Hickory Ski Center in Warrensburg
The OG of Southern Adirondack Alpine Ski Destinations
All photos courtesy Hickory Hill
Hickory Ski Center holds a magical place in the imaginations of many ADK skiers. Founded in 1946 by veterans of the 10th Mountain Division of the U.S. Army, Hickory could be compared to the Brigadoon of ADK ski complexes.
It remains untouched by modern conveniences like snowmaking and chairlifts. Instead, skiers rely on natural snow conditions, vintage Poma and T-bar surface lifts, and selective trail grooming.
As Lil ADKers, we attended the Hickory’s ski school in the late '70s. The lessons we learned there prepared us to ski anywhere, on any terrain.
We've met our fair share of ADK guests whose only experience skiing is in the Rockies with optimal conditions. An advantage of learning to ski in the East is that you know how to navigate any situation — from knee-deep powder to black ice, narrow chutes, and back-country trails. If your idea of "packed powder" is nothing firmer than a Chanel Pressed Powder Compact, then you might encounter a few challenges skiing in the ADK or elsewhere in the Northeast, no matter how modern the facilities are.
Hickory shut down at the end of the 2015-2016 ski season. Today, through the efforts of the current owners as well as a not-for-profit foundation spearheaded by local business leaders known as the Legacy Foundation, the ski center is operating again.
Check Hickory Ski Center's Facebook page for the latest operating information, hours, and whatnot.
When the elements conspire to provide bountiful snow and pleasant weather, few places surpass Hickory Hill for genuinely talented skiers.
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