It’s officially Upstate NY mountain getaway season. ⛰️
And New Yorkers looking for sweeping mountain views have a fresh excuse to head upstate this summer!
Hudson Chair scenic sky rides have reopened for the 2026 season at Gore Mountain’s historic North Creek Ski Bowl in the Adirondacks.
From July through early fall, you can float above forested slopes, watch the Adirondack peaks and Hudson River Valley unfold below, and step straight into a four‑season mountain playground—all on a mellow chairlift ride that doesn’t require any hardcore hiking skills.
It’s quite literally one of the most stunning Adirondacks experiences you can check off your 2026 bucket list, and it just kicked for the summer! Here are all the details.
What exactly is the Hudson Chair scenic skyride?
Hudson Chair is a mountain chairlift at the North Creek Ski Bowl, part of Gore Mountain—New York’s largest ski resort—tucked into the Southern Adirondacks.
In winter it serves classic ski terrain; in summer and fall, it transforms into a scenic skyride, carrying visitors over the slopes for elevated views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
And this summer, there’s never been a perfect time to visit.
A recent upgrade last year turned Hudson Chair into a high‑speed quad, meaning smoother, quicker rides up the Ski Bowl and more time to soak in the views once you’re at the top!
It’s now a centerpiece of Gore’s year‑round offerings, alongside a new lodge and additional attractions that aim to make North Creek a true four‑season escape.
2026 opening dates & hours
For the 2026 season, scenic sky rides on Hudson Chair officially started on July 3rd, and runs into early fall.
Through Labor Day, rides typically operate Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 am – 5 pm, with additional fall foliage dates on select September and October weekends.
Hours can shift with weather or special events, so it’s best to check Gore Mountain’s summer operations page or social channels before you make the drive.
Last ride times are usually in the late afternoon—around 4:45 pm—and tickets aren’t sold right up until closing, so aim to arrive earlier in the day.
What you’ll see on the ride
Once you’re on Hudson Chair, you’ll glide above the North Creek Ski Bowl, passing over grassy ski trails, forest glades, and the steep “46er headwall” that looks much more approachable in summertime than in the middle of winter.
From the lift, you’ll see layered ridgelines of the Southern Adirondacks, with higher peaks in the distance and, on clear days, wide panoramas stretching toward the Hudson River Valley.
During peak foliage later on this year, Gore highlights the skyride as one of the best ways to catch the region’s changing colors, often pairing chairlift rides with fall events like Harvest Fest.
So if you can’t make it in the next couple of months, bookmark it for the fall!
A little Adirondack ski history
Part of the charm here is the history.
North Creek Ski Bowl dates back to the early days of organized skiing in New York and has roots in the famous “Snow Train” era that carried city dwellers to the Adirondacks for winter weekends.
The first Hudson Chair opened around 2010–2011, completing a lift connection between the Ski Bowl and Gore Mountain’s main slopes and renewing interest in the area as a local hub.
The current high‑speed Hudson quad, the new lodge planned around the 2025–2026 season, and summer attractions like skyrides and future ziplines are part of a modern push to revive the Ski Bowl as a year‑round destination.
It’s a nice blend of Adirondack ski history and contemporary “upstate escape” energy, which is exactly what we’re looking for right now.
How to turn it into a weekend escape from NYC
From New York City, North Creek is a classic road‑trip: think early start, coffee stops along the Northway, and rolling into town just in time for late‑morning sky rides at the Ski Bowl.
Pair the chairlift with a picnic at elevation, a walk on nearby trails, or a late‑afternoon stroll through North Creek’s small‑town main street, and you’ve got a full weekend getaway without needing technical hiking gear.
Gore’s move to concentrate summer activities at the Ski Bowl—with Hudson Chair as the center of the action—means you can park once, ride, explore, and relax, all in one compact pocket of the Adirondacks.
Throughout the summer, there are even recurring summer events that are praticially begging to be paired with the soar through the sky.
On select Friday nights, the Ski Bowl hosts a live music series called “Music at the Bowl” with local bands at the base of the Village Slope.
And although just passed, a Gore Mountain Cruise-In happens — where car enthusiasts can check out classic cruisers and custom builds with other locals.
It really is the ultimate Adirondacks itinerary, and it’s truly only just begun. So save this guide, or bookmark this destination as you start planning the rest of your yearly Upstate NY trips.