By David Schissler – Regular visitors to the White Blog know Bretton Woods, NH is one of my favorite ski areas in the East. Last fall I told you about the new 8-passenger gondola being constructed there. When up, it will be the largest gondola in the state based on passenger capacity.
I was recently at Bretton Woods for a meeting with Craig Klemmer, the mountain’s marketing communications manager, to be updated on the project. The Base and summit terminals are in, the tower pads are in, and all of the remaining materials, mostly cable and cabins, are on site. The placement of the summit terminal required the lowering of the top station of the Fabyan triple which is also done. The intent was to keep the profile of the gondola low on the horizon so it will not interfere with the million dollar views. As soon as the weather breaks construction will recommence with the target opening date of the new lift coinciding with the mountain’s opening next November.
The gondola will enable Bretton Woods to market itself as a four-season resort. The summit terminal will include a two-story, 11,000 square feet facility with seating for 149 on the first level and 30 seats designated for “private dining”. The “Top of the Quad/Latitude 44” lodge/restaurant at the top of the Bethlehem HSQ will remain for another year but eventually will be removed.
The cost of the new gondola and restaurant upgrade is in the vicinity of $15 million