By David Schissler
(September 2012) As a long time resident of Peterborough, NH I was a season pass holder at Crotched Mountain for many years. I also trained there when I was on and then coached the Franklin Pierce College Ski Team. I remember when, back in the mid ’80s, local skiers were ecstatic about the installation of a fixed grip quad chair to replace the summit T-bar. Now skiers have even more to be happy about. Crotched has installed Southern New Hampshire’s first and only high speed detachable quad!
Peak Resorts, Crotched’s owner, acquired a high speed detachable quad chairlift from the now defunct Ascutney Mountain in Vermont. The installation of the lift, along with a terrain expansion will greet skiers and boarders for the 2012-2013 season. This $3 million capital investment will happen on the 10th anniversary of the reconstruction of the resort.
“We are very excited about adding a detachable lift at Crotched Mountain. This lift will provide quick access to the summit, ultimately providing more value and vertical for our guests. Along with the lift, the addition of 25 acres of skiable terrain will be a significant upgrade for the resort,” said Jesse Boyd, VP of Operations for Peak Resorts.
The new high speed quad lift will provide an uphill capacity of 2,400 persons per hour, and access to an additional 25 acres of terrain in less than a 4 minute ride. The additional terrain access is accomplished by the extension of the current summit lift profile to the top of the mountain, approaching 1000 feet of vertical drop. The additional 25 acres of terrain will encompass three extra slopes and two glade areas. The new terrain will have 100 percent fan snowmaking coverage as well as being lit for night skiing.
“We at Crotched pride ourselves on the commitment of service to all skiing and snowboarding guests from beginners all the way to expert terrain park and racing enthusiasts. The ability for us to provide the value of even more time on the slopes is very exciting. The expansion of terrain will benefit all of our clientele with an easier route off the top of the mountain and trails that will access our progressive terrain parks, glade skiing and allow us to stay committed to the ski racing culture of New Hampshire,” said Pat Terry, General Manager of Crotched Mountain.
Visit www.crotchedmountain.com for more info and construction photos
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