We recently received an improvements update on areas in NH from Jessyca Keeler of Ski New Hampshire, the statewide association representing 34 alpine and cross-country resorts. As you may expect after last season, there’s emphasis on increased efficiency in snowmaking nearly everywhere. Here’s what’s new at areas around my former home, the Granite State.
Black Mountain, in Jackson, NH will be opening the Mid Station cabin, a new mid-mountain restaurant offering hot food and beverages on weekends and holidays. The installation of a state-of-the-art snowmaking control system will increase efficiency as will the 52 new next-gen, low-energy snow guns, and a new snow groomer and tractor.
Bretton Woods & Bretton Woods XC, Bretton woods, NH have invested nearly $500K to increase snowmaking operation efficiency and has added to its alpine and Nordic grooming fleets. The mountain also offers Fat bike rentals with dedicated trails for winter biking.
Cannon Mountain, Franconia, NH wrapped up its Mittersill Improvement Project with the addition of the new Valar T-Bar lift, installed snowmaking on the Taft Training Slopes and constructed a new warming hut and restroom facility. Cannon hopes to cut its energy footprint by 50% and to significantly increasing snowmaking capabilities thanks to a $5.1M investment in energy efficiency initiatives
Cranmore Mountain Resort, North Conway, NH entered into Phase One of its $50M base re-development project adding 18 unique condominiums. The addition of a PistenBully 600 E+ to the fleet, the world’s first groomer with a diesel-electric drive for lower environmental impact will improve efficiency. Speaking of which, the installation of two Tesla and two Hybrid vehicle-charging stations at the resort will further support sustainability efforts. For X-C enthusiasts, the Eastman XC Nordic Center building has been completely rebuilt.
Granite Gorge Ski Area, Keene/Roxbury, NH has extended its competition trail from mid-station to the top of the mountain, adding 225’ of elevation. The trail has a consistent 30-degree pitch from top to bottom and will be covered by new snowmaking and lighting.
Gunstock Mountain Resort, Gilford, NH has a new thrill for visitors this winter. The mountain added a $2.6M Mountain Coaster last August and intends to keep it open year-round.
King Pine, East Madison, NH renovated the “Milt’s Place” lodge at the base of the Black Bear triple lift.
Pats Peak, Henniker, NH continues to augment its snowmaking capabilities with additional energy-efficient snowmaking fan guns and a new snowmaking power line. The Rental Shop has also installed a Self-Check-in system to speed up the process and get skiers out on the slopes. Other amenities include Increased Wi-Fi speed on the mountain, and additional seasonal lockers added, including larger sized family lockers.
Ragged Mountain Resort, Danbury, NH just received permits to add to its water storage capabilities allowing it to expand its snowmaking capacity by 5-times. The current ponds hold 4 million gallons. A lower pond will be expanded to hold 20 million gallons. This major expansion, combined with other improvements made to the snowmaking system, will allow the resort to easily open more terrain in the early season.
Waterville Valley Resort, Waterville Valley, NH is moving forward with its long planned Green Peak expansion. The mountain will add 10 new trails and 45 new acres of skiing and riding. Although a high-speed quad was originally intended, the plan now calls for a fixed grip chairlift. This is Waterville Valley’s biggest expansion project in more than 30 years.
Whaleback, Enfield, NH has re-graded the learning area and expanded with a new trail. The Magic Carpet has been moved to a gentler grade, and the tow lifts will now include handle/platter disks to make riding easier. A new T-bar services lower mountain terrain for all ability levels; It’s completely lighted for night skiing and has a dedicated snowmaking loop. Additional fan guns and water guns have been added to increase output.
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