I’ve been on the street loads currently, protecting 2500 miles within the first two weeks of February, a mixture of labor and play. The “play” was back-to-back weekends searching pow, at Snow Ridge and Oak Mountain. Whereas I felt the necessity for a day to unwind, my love for using received out.
By Friday, the itch to carve some turns was too sturdy. Wanting nearer to house, I set my sights on Hunt Hole, excited for a brand new expertise at a well-recognized but nonetheless under-explored spot.
I’ve missed Hunt Hole in earlier years. Members-only entry on the weekend restricted my alternatives. My earlier experiences had been evening snowboarding on weekdays.
I used to be overdue for a go to within the sunshine, and with entry on my Indy Cross I used to be able to go.
That is Hunt Hole’s first 12 months on Indy Cross, and I used to be thrilled to see an area spot with number of terrain added to the lineup. It’s noteworthy right here that passholders of Indy Cross Plus (no blackout dates), even have weekend entry with reservations made on their web site.
Hunt Hole is tucked within the Finger Lakes simply west of Naples (1 hour south of Rochester). It faces North East, with views of Honeoye Lake and large hillsides. The mountain is well-arranged with the principle triple chair working up the middle of the mountain, dividing black trails to lookers left, then greens and blues to lookers proper. I labored my manner throughout the mountain.
Kicking the day without work on Ragged Edge was exhilarating, one in every of their tightest and steepest trails. From the primary run, I felt the push and was shortly reminded that the mountain boasts 875 toes of vertical drop. The elevation felt modest on the chair journey up, however from the highest the size of the mountain got here into view.
I zoomed down the agency corduroy on Cascade, Glade, and Fundamental Avenue ending off the steeper terrain. It was not the day for glade snowboarding, however I used to be impressed with the steep glades which can be provided. The bushes stood tall and welcoming, promising future adventures on days with softer snow cowl.
I popped within the lodge to heat up my gloves subsequent to the hearth. The lodge exuded a comfortable, welcoming vibe, with a soothing membership environment that invited visitors to relax and unwind. Giant home windows framed views of the mountain, providing an ideal spot to relaxation and admire the winter panorama.
The area felt like an ideal retreat for households, with comfy seating areas for everybody to collect and benefit from the hearth and one another’s firm. Whether or not taking a break from the slopes or spending a quiet afternoon, the lodge is a captivating place. I didn’t keep inside lengthy as I used to be desperate to get again out and discover lookers proper.
Making my manner by the north facet provided cruising runs with extra open views of the valley. A delegated overlook had a scenic panorama of iced-over Honeoye Lake.
Swooping down Little Dipper gave a glimpse on the slope-side village houses, including to the attraction of the resort. The enjoyable runs supplied an ideal approach to end my brief ski day, leaving me with a want to return.
Hunt Hole is a pleasant mixture of difficult runs and laid-back cruising, all with that small-mountain attraction that feels private and welcoming. For those who’re searching for a relaxed, crowd-free day on the slopes within the Finger Lakes, Hunt Hole is a ski space price exploring. I’ll undoubtedly be again for extra turns.
NYSkiBlog is becoming a member of with The Indy Cross to convey publicity to impartial mountains.This piece is a part of our effort. For extra data go to the Indy Cross.
