Warrensburg, NY - Thanks to an out-of-state investor, the steep and no-frills Hickory Ski Center in the southern Adirondack Mountain town of Warrensburg, closed since 2005, will reopen this winter for skiing and riding.


Hickory's terrain was always kept in its natural state, with little to no grooming and no snowmaking. Antiquated poma lifts would slingshot the rider into the air upon loading, which made getting up this historical gem nearly as challenging as getting down.

Skiing is a throwback experience at Hickory Ski Center near Warrensburg, N.Y. (FTO file photo: Marc Guido)

The ski area first opened as Hickory Hill in 1943, founded by an Austrian transplant with financial help from General Electric based in Schenectady, N.Y., and early North Creek ski trains brought sliders north from the Capital District to Warrensburg. The area was largely run by volunteers right up until its closing in 2005. Now after years of silent ski lifts, Hickory has been resurrected by an infusion of cash from Saratoga Springs, N.Y. native and Houston resident, William Van Pelt.

Staffers will reportedly apply more effort to grooming this winter and even have modest snowmaking capability. Even the rustic down-home base lodge will offer Wi-Fi around its central fire pit. The old pomas and t-bar will remain, however, and simply re-clearing liftlines and coaxing dormant ski lifts back to life should be enough to keep the ski area's skeleton staff busy.

Adult day tickets will be priced at $45 this season. Teen tickets will be $35, with $30 lift tickets available for juniors and seniors. Season passes are currently being sold at www.hickoryskicenter.com.