By David Schissler

(August 2013) As mentioned elsewhere, last season was the 5th best in New Hampshire’s history. Thanks to that, areas throughout the state are planning improvements for the coming season. Many thanks to Karl Stone of Ski New Hampshire for much of the info you’re about to read.

Waterville Valley, NH Granted Permit for Green Peak Expansion.
Last January we reported on Waterville Valley’s proposed expansion to Green Peak. Well, it’s official now. The U S Forest service granted Waterville Valley a long-term special use permit. This green lights Waterville’s first major expansion in over 30 years.

Over the next few years terrain on Green Peak, southeast of Mount Tecumseh, will be developed and include about 44 acres of ski trails, glades and a high-speed detachable quad chairlift.

Bretton Woods, NH to Further Expand Mount Stickney Area
Additional Nordic terrain is being added offering cross country skiers with early and late season terrain at higher elevations. These trails circle along the ridge to the summit of Mount Stickney and connect into the Stickney trail system. These trails are some of the first that require lift service. Guests will also find the canopy tour has been expanded with 4 new zip lines adding 1,000 more feet.

Pat’s Peak, NH Installing New Triple Chairlift, 4 New Trails
This summer Pat’s Peak will begin the first phase of its Cascade Basin expansion project by installing a high-capacity triple chairlift and at least four new trails in time for the 2013-2014 season. The new triple chairlift will open up 20 plus acres of snowmaking covered novice and intermediate terrain with a couple of glades, one with snowmaking, for experts. Additional terrain will be added in future years.
Cascade Basin is a never-skied section of the mountain with a sun filled easterly exposure. “Operation Cascade Basin” has been in the planning and permitting stage for the last two years and received its final permits this past fall.

As part this season’s upgrading, the rental shop is adding new equipment and geothermal heating in the base lodge and on walkways will lessen the ski area’s environmental footprint.

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