As we look back on 2024, we celebrate a major milestone: achieving our three-year goal of opening Hickory for the ski season. The list of repairs, upgrades, and maintenance required to reach that goal would fill several pages. We are thankful that, as we look forward to 2025, we are in good shape for another opening day when Mother Nature gifts us with a white blanket.
Current Progress
We are finishing up our lift inspections, pending the resolution of some remaining electrical issues. Sticks are going on this week, with the crew thankful for the warm weather, though the rest of us are saddened to see the green grass on the slopes.
Gratitude to Our Supporters
We would be remiss if we didn’t extend a heartfelt thanks to all those who made financial contributions to enable the “Hill” to open. If you cross paths with any of them, extend a hand—they were there for us when we needed them.
-
Bill VanPelt, IV (MCC, LTD): Majority stockholder of Ski Hickory Hill, Inc., who has continued to provide funds for operations.
-
Michael Hayes (MMHayes): His timely financial donation covered insurance costs.
-
Rick Korlin (Albany Times Union): His article about our challenges sparked a national response.
-
Tim Konrad (Unofficial Networks): Reached out to us and IndyPass to offer a major donation to fund insurance.
-
Erick Morgenson (Entabeni and IndyPass): Matched Tim Konrad’s donation to fund insurance and enabled our membership in the IndyPass program.
-
Mike Rogge (Mountain Gazette): Designed, produced, and sold Hickory! branded merchandise and donated the proceeds to fund insurance.
-
The Hickory Legacy Foundation: Raised funds and generated sponsorships to support programs and operations.
- Hundreds of others: Made donations, bought swag, invested in season passes, and showed up to ski, hike, snowshoe, or sled.
Recognizing Our Team
While we have had some staff turnover, every crew member over the last three years devoted time to getting the slopes ready, lifts spinning, and buildings repaired and ready for our customers. Many volunteers trimmed trees, bushwhacked shrubs, and painted buildings, all of which enabled us to provide a positive skiing experience.
Looking Forward
Looking forward, our financial situation remains the same. We have a huge insurance premium as well as operational and maintenance costs to cover, so our need for financial support continues. We are beta testing a new approach to season pass pricing, offering free passes to those aged 17 and under.
We are working hard to diversify income streams beyond the ski season. Current and potential offerings include:
- An 18-hole disc golf course
- The Hut—overnight sleeping accommodations
- RV and tent camping sites
- Mountain horse rides
- Mountain and forest wedding venues
- New trail development for snowshoeing, mountain biking, and guided ATV/Jeep tours
We continue to seek entrepreneurs interested in starting outdoor recreation businesses using our property.
A Vision for Sustainability
We are surviving, but not yet thriving. Our goal for 2025 is to take a few more steps toward sustainability. You can help by donating, volunteering, or joining the Hickory Legacy Foundation. Help us bring the vison to life and make Hickory YOUR mountain!