided
6
| SUMMER/FALL 2016
$450,000 in funding to improve the safety of
this beautiful destination. Improvements to the
surrounding area of the Falls include a 250-step
staircase from the top of the falls to the bottom,
increased fencing, expanded parking, new trails
for easier access, and the presence of a full-time
forest ranger to monitor the safety of daily visitors. As these improvements were being made,
access to the falls was unfortunately restricted
during the summer months of 2015.
While this was a slight setback for tourists in
the area, locals and visitors alike were urged
to continue traveling to other destinations located in the Catskill Park. Many flocked to the
attractions at Hunter Mountain, which has become a true four-season resort, providing fun
activities after the snow melts and through
autumn! Summer 2015 welcomed a 6-day-a-
TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS
17 min
8.7 miles
Kaaterskill
Falls
23A
Alternate
Trailhead
Looking for the best view? The summit deck
boasts a five-state view and is the site of our
beautiful spring, summer and fall weddings.
On deck at the base of the mountain is Andre’s
BBQ, open Wednesdays-Mondays, offering a
number of summer sandwich delights. While
you’re at the base, check out FREE Disc Golf,
available throughout the summer and fall!
Google Maps
There are two approaches to reach Kaaterskill Falls. Both trails are about 2.5 miles and take about
an hour to complete at a moderate pace. The trailheads are located on Route 23A about 9 miles
east of Hunter. Take caution, the trail can be steep and slippery at times. Proper hiking boots and
hiking poles are recommended.
van winkle’s
Restaurant
First Floor | Kaatskill Mountain Club
Call 1.800.486.8376 for reservations!
Relax and refuel. Van Winkle's offers a
warm ambiance in an intimate setting.
Explore a full dinner menu and seasonal
pub menu, beer, wine, and mixed drinks.
Crews worked all summer long to improve the
Kaaterskill Falls trail. Improvements include a
250-step staircase, fencing, new trails, and
expanded parking.
HUNTER MOUNTAIN LIFE
HUNTER MOUNTAIN LIFE
SUMMER/FALL 2016 |
7
finding
my peak
The view from the Hunter Mountain fire tower.
Photo by Alberto Santamaria-Pang
How One Hike Led To A Year-Round Escape And Hunter Mountain Regular
By Eileen Garvey
y first hike to the Hunter Mountain Fire Tower was a turning
point in my life. Seven months
earlier, I had had a total hip
replacement and shelved the
idea of downhill skiing for the
foreseeable future. However, overriding my fear
of injuring myself was my fear of becoming inactive. Several weeks before my family’s annual
President’s weekend trip to Hunter Mountain, I
considered my day’s activities while the rest of
the family would be skiing. After some internet
research on equipment and local hiking destinations, I purchased a pair of snowshoes and set
my sights on hiking to the fire tower.
m
Equipped with a small daypack, a banana, some
water and a map from the ski shop, I ventured
out. I started out on relatively flat terrain and
was enjoying the crisp air, smell of pine and the
virtual winter wonderland around me. This was
short-lived. After my first ascent, I was breath-
8
| SUMMER/FALL 2016
less and sweating though it was a mere 20
degrees and sure of one thing – I had no idea
what I was getting myself into. There weren’t
many people on the trail that cold February day
but those who passed me on their descent encouraged me to keep going to experience “the
view”. I can’t recall the exact amount of time it
took me to reach the summit – but hours had
passed. Eventually reaching the top, climbing
the fire tower and seeing the fir trees and ranger station encased in ice and snow, was akin to a
scene from a movie. I was exhilarated, relieved,
and exhausted (and I still had to get down!).
I have since hiked the Hunter Mountain Fire
Tower about a dozen more times. I have hiked
to it from each accessible direction. I have hiked
it alone, with family, and with a hiking group. I
have hiked it in the winter, spring, summer, and
fall and each time conjures the memory of my
first trip in February 2003.
Fast forward two years, when my husband and
I became aware of a hotel, with ownership opportunities, being built on the mountain. This
piqued our interest – up until this point we had
been lucky enough to intermittently stay at a
friend’s condo in the Hunter Highlands. The relaxing, rustic atmosphere was the perfect remedy after a full day of outdoor activity. (Some
of my children’s fondest memories are being at
Hunter – skiing, hiking and relaxing by a fire).
So, it didn’t take us long to decide to purchase
HUNTER MOUNTAIN LIFE
adjective
1.a person who
has ambitions to
achieve something.
CATSKILL 3,500’ PEAKS
Not surprisingly, our subsequent visits to the
mountain centered on what outdoor activity
we wanted to do and eventually this became
our Hunter lifestyle. And on the occasion
that a family member isn’t up for hiking,
there is a fit trail throughout the grounds of
the hotel and mountain, disc golf, a heated
pool, and a gym. My favorite apres-hike activity is a visit to the Kaatskill Mountain Club
spa and dinner and drinks at Van Winkle’s.
Eileen Garvey poses with her family during a
hike up Hunter Mountain.
A few years ago we learned of a hiking organization that climbs to the highest summits
in the Catskills, which are at or above 3,500
feet — there are 35 of them! We were hooked
and several weeks later “bagging peaks”
and on our way to becoming Catskill 3,500
Club members. On many of the trail-marked
hikes we used the NY-NJ Trail Conference
maps. However, some of the hikes require
you to bushwhack – off trail, no markers. A
bushwhack is hard work and should be approached seriously. Most of the summits of
a bushwhack hike have a canister that contain a log that you sign showing that you did
indeed make it. These more difficult hikes
we did with the 3,500 Club. The 3,500 Club
hike leaders are knowledgeable, approachable and enthusiastic volunteers who guide
you safely to the summit. As they lead, they
“Eventually reaching the top, climbing the fire tower and seeing the
fir trees and ranger station encased in ice and snow, was akin to a
scene from a movie. I was exhilarated, relieved, and exhausted.”
a unit in the Kaatskill Mountain Club in late
2005. We could combine our passion for activity, enjoyment of the natural surroundings, and
make use of the great amenities that the hotel
had to offer. Our first family hike was to NorthSouth Lake located in nearby Haines Falls. We
* as·pir·ant
discovered the rail trail in Tannersville, the
Mountain Top Arboretum, more fire towers,
and, of course, Kaaterskill Falls. We also
hiked the Pecoy Notch trail that leads to the
Dibble’s Quarry. The massive slabs of stone
that are remnants from the original quarry,
have been used to create “furniture”, including tables, chairs, and thrones! This was
a family favorite.
share information, tips and skills so you become a more confident and self-sufficient
hiker. All the organized hikes are listed in The
Canister, the 3,500 Club’s quarterly publication, that you can download as a member
and/or an aspirant.* For more information
HUNTER MOUNTAIN LIFE
RankAltitudeMountain
Distance
1
4,180’
Slide Mtn.
5.86 mi.
2
4,040’
Hunter Mtn.
6.26 mi.
3
3,980’
Blackdome Mtn.
5.12 mi.
4
3,940’
Blackhead Mtn.
5.92 mi.
5
3,940’
Thomas Cole Mtn.
6.12 mi.
regarding the 3,500 club, visit their website:
www.catskill3500club.org.
6
3,980’
West Kill Mtn.
6.40 mi.
7
3,868’ Graham Mtn.
8.30 mi.
8
3,860’
Cornell Mtn.
8.85 mi.
There are other hiking clubs in the area
that organize hikes during the week and
weekend. Additionally, there are many trails
throughout the Catskills that do not include
a 3,500-ft. summit and are just as enjoyable
and scenic. There are several websites that
post detailed descriptions of the Catskill 35
peaks and other hikes so you can choose one
that suits your level. My husband, daughter,
and I finished our final peak in March of
2014. My daughter is now a summer hiking
counselor at a camp in Maine as she finishes college. I went on to finish the Winter
Peaks (hiking the 35 peaks during the winter months) in March of 2015. And typically
most, if not all, our Hunter weekends involve
a hike to somewhere unique and interesting.
Though Hunter Mountain Fire Tower is one of
my favorite destinations.
9
3,860’ Double Top Mtn.
9.00 mi.
10
3,847’ Table Mtn.
7.50 mi.
11
3,843’
Peekamoose Mtn.
9.10 mi.
12
3,840’
Plateau Mtn.
7.31 mi.
13
3,800’
Sugarloaf Mtn.
6.69 mi.
14
3,780’
Wittenberg Mtn.
7.14 mi.
15
3,740’
Leavitt Mtn.
7.07 mi.
16
3,721’
Lone Mtn.
6.68 mi.
17
3,720’
Balsam Lake Mtn.
5.80 mi.
18
3,720’
Panther Mtn.
6.87 mi.
19
3,700’
Big Indian Mtn.
9.12 mi.
20
3,694’
Friday Mtn.
7.69 mi.
21
3,680’
Rusk Mtn.
3.66 mi.
22
3,655’
Kaaterskill High Peak
8.23 mi.
23
3,640’
Twin Mtn.
6.02 mi.
24
3,623’
Balsam Cap Mtn.
7.69 mi.
25
3,620’
Fir Mountain
7.80 mi.
26
3,610’
North Dome Mtn.
4.96 mi.
27
3,600’
Balsam Mtn.
5.51 mi.
28
3,600’
Bearpen Mtn.
5.00 mi.
29
3,600’
Eagle Mtn.
7.68 mi.
30
3,573’
Indian Head Mtn.
4.62 mi.
31
3,540’
Sherrill Mtn.
5.75 mi.
32
3,529’
Viy Mountain
3.56 mi.
33
3,524’
Windham High Peak
6.20 mi.
34
3,520’
Halcott Mountain
4.00 mi.
35
3,508’
Rocky Mountain
9.69 mi.
Visiting Hunter Mountain so often has allowed us the opportunity to experience
many other activities that the mountain
and surrounding area have to offer. We
enjoy kayaking, mountain biking, road biking, ziplining, exploring nature trails, and
awesome festivals. We never miss an opportunity to do the Hunter Skyride during the
autumn months as the colors and vistas are
spectacular. Our lives have truly been enriched and transformed as Kaatskill Moun-
Source: www.catskillmountaineer.com
tain Club owners for the last ten years and we enthusiastically look forward to the many years to come!
SUMMER/FALL 2016 |
9
Watch our video from Alps Fest at:
huntermtn.com/summer/festivals/
german-alps-festival
After the six heats commenced, it was time for
the final, which proved which Doxie competitor
was the best of the best! The 2015 Doxie Derby
champion was Ruger and he went home with
a basket full of canine goodies including toys,
treats, and of course – bragging rights amongst
his friends.
Spare etwas
Bratwurst für mich!
(Translation: Save some
Bratwurst for me!)
Following the Doxie Derby, the Doxie Fashion
Show takes place, in which Dachshunds model
their latest and greatest fashions. This year, apparel ranged from the popular lederhosen and
dirndls to a taco, hula dancer, devil, butterfly,
and many more creations. The winner of this
year’s 2015 Doxie Fashion Show — based on the
crowd’s cheers and judges conversation — was
the Doxie Taco!
Both Doxie events are ones you do not want to
miss at the German Alps Festival. If you have a
Doxie of your own, be sure to keep in the loop
for next year’s registration at HunterMtn.com.
Charlie, the tiniest of all Doxies, was the winner
of his heat and made it to the final round!
Dachshund Derby a Popular Addition to Alps Fest
By Katie O’Connor
Tiny hearts racing, short legs ready to run, Doxies of
all long shapes and short sizes line up at the start
line. One owner keeping them in place until the official start is declared, while another owner kneels at
the finish line, coercing their canine companion with
treats or favorite toys. It’s the quickly popular and
quickly growing Dachshund Derby at Hunter Mountain’s German Alps Festival!
German Alps Fest attracted 36 registrants! While
some were MIA (they must’ve gotten cold feet), it
was just as entertaining as you’d expect.
The much-anticipated event debuted at the 2014
German Alps Festival, and it attracted a captive
audience full of laughter, cheers, and fluttering
hearts. It also attracted 30 Doxies, some of which
were zoned in to the race, while others seemed a bit
confused and ran in the opposite direction, which is
understandable since most had never participated in
a derby. The second annual Doxie Derby at the 2015
The racers that participated in the 2015 Doxie Derby ranged in age from four-and-a-half months to
13 years old! That’s right, four-and-a-half months
old; which means yes, the already small Dachshund
breed is even tinier at such a young age. This particular pup’s name was Charlie, and he stole the hearts
of all who saw him, especially when he won his heat
against much older, much larger competitors!
10 | SUMMER/FALL 2016
DOXIE DERBY
2015 Winner: “Ruger”
Once the race officiator yells “GO!”, the parade of
floppy ears, puppy smiles, and speedy short legs
begin! The crowd roars as the competitors make it
to the finish line.
Always held on the last full weekend in April!
HUNTER MOUNTAIN LIFE
HUNTER MOUNTAIN LIFE
SUMMER/FALL 2016 |
11
By John Coleman
“They’re not real zombies,”
I assured myself as our team of zombie hunters — adrenaline pumping
and hands gripping our weapons — drove straight into a zombie outbreak.
efore loading onto the camouflage army truck, our group
lined up shoulder-to-shoulder
— military style. Our camouflage-wearing drill sergeants
briefed us on how to use our weapons, provided
basic ground rules and simple instructions: annihilate all zombies. When one drill sergeant asked
the best place to shoot the zombies to ensure
a clean kill, an 8-year-old boy next to me from
Brooklyn raised his hand. “The head,” he said,
matter-of-factly. “That’s right, soldier!” The drill
sergeant replied.
We all gave one last “Hoorah!” and ran single-file
to the truck as the drill sergeants barked “Hustle!
Hustle!” My adrenaline was pumping. I was ready
to lay to rest any half-dead zombie that dared
step into the light of day.
Zombie Hunter Wars was introduced in the
summer of 2015 and has become a hit. It operates two days of the week during the summer
(Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.; 8
p.m. on Sundays); however, hours are extended
during the fall season when Halloween awakens
the dead.
The price of admission includes a 30-minute zombie hunt, which is plenty of time to flip your kill
switch and get a feel for your air-powered paintball rifle. You can also opt for a pre-battle target
session (highly recommended), where you can
shoot at zombie dummies, empty metal drums
and unload on other delightfully noisy targets.
Zombie Hunter Wars is located a short drive
from the main lodge at Hunter West. The folks
at New York Zipline Adventures, who also run
Zombie Hunter Wars, provided clear directions.
Signs along the access road point you in the right
direction as well. As you drive down the back-
1. A team of zombie hunters prepares for battle. 2. Realistic zombie-infested ghost towns are your
shooting gallery. 3. Zombies appear from behind barriers and buildings, ripe for the picking.
woods dirt road, you’ll come upon what looks to
be army barracks, complete with barbed wire,
wooden barricades, sand bags, and a giant camouflage army vehicle. It’s at the barracks where
you’ll check-in, take target practice and purchase
cool zombie-themed merchandise. You’ll fill out
a name tag and join as few as two or as many as
12 other passengers on a hunt, depending on the
day’s traffic.
My name tag read “Rick”, as in Rick Grimes from
the TV series “The Walking Dead.” My friend’s
name tag read “Shane,” Rick’s (former) partner
on the show. Duty was calling. I was ready to
save humanity.
Back on the truck, we pulled up on the first
zombie-infested ghost town. All was quiet and
the drill sergeant instructed us to keep our eyes
peeled for the un-dead. That’s when I saw it:
the first zombie. With a mask that resembled
Michael Meyers from the Halloween movies
and arms outstretched, it was real enough to
get your blood curdling. I gripped my rifle and
began unleashing a barrage of paintballs in its
direction. After multiple stray shots that sailed
to the right, I locked onto the middle of its head
— splattering three shots between its eyes. The
zombie went down behind a barricade of wood
crates and didn’t get up. Meanwhile, my teammates were making quick work of the remaining zombies. In addition to zombies, automated
targets spun in empty windows and doors — offering other options for trigger-happy guests.
I ran out of ammo on one of the zombies and briefly panicked before remembering I had purchased
an extra ammo token. I handed it to the drill sergeant and was quickly refilled and able to finish
the battle.
“Nicely done, soldiers,” the drill sergeant said. “The
zombies here have been neutralized. On to the
next town.”
Continued on next page »
HUNTER MOUNTAIN LIFE
SUMMER/FALL 2016 |
13
ZOMBIE HUNTER WARS
We continued down the dirt road a distance,
and after a brief ammo reload, pulled up to an
all-new shooting gallery comprised of abandoned houses, cars and barricades. After a
brief gun check and target shooting, zombies
emerged and began lurching toward the truck
from every direction. Shots rang out and the
zombies were soon covered in bright green
paint and slowing their advance. To everyone’s
surprise, one made it through the barbed
wire and barricades all the way to the truck.
It grabbed onto the drill sergeants leg but
was kicked into a roadside ditch and promptly
painted green by the rest of the team.
Threat averted. War over. The victors aboard the
truck hooted and hollered in celebration as the bus
headed back to the point of extraction.
My heart was still racing as I walked back to my
car. I honestly felt as though I had just participated in a real battle. When you see the zombie
Address:
64 Klein Ave.
Hunter, NY 12442
GPS: N42 12.289 W74 12.598
Dates of Operation: Saturdays
and Sundays, Spring through Fall
(rain or shine)
Hours: Saturday Noon – 10 pm,
Sunday Noon — 8 pm. Call for
Holiday hours and Custom Zombie
experiences.
A stray zombie lives to die another day.
approaching the truck, you forget that there
is a human behind the mask. Instead, you’re lost
in the excitement of the battle alongside your
teammates — giving your all to eliminate the
zombie threat. From the zombies to the drill
sergeants, the experience was an adrenaline
rush I won’t forget.
Rates: $29 per person (kids and
adults; additional paintballs
available for sale)
Visit zombiehunterwars.com or call
518-263-4388 for reservations and
more information.
Ski & Board
Room
First Floor, Main Lodge
Need new gear? Stop into the Ski
and Board Room shop and check out
our wide selection of equipment, gear,
apparel, and accessories.
14 | SUMMER/FALL 2016
HUNTER MOUNTAIN LIFE
Race for a Cure
In August of 2014, Hunter Mountain held the inaugural Spitz Blitz
the morning of the German Alps Festival. The Spitz Blitz is a 3.2 km
race up the popular Belt Parkway ski trail, ascending a total of 1,600
ft. in elevation. Race registration requires a donation which benefits
JDRF. Last summer, over 40 participants raced to raise money for the
organization, which was given $1,200. Nick Ward, winner of the 2014
Spitz Blitz, gives his account, describing the race as “one of the most
challenging races” he’s ever run.
JOIN THE CAUSE
Serving your families in our
community for over 70 years!
New Installations
Come visit
Friendly, Historic
Saugerties
NY Thruway Exit 20
Heating
Oil Propane
The Spitz Blitz race is held the morning of the
German Alps Fest in August of each year. Think
you’re up to the challenge? Check out the video
at HunterMtn.com/GAF to see for yourself what
the Spitz Blitz is all about.
Kerosene
24/7 Emergency Service
By Nick Ward
I
have been skiing at Hunter Mountain since
I was 5 years old and going to the annual
German Alps Festival for as long as I can remember. I have also been an avid runner since
6th grade, running in high school and at the
college level too. When I became aware of the
Spitz Blitz race and that it would take place the
morning of the festival, I thought it would be a
great opportunity to do something I had never
done before, literally run up a mountain. As an
added bonus, I found out later on that the race
fees would benefit the JDRF for those with Type
1 Diabetes. This had special meaning to me because one of my oldest childhood friends’ Alix,
who has skied with me at Hunter for years, was
diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was
12. I thought running the Spitz Blitz would be a
great way to support her.
When it came to race day I did not know what to
expect. I knew from experience that Belt Parkway was one of the easier and more gradual
slopes one could take from the top of the mountain to the bottom. I had no idea what it would
be like running from the bottom to the top. The
race started out easy enough; a slight uphill to
the Battery and then up another into the exit
of Belt Parkway. However, once you got on the
trail, the hard part started. This run was easily
the hardest physical endeavor I had ever participated in, but I was determined to get through
it. The final run up the steps to the finish line re-
16
| SUMMER/FALL 2016
The Race Route
FINISH
For Details Visit www.KoscoComfort.com
(845) 247-2200
The Spitz Blitz racers climb 1,600
feet in elevation, following a 3.2km
route up Belt Parkway.
START
quired an added push from within me. With the
distance to the top being about 1.7 miles, what
would normally take me less than 12 minutes on
a flat course, took me a little over 20. It took a lot
of will power not to stop and walk at any point
but I was able to run up the entire mountain
with no breaks. My mom, Alix’s mom, Alix, and I
all completed the Spitz Blitz race on a beautiful
sunny, warm day. I was just relieved we got to
take the chairlift to the bottom instead of having
to run back down.
Later that day my family, friends, and I went back
to the festival to enjoy the medley of food and
beverages offered all around. I had just turned
21 that past winter so that allowed me to enjoy
aspects of the festival I previously could not. It’s
a festival tradition that we all take the Skyride to
the top and take the little hike to the Rip Van Winkle carved statue, and walk around the mountain
enjoying the scenic views. I’ve been coming to
Hunter year-round for almost my entire life now
and have no plans on stopping anytime soon.
HUNTER MOUNTAIN LIFE
Saugerties.ny.us
SaugertiesTourism.com
DiscoverSaugerties.com
The Catskill Mountain Foundation
Where the Performing Arts, Fine Arts, Crafts, Movies,
Books and Good Friends Meet
Find All of Our Events at www.catskillmtn.org
K A AT E R S K I L L F I N E A R T S & C R A F T S
VI LLAGE SQ UARE LI T ERARY CENT ER
& BOOKSTORE
The Kaaterskill Fine Arts & Crafts Gallery in Hunter Village Square has joined forces with The Village Square Literary Center
& Bookstore to become your one-stop write-a-poem, buy-a-book, see-an-art-exhibit, admire-the-artistry-of-local-crafters
and catch-up-on-all-the-news-you’ve-missed-while-you-were-away shop
Steve Dolan
Unique, Four-Season Slopeside Accommodations at Hunter Mountain
John P. O’Grady
John Franklin
KAATERSKILL FINE ARTS & CRAFTS GALLERY / VILLAGE SQUARE LITERARY CENTER & BOOKSTORE
7950 MAIN STREET HUNTER NY 12442
HOURS: FRIDAY, SATURDAY & MONDAY 10 - 4, SUNDAY 10 - 3
518-263-2060 • www.catskillmtn.org
MOUNTAIN CINEMA
The best Hollywood, Foreign and Independent films
on four screens in Hunter and Tannersville.
For the most up-to-date schedule, call 518 263 4702 or visit www.catskillmtn.org.
While there, sign up for our e-mail updates so you can get the newest schedule
delivered to your e-mail box each week!
For reservations call: 800.775.4641
or book online at KaatskillMtnClub.com
The Kaatskill Mountain Club PO Box 257, Hunter, NY 12442
DOCTOROW CENTER
FOR THE ARTS
ORPHEUM FILM & PERFORMING
ARTS CENTER
7971 Main Street
Village of Hunter
6050 Main Street
Village of Tannersville