{"id":55625,"date":"2017-01-23T09:01:15","date_gmt":"2017-01-23T13:01:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/?p=55625"},"modified":"2022-09-15T11:06:15","modified_gmt":"2022-09-15T15:06:15","slug":"hunter-mountain-versus-windham-a-catskills-skiing-smackdown","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/55625\/hunter-mountain-versus-windham-a-catskills-skiing-smackdown\/","title":{"rendered":"Hunter Mountain Versus Windham: A Catskills Skiing Smackdown"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>A day trip to the Catskills is great way to get out and get vertical. Two popular\u2014and easy to reach\u2014mountain resorts are <a href=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/9300\/hunter-mountain-review-ny-ski\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Hunter<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/10348\/windham-mountain-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Windham<\/a>. Can\u2019t decide which one is for you? Find out how they compare in this Catskill Mountain Smackdown where we compare Hunter Mountain versus Windham!<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Slope Stats:<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-55630 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/DSC_0205-e1487993068973-350x234.jpg\" alt=\"snowboarding catskills\" width=\"400\" height=\"267\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-55630 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/DSC_0205-e1487993068973-350x234.jpg\" alt=\"snowboarding catskills\" width=\"400\" height=\"267\"><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p>Hunter and Windham both boast the terrific slopes and snow with Windham boasting more terrain parks and Hunter more trails.<\/p>\n<p>Hunter Mountain is comprised 320 acres for 67 trails, including 4 terrain parks. There are thirteen lifts including a zippy 6-seater express to the summit, some 1,600-feet above the base. The terrain is a balance of beginner, intermediate and advanced slopes.<\/p>\n<p>Windham lists 285 acres for its 54 trails and 6 terrain parks. Its vertical drop is also 1,600-feet. There are twelve lifts including 2 high-speed quads and a good mix of terrain for all levels of skiers.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Find Hotels near Hunter Mountain:<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><ins class=\"bookingaff\" data-aid=\"2185878\" data-target_aid=\"2185878\" data-prod=\"map\" data-width=\"100%\" data-height=\"590\" data-lang=\"ualng\" data-dest_id=\"0\" data-dest_type=\"landmark\" data-latitude=\"42.1778661\" data-longitude=\"-74.2304216\" data-landmark_name=\"Hunter Mountain\" data-mwhsb=\"0\" data-address=\"Hunter Mountain, Hunter, NY, USA\"><br \/>\n<!-- Anything inside will go away once widget is loaded. --><br \/>\n<a href=\"\/\/www.booking.com?aid=2185878\">Booking.com<\/a><br \/>\n<\/ins><br \/>\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n    (function(d, sc, u) {\n      var s = d.createElement(sc), p = d.getElementsByTagName(sc)[0];\n      s.type = 'text\/javascript';\n      s.async = true;\n      s.src = u + '?v=' + (+new Date());\n      p.parentNode.insertBefore(s,p);\n      })(document, 'script', '\/\/aff.bstatic.com\/static\/affiliate_base\/js\/flexiproduct.js');\n<\/script><br \/>\nVisit the Hunter and Windham websites for deals, but here are two that sound worthwhile. Windham has a fantastic First Timer package, offering access to beginner lifts (D, E, M, N, K, L), a lesson and rental equipment for only $109. The rental equipment comes with a helmet, and lessons can be scheduled between 10:00 am to 2:30 pm with no time limit.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile at Hunter, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.huntermtn.com\/deals\/ski-and-stay-package\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">mid-week ski-and-stay package<\/a> for beginners starts at $119 and includes two all day lift tickets and slope side lodging. \u201cThe ski-in, ski-out hotel is one of our great assets,\u201d says O\u2019Connor.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>First Timers<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-55629 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/23762665612_b6445da906_k-e1487993130198-350x233.jpg\" alt=\"kid skiing\" width=\"400\" height=\"266\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-55629 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/23762665612_b6445da906_k-e1487993130198-350x233.jpg\" alt=\"kid skiing\" width=\"400\" height=\"266\" srcset=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/23762665612_b6445da906_k-e1487993130198-350x233.jpg 350w, https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/23762665612_b6445da906_k-e1487993130198-768x510.jpg 768w, https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/23762665612_b6445da906_k-e1487993130198.jpg 870w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/noscript><\/p>\n<p>If it\u2019s your first time on the slopes, consider taking a lesson. \u201cOur instructors at Windham are completely geared toward making your time here stress-free and fun,\u201d says Gorman. Windham\u2019s lower beginner slopes have ample \u201cmagic carpets,\u201d or conveyor lifts. The only downside is that in order to transition to the short beginner chairlift, newbies have to get to the other side of the base area, which would most likely involve taking off their skis or snowboard.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Find Hotels and Airbnbs near Windham Mountain:<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><iframe class=\"lazyload\" id=\"stay22-widget\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/embed\/gm?aid=&amp;address=Windham Mountain Resort, Catskill, New York&amp;checkin=&amp;markerimage=https:\/\/i.pinimg.com\/280x280_RS\/33\/16\/21\/331621a32a45786cd94a104d7dfa8db6.jpg&amp;maincolor=309902&amp;campaign=Windham Mountain Resort_ Catskill_ New York&amp;zoom=\" width=\"100%\" height=\"460\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Hunter\u2019s learning center has self-service kiosks for check-in and rentals due to large crowds. Once you have your gear and lift ticket, you can head out to the beginner area that is separate from the main mountain. The beginner zone includes \u201cmagic carpets\u201d and a small chair lift so novices can easily learn to master the chair dismount.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Beyond the Slopes<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/02\/16388048046_cd60715740_h-e1479691876387.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-55006 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/02\/16388048046_cd60715740_h-e1479691876387.jpg\" alt=\"Snow Tubing Near NYC\" width=\"386\" height=\"217\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-55006 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/02\/16388048046_cd60715740_h-e1479691876387.jpg\" alt=\"Snow Tubing Near NYC\" width=\"386\" height=\"217\" srcset=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/02\/16388048046_cd60715740_h-e1479691876387.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/02\/16388048046_cd60715740_h-e1479691876387-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/02\/16388048046_cd60715740_h-e1479691876387-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/02\/16388048046_cd60715740_h-e1479691876387-720x405.jpg 720w, https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/02\/16388048046_cd60715740_h-e1479691876387-735x413.jpg 735w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 386px) 100vw, 386px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Both Windham and Hunter focus on experiences that extend beyond the slopes. Both feature holiday fireworks and live music. Both have a zip line, a spa and <a href=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/9810\/snow-tubing-near-nyc\/\">snow tubing<\/a>. Both host exciting rail jams and races.<br \/>\nBut each mountain has its own personality and pulse that suits different types of skiers and riders. See which you prefer and let us know in the comments!<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Take the Bus to Windham or Hunter from New York City<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Buses from NYC can take you to either Hunter or Windham in roughly 2.5 hours. <a href=\"https:\/\/ovrride.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">OvRride<\/a> and <a href=\"http:\/\/www.urbansherpatravel.com\/index.php\/trips\/detail\/hunter_mountain\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Urban Sherpa<\/a> offer trips to both mountains, with a variety of packages ranging from transport and lift tickets to plans that include rentals and lessons. \u201cOvRride tends to have a younger market and a fun party vibe,\u201d says Katie O\u2019Connor, the communications manager at Hunter Mountain. \u201cGenerally the buses leave when the slopes close, and you can still have an evening out in New York.\u201d Each mountain has welcome teams to greet buses and direct guests where they need to go.<\/p>\n<p>Want to check how it is to ski in France? Check out our post about <a href=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/world\/29325\/skiing-and-snowboarding-in-the-french-alps-by-train\/\">skiing and snowboarding in the French Alps<\/a>. If you&#8217;re looking for exciting deals check out these <a href=\"https:\/\/www.snowfinders.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Winter Ski Holidays<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><em>Photo credits: Hunter Mountain and Windham Mountain<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A day trip to the Catskills is great way to get out and get vertical. Two popular\u2014and easy to reach\u2014mountain resorts are Hunter and Windham. Can\u2019t decide which one is for you? Find out how they compare in this Catskill Mountain Smackdown where we compare Hunter Mountain versus Windham! Slope Stats: Hunter and Windham both [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":114,"featured_media":62459,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[325,757,784,747,334,315,1869,1874,969,1946,858,796,825,797,814,1867,1],"tags":[238,293,143,483,120,133,169],"class_list":{"0":"post-55625","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-new-york","8":"category-activity-2","9":"category-adventure-activity-2","10":"category-bus-2","11":"category-catskills-new-york-destination","12":"category-day-trips","13":"category-editors-picks","14":"category-editors-picks-winter","15":"category-locations","16":"category-ski-featured","17":"category-skiing-adventure-activity-2","18":"category-snow-tubing-adventure-activity-2","19":"category-snowboarding-sports-2","20":"category-snowshoe-adventure-activity-2","21":"category-sports-2","22":"category-transit-type","23":"category-uncategorized","24":"tag-adventure","25":"tag-budget-friendly","26":"tag-bus","27":"tag-family-friendly","28":"tag-family-fun","29":"tag-outdoors","30":"tag-weekend-getaway"},"acf":[],"mv":{"thumbnail_id":62459,"thumbnail_uri":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/Skiing-in-the-Catskills-350x198.jpg"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55625","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/114"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=55625"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55625\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/62459"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=55625"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=55625"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=55625"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}