Mountain Day, a long-standing Storm King School tradition dating back to the early 1930s, is a day when all students and faculty make a scenic trek up Storm King Mountain together and gather at the summit to enjoy the views. A highlight of orientation, this annual hike introduces our students to the natural environment surrounding the campus and serves to boost school unity and spirit at the start of the school year.

Head of School, Jonathan Lamb, with his wife Toni Scherrer, Associate Director of Admissions

Storm King’s sixth Headmaster, Anson Barker, initiated the first Mountain Day during the fall of 1932–the first year of his 19-year tenure. On a crisp November morning of that year, he excused students from classes and sent them into Black Rock Forest on hiking excursions which later culminated in a picnic feast. The event proved to be so enjoyable its tradition has endured until today.

On the morning of this year’s hike, students and faculty set out to navigate the trails with their advisory groups. The groups made their way up to Butter Hill, the summit of Storm King Mountain, where they enjoyed a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Hudson River Valley, Black Rock Forest, and the Catskill Mountains. Upon their return to campus, the hikers enjoyed a barbecue lunch on Ledoux Terrace.

Keeping with Storm King tradition, Mountain Day kicked off the School’s 156th year on a positive note. Many thanks go out to the faculty who made sure everyone got up and down the Mountain in good spirits, and to our chefs and dining hall staff who prepared the delicious feast for the hungry hikers upon their return.