Pretty cool to get this update from Ski NH, alerting me to all the updates going on in Ski Country in the "off-season," which is pretty busy this year with zip-lining and the like!
NORTH WOODSTOCK, NH, JULY 2011 - Following a memorable ski season filled with plenty of soft snow falling from the sky, New Hampshire's ski areas are rolling up their sleeves and getting to work improving their resorts for guests. Following is a list of projects in the Granite State for the upcoming 2011-12 winter season.
Loon Mountain, Lincoln -Two new trails are being added to the terrain at South Peak. Snowmaking improvements continue this summer with the addition of 100 new tower guns on the main mountain and 67 new tower guns on South Peak. A new Bison X grooming machine has been added to the fleet. The ski patrol will also enjoy a new summit patrol building.
Granite Gorge, Keene - A major base lodge addition is underway for the 2011-12 winter. Among the improvements are an expanded ticketing, rental and apparel area. Guests will also enjoy new bathrooms, kitchen and dining area. The Lookout Lounge, with a full liquor license, will have an all-weather deck overlooking the mountain; on days with harsh weather, the deck has a canvas enclosure and heating. New computers will be installed to improve the customer service experience. On the hill, significant trail work is being completed with several trails being expanded and trees being removed to open up the terrain. Additional snowmaking will be added to the Sunset Trail and two new snow guns will be added to the fleet. Those looking to enjoy some serious air-time will enjoy the brand new Bag Jump, an inflatable landing area that allows skiers and riders to launch and land softly on the bag.
Pats Peak, Henniker -Guests will benefit from snowmaking upgrades at Pats Peak with the addition of 8 new SMI Fan Snowguns, 2 new HKD Turbo Fans and 3,000 feet of new snowmaking pipe. The Pats Peak Rental Shop is now a Burton Learn to Ride Center with 150 new kids and 200 adult beginner specific snowboards. All guests needing rentals will enjoy 250 new pairs of Dalbello Ski Boots. The Bear's Club Kids Program will now have its own fleet of rental ski, snowboards and boots so families can bypass the rental shop and head direct to the Bear's Den. The terrain parks continue to grow with the addition of a progression park for those just getting started catching air, hitting rails and sliding boxes. A new Freestyle Camp will also be held on vacation periods. Other improvements include additional air conditioning in the Sled Pub, fresh stain and new carpets for the base lodge, and renovated bathrooms in the Sleigh Room.
Mount Sunapee, Newbury - A new glade trail, Beck Brook Glades, is being cut, bringing Mount Sunapee's total to 9 gladed trails. Snowmaking is being added to Outer Ridge Trail, which provides an alternate route off the Upper Ridge Trail. The mountain will also become a Burton Learn-To-Ride Center. This includes a full complement of Burton rental equipment that is designed to make learning to snowboard easier for guests.
Gunstock Mountain Resort, Gilford - Gunstock spent over $2.1 million on improvements over the past year, much of it on summer activities. Among these summer improvements that skiers and riders will also enjoy are the Big Air Bag Jump which allows adventurous skiers and riders get a feeling for catching big air while enjoying a soft, safe landing on the bag. The newly installed Zip-Tour will also be available for winter guests, allowing them to enjoy zooming down the mountain through the air above the treetops.
Cranmore, North Conway - After spending $6 million last summer, more improvements are underway. Forty new high-efficiency snowmaking tower guns are being added. To keep surfaces soft a new Prinoth Bison Groomer has been added to the grooming fleet. Improvements are also being made to the base lodge, rest rooms, and food and beverage facilities. A substantial investment to upgrade rental equipment is also being made.
Black Mountain, Jackson - New air compressors will be added to the snowmaking system increasing capacity by 35%. The Sugarbush trail is being landscaped and widened. The lodge is receiving numerous upgrades including remodeled bathrooms, new flooring in guest services, a new locker room, renovated third floor eating area and expanded seating for the bar and dining area at Lostbo Pub.
Crotched Mountain, Bennington - Over the summer the fleet of Head ski and snowboard rentals is being expanded to ensure plenty of inventory and the latest equipment for guests. The terrain parks will receive many new elements, as well as an all-new park for freestyle program participants. The lodge and cafeteria also are receiving improvements.
King Pine and Purity Spring Resort, East Madison - Major improvements to the snowmaking system includes converting the operations to electric power.
Jackson XC, Jackson - Guests to Jackson XC will find 1.7 kilometers of new trail on the Ellis River Corridor along with 1 kilometer that is being rebuilt over the summer months.
Windblown XC, New Ipswich - Over the summer Windblown's logging operation will open up trails and allow for the addition of telemark and backcountry skiing.
