In a heartening turn of events for the ski community, Indy Pass and Unofficial Networks have teamed up to breathe new life into Hickory Ski Center in Warrensburg, New York. This collaborative effort marks a significant milestone for the beloved ski center, set to operate its lifts again after an eight-year hiatus.
The Hickory Ski Center, with its rich history dating back to 1946 and founded by 10th Mountain Division veterans, had been a cornerstone for the local ski community. Its recent struggles with operational costs, especially soaring insurance prices, had cast a shadow over its future. However, the center’s relentless spirit and the support from Tim Konrad, the publisher of Unofficial Networks, and Erik Mogensen, CEO of Entabeni Systems and Indy Pass, have sparked a glimmer of hope.
Konrad’s personal connection and passion for Hickory, coupled with his awareness of the center’s struggles, propelled him to reach out to Mogensen. This call ignited a chain reaction of support, leading to Indy Pass and Unofficial Networks stepping in to offer a much-needed lifeline. Mogensen’s vision to involve more organizations in supporting independent ski areas aligns perfectly with this initiative, offering a sustainable future for these cherished local gems.
The partnership has resulted in Hickory Ski Center reopening as well as joining the Indy Pass for the 2023/24 season.
Sue Catana, Hickory’s manager and the daughter of its founders, expresses deep gratitude for this intervention. The collaboration between Unofficial Networks, Indy Pass, and Entabeni Systems not only ensures the operation of lifts for the season but also brings hope for many more seasons to come. Furthermore, the team from Indy Pass and Entabeni will offer their expertise in streamlining operations at Hickory, reinforcing the center’s journey toward sustainability.
The collaboration of Indy Pass and Unofficial Networks in the revival of Hickory Ski Center reaffirms the two entities’ dedication to safeguarding the unique culture and legacy of independent skiing.
In commemorating this remarkable achievement, we are reminded of the immense strength of community cooperation and joint efforts. It is our hope that the rejuvenation of Hickory Ski Center extends beyond a local victory; it serves as a shining example and source of inspiration for small, independent ski areas across the globe.
About Hickory:
Hickory Ski Center, nestled above the Hudson River in Warrensburg, NY, stands as a hidden gem in the world of skiing. This quaint center, reminiscent of the 1950s, charms visitors with its vintage lodge, complete with a unique, handmade fireplace, and a welcoming front porch that offers panoramic views of its main slope, “The Hunny Run”. Ideal for relaxed lunches or après-ski socializing, this porch epitomizes the center’s community spirit.
Hickory boasts 1,200 vertical feet and 19 trails, providing a variety of terrains accessible via three vintage surface lifts. These trails, maintained by a dedicated community of members and volunteers, preserve the authenticity of old-school skiing, untouched by modern machinery. The tree skiing and steep runs off the summit are highlights of the terrain, especially on a snowy day. The ski area relies entirely on natural snowfall for an authentic experience.
Hickory’s The atmosphere is distinctly family-friendly, welcoming skiers of all ages. Practicality is key in dress code, with skiers opting for comfort and utility over modern ski fashion.
For those interested in more stories and details about this charming ski haven, the Hickory Ski Center Blog offers an in-depth look at the experiences and memories created at this unique skiing destination.
Image Credit: NYSkiBlog
Official Press Release:
INDY PASS AND UNOFFICIAL NETWORKS TEAM UP TO KEEP NEW YORK’S HICKORY SKI CENTER OPEN
23/24 INDY PASS WAITLIST TO CLOSE ON DECEMBER 10th
GRANBY, COLORADO – Indy Pass and Unofficial Networks announced today that they have combined efforts to provide financial assistance to Hickory Ski Center in Warrensburg, New York, so the resort may run its lifts for the first time in eight years.
The ski center will join the Indy Pass for the 2023/24 season, and season passes go on sale today at skihickory.com. Hickory pass holders will be eligible to purchase Indy AddOn Passes at a 30% discount. The Indy Pass will close the 2023/2024 waitlist on Sunday, December 10th.
Hickory Ski Center was founded in 1946 by veterans of the 10th Mountain Division and has served the surrounding community and offered uphill traffic only since 2016. With rising costs, specifically insurance, the ski area faced an uncertain future until their plight caught the attention of Tim Konrad, publisher of Unofficial Networks.
“My family spends much of the winter in the Adirondacks, and I have been ski touring at Hickory since 2015. Over the years, I’ve been keeping close tabs on their struggle to reopen lifts, and when I learned how far they had come and how close they were to achieving their goal, I knew we had to do something. So I called Erik at Indy Pass to discuss how we could offer our support,” said Konrad.
“After Tim called, we did a quick assessment and decided that Entabeni would step in on this one. It is important to recognize the collaboration between Entabeni, Indy Pass and Unofficial Networks. The more organizations we can get involved to stabilize these small, independent areas, the better our chances of scaling this movement,” said Erik Mogensen, CEO of Entabeni and Indy Pass.
“We have been working with our Hickory skiing community to help overcome the financial obstacles that could prevent the opening of the lifts at Hickory. The emergence of Tim and Erik with their lifeline has put us in a position to operate this season with lift certification, and hopefully for many more to come,” said Sue Catana, Hickory manager and daughter of founders Fran and Hans Winbauer.
The Indy Pass and Entabeni team will also consult with Hickory management on how to streamline operations and become more sustainable.
Indy Pass and parent company, Entabeni Systems support independent resorts from Europe to Japan, but primarily in the US and Canada. On October 18, 2023, Black Mountain, New Hampshire, announced that support from Indy Pass would enable it to remain open for the coming season and has since hired a new GM and retained ski resort turn-around expert Andy Shephard to help secure a buyer.
About the Indy Pass –
The Indy Pass is the fastest-growing multi-mountain pass in the world. It offers 180+ Alpine and Nordic resorts across the US, Canada, Europe, and Japan, each providing two days of skiing or riding. Indy resorts are independent of any major corporate ownership, and many are owned and operated by multi-generational families providing a uniquely authentic and affordable skiing experience.
About Unofficial Networks –
Established in 2006, Unofficial Networks stands as a leading online destination for mountain adventure, with a strong emphasis on skiing and snowboarding. The website boasts a passionate team of contributors who diligently craft, curate, and highlight a broad spectrum of content. This includes in-depth features on global skiing culture, up-to-date news, and diverse entertainment aspects related to mountain sports. Serving as a comprehensive resource, it appeals to a global audience of mountain sports aficionados, from beginners to experts, providing them with insightful, engaging, and informative content that celebrates and promotes the captivating world of skiing and snowboarding.
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