Ski NH: New Hampshire’s Ski Areas Prepare for 2016-17 Season with Capital Improvements

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Ski NH

Oct 13, 2016, 03:00 ET

Concord, NH (PRWEB) October 13, 2016 -- Here are some of the big changes skiers and riders will find this winter when they explore the ski trails of New Hampshire. Many resorts have invested millions in new technology to allow for snowmaking systems that cover more terrain and are more environmentally balanced. Others have new or expanded trails. And many have invested in new guest infrastructure, from warming huts to guest services. Improvements are being made at resorts of all sizes, and at alpine and Nordic ski areas alike.

Black Mountain

  • Addition of 52 new next-gen low-energy snow guns, a new snow groomer and tractor.
  • Installation of a state-of-the-art snowmaking control system to increase efficiency.
  • The Mid Station, a new mid-mountain cabin offering hot food and beverages on weekends and holidays.

Bretton Woods & Bretton Woods XC

  • Nearly $500K invested to increase snowmaking operation efficiency.
  • Investments made in the alpine and Nordic grooming fleets.
  • Fat bike rentals will be available, with dedicated trails for winter biking.

Cannon Mountain

  • A series of energy efficiency initiatives valued at $5.1M is expected to reduce energy consumption at the ski area by 50 percent, while significantly increasing snowmaking capabilities.
  • The Mittersill Improvement Project wraps up with the addition of the new Valar T-Bar lift, snowmaking installed on Taft Training Slopes, and construction of a new warming hut and restroom facility.

Cranmore Mountain Resort

  • Cranmore broke ground on Phase One of their $50M base re-development project in September, which will add 18 unique condominiums.
  • Addition of a PistenBully 600 E+ groomer to the fleet, the world’s first groomer with a diesel-electric drive, which has a lower environmental impact than other groomers.
  • Installation of two Tesla and two Hybrid vehicle-charging stations at the resort to further support sustainability efforts.

Eastman XC

  • Nordic Center building completely rebuilt.

Granite Gorge Ski Area

  • Extension of the competition trail from mid-station to the top of the mountain, which adds 225’ of elevation to that trail. This trail will have a consistent 30-degree pitch from top to bottom. Snowmaking and lighting will be added to the new trail section.

Great Glen Trails

  • Snowmaking system improved to maximize efficiency.
  • Two trails reconstructed, allowing the trails to be opened earlier in the season.
  • Addition of a second snowmobile for early season and low snow grooming.

Gunstock Mountain Resort

  • Addition of a Mountain Coaster valued at $2.6M, which opened in August and is scheduled to be open during the winter months.

Jackson XC

  • Addition of 6km/4mi of new trails this season as part of a $400K capital campaign. This is the largest trail expansion/improvement project in the organization’s history.

King Pine

  • Renovation of the “Milt’s Place” lodge at the base of the Black Bear triple lift.


Nordic Skier XC/Wolfeboro XC

  • Addition of a new John Deere Gator grooming machine to the fleet, plus a 108” Yellowstone Ginzugroomer.
  • Upgrades and improvements to many trails making them skiable with less snow cover.
  • Currently planning and implementing a permanent 2km cross-country ski loop scheduled for completion during the 2017-18 season.

Pats Peak

  • Additional energy-efficient snowmaking fan guns and a new snowmaking power line.
  • Self check-in system installed in the Rental Shop to speed up the process and get skiers out on the slopes.
  • Increased Wi-Fi speed on the mountain and additional seasonal lockers added, including larger sized family lockers.

Pine Hill XC

  • Two bridges refurbished on Robb’s Hut trail.

Ragged Mountain Resort

  • Just received permits to add water storage to expand its snowmaking capacity fivefold. An expansion to the lower pond will add 20 million gallons to the current 4 million gallon pond. This major expansion, combined with other improvements made to the snowmaking system, will help the resort to more easily open terrain in the early season.

Waterville Valley Resort

  • Green Peak expansion will add 10 new trails and 45 new acres of skiing and riding, serviced by a fixed grip chairlift. This is Waterville Valley’s biggest expansion project in more than 30 years.

Whaleback

  • The learning area has been re-graded 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 will service lower mountain terrain of all ability levels that is completely lit for night skiing and has a dedicated snowmaking loop.
  • Additional fan guns and water guns will increase output.

Windblown XC

  • New Warming Hut, available for rent year-round, has eco-friendly solar power and sustainably harvested timber. The new “Clear View Camp” tiny home also welcomes guests.
  • The Lodge at Windblown is now a full-service event space available May through November with a commercial kitchen and outdoor spaces for events.

Ski NH is the statewide association representing 34 alpine and cross-country resorts in New Hampshire. For more information on ski areas, vacation planning, and updated winter events at Ski NH resorts, call Ski NH at 603.745.9396 or visit the Ski NH website at http://www.SkiNH.com. For statewide travel info, visit http://www.visitNH.gov.

Jessyca Keeler, Ski NH, http://www.SkiNH.com, +1 603-224-5566, [email protected]