Hickory Ski Center

Hickory Ski Center is affectionately known as "the legend" among avid skiers. The mountain is quite steep with a 1230 foot vertical drop (… I understand it’s the sixth highest vertical drop in New York State skiing).

The top 1000 feet of the mountain has some narrow and intimidating trails and is noted for having some of the most extreme terrain in the eastern USA.

There are lots of natural obstacles such as logs, large rocks, and trees to maneuver around which makes for some awesome Adirondack alpine skiing and ski jumping.

As compared with other ski areas, Hickory is noted for having an above average percentage of its trails rated as black diamond trails.

They say if you can ski Hickory you can ski anywhere!

However, if you are just an average skier or a beginner there are also intermediate and beginner trails. Ski lessons and a ski school are also offered. In total there are 19 trails on 213 acres of terrain.

Skiing in the Adirondacks at Hickory has been around since the 1940s.

But it just reopened for the 2009/2010 season under different ownership after a 4 year hiatus (… it was formerly called “Hickory Hill”).

The new owners have done a lot of renovation including Hickory's first ever terrain park and a refurbished lodge.

The terrain park opened in January 2010. It is filled with outdoor activities and features for all abilities from beginners to experts.

The lodge is very cozy. I especially like the fireplace which is located in the center area.

Unless you want to cook your own hot dogs over the fire (… like the two kids above) there is a cafeteria for your eating pleasure!

Downhill skiing at Hickory is great because it’s usually not crowded so the lines are often short.

Also prices are more reasonable than Whiteface Mountain or Gore Mountain, plus children under 7 and adults over 70 ski free (… as of this writing that is. So if this is important to you call first).

For those of you that are interested in staying overnight right near the mountain or close by, “Hickory cabins” is located at the base of the mountain for friends and families to enjoy a nice Adirondacks vacation or long weekend.

And of course there is always our Adirondack vacation home at Loon Lake, only 20 minutes away.

Lake George Village is also only a few minutes away from Hickory Ski Center, where you can find many options for accommodations.

Trail Map: (Thanks to the Hickory Ski Center)

Contact Information:

• Hickory Ski Center, 43 Hickory Hill Road, Warrensburg, NY 12866

• Phone: (518) 623-5754

Directions:

• From Highway I-87, take exit 23

• Follow the signs to the village of Warrensburg (north on US-9)

• At the second traffic light in the village (just past the Stewart's Shop on the right), turn left onto Route 418 (Richard Ave)

• Turn right to stay on Route 418 after the bridge (River Rd.)

• Follow Route 418 for approximately 3 miles

• Turn left onto Hickory Hill Road

• Turn left again at the entrance to Country Road Lodge and continue until you reach the parking area.