What’s New on the Slopes of New York State, Pennsylvania

Resorts all over the USA were busy all summer upgrading lifts and new terrain, including more snowmaking to extend the season.  Here’s what skiers and riders can look forward to in New York State and Pennsylvania this season, including new resort names, new ownerships and new season passes.

In alphabetical order by state, since that’s the only fair way.  See you on the slopes!

New York State

Hunter Mountain

Trent Poole is the new Vice President and General Manager of Hunter Mountain Resort. He assumed the role on October 30 replacing long time executive Russ Coloton.

A new six-person high-speed fixed-grip lift will replace the old Broadway quad for the 2024/25 season, offering quicker access up the mountain.  The old quad will be moved to replace the even older two-person fixed-grip E lift.   This means increased uphill capacity on the front side.  It’s also the first major infrastructure upgrade since Vail Resorts purchased Hunter a couple of seasons back.

Plattekill Mountain

The last remaining family-owned operation in the region, fiercely independent Plattekill will be open again weekends only this season, plus holiday Mondays, for skiing, riding and tubing.  A season parking pass is $325 for a guaranteed spot close to the base area.  A season ski/snowboard pass provides free or discounted skiing at 25 partner areas nationwide.  

New Name for Windham Mountain

Windham Mountain is no more. The Catskills resort has rebranded and renamed itself Windham Mountain Club, in an effort to market itself as the upscale alternative to nearby Hunter Mountain, and reflecting its original history as a private club.  Despite the “club” name, the rebranded Windham will remain open to the public and continue to be a member of the Ikon Pass. 

There is also a new requirement for two-day Saturday and holiday Sunday ticket reservations, starting January 2024. The new club name also reflects the private membership club ($175,000 fee) on the premises, with access to the golf course and other amenities.

Whiteface

The biggest project of 2023 adds a new detachable quad lift from the Bear Den Learning Center to just beyond the Legacy Lodge at mid-station. Named The Notch, it’s the only one of its kind in the East.  It’s actually two lifts in one that operate seamlessly together, so riders can unload onto the Boreen trail or continue farther uphill to access other trails and the Legacy Lodge.

The Notch will help skiers and riders at the Bear Den access additional beginner and intermediate terrain while also providing access to upper mountain lifts and advanced terrain, while also reducing traffic on other lifts and trails.

Pennsylvania

New Owners for Camelback, Blue Mountain Resort

The two resorts have been sold to KSL Resorts, and become part of the Ikon pass.  Both resorts are within two hours of New York City or Philadelphia, making them an easy daytrip or longer for more than 26 million people.

Camelback Resort, in Tannersville, is the largest ski mountain in the Poconos. With 166 skiable acres and 850 vertical feet, and a wide variety of terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities it is an ideal environment to learn the sport. Camelback takes great pride in its 60-year history of creating the ultimate guest experience.

Blue Mountain Resort in Palmerton boasts the state’s highest vertical – 1,140 feet – and one of the largest snowmaking systems on the East Coast, providing the longest ski season in the Poconos.

For the 23/24 season, Ikon Pass holders get seven days each at Camelback and Blue Mountain Resort with no blackout dates.  Ikon Base Pass holders get five days at each destination, with select blackout dates. Both destinations also are available on the Ikon Session Pass. Exclusive member benefits also include Ikon Pass First Tracks, Ikon Pass Travel and a Protect Our Winters membership.