New York’s Version Of Mad River Glen Is Re-Opening!

Mad River Glen’s tales are legendary. A big middle finger to corporate America by selling shares to locals to stay fiercely independent. With their ‘Ski It If You Can’ motto and classic, hardcore skiing style, it’s akin to handling a manual transmission—not everyone’s cup of tea, but those who embrace it, do so passionately. After seven years of being shuttered, this winter, thanks to the Indy Pass and Unofficial Networks, a taste of New York’s Mad River Glen—Hickory Ski Center—is making a comeback.

How Did This Comparison Come To Be

East coast skiers might have spotted the bumper stickers proclaiming, ‘Mad River Glen: Ski It If You Can’t Ski Hickory.’ At first glance, it seems like New York braggadocio for a small ski area to compare itself to its bigger cousin in Vermont. But speaking with those who’ve skied this smaller spot, you start noticing striking similarities. While the trail mix boasts 30 percent novice, 30 percent intermediate, and 40 percent advanced, it’s the advanced trails that truly challenge with some of the toughest terrain on the east coast.

No Seats Here… Only Platters

Then there’s the ascent: MRG has the single chair, while Hickory relies on poma lifts and T-bars. Also, Hickory doesn’t have snow-making coverage; it depends solely on Mother Nature (that will be changing soon). As if that’s not enough, Hickory Ski Center grooms only their beginner and intermediate slopes using a vintage packing machine—none of those fancy Pisten Bully groomers here.

How They Closed

Sadly, due to a mix of warmer winters, increased expenses—especially insurance costs—and financial constraints, the ski area has remained closed since 2016. However, relentless efforts have been ongoing to revive it. Lifts have been inspected, the lodge dialed, and the slopes readied. The crucial missing piece was securing the liability insurance necessary for state certification.

Resurrecting A Legend

Tim Konrad, the publisher of Unofficial Networks, has been ski touring at Hickory since 2015. Over the years, he’s been closely following their progress toward reopening and recognized how close they were to achieving their goal. Understanding the urgency, he reached out to Erik Mogensen at Indy Pass to explore how they could extend support to this cause.

Not Just A Pass – But A Movement

Following Tim’s call, Entabeni, Indy Pass, and Unofficial Networks swiftly evaluated the situation and agreed to offer support. They recognize that the Indy Pass isn’t merely a pass; it’s a movement, as you can see in them helping keep New Hampshire’s Black Mountain open.

Understanding the significance of involving multiple organizations in stabilizing these small, independent areas, they aim to scale this revolution. Their collective goal is to eliminate the hurdles currently present in the industry.

How You Can Help

In addition to picking up an Indy Pass, we urge those Hickory fans to go one step further and buy a season pass/membership or even some swag. Every bit helps. For those that have skied let us know – is the comparison legit?