This article explores the recent upgrades and investments made at ski resorts along the East Coast of the United States. Despite a mediocre snow season last year, the Northeast experienced a surge in skier visits, likely due to the increasing use of multi-mountain passes and recent improvements in snow-making and infrastructure.
Ski resorts from New York to Maine have made significant upgrades this season, including new chairlifts, more efficient snow guns, and renovated midslope restaurants. The article provides a guide to the most notable enhancements in the region, highlighting improvements in Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, and New York. These upgrades not only aim to improve skiing conditions but also consider the impacts of climate change and emphasize sustainability and efficiency in their operations.
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Vermont
Burke Mountain upgrades snow-making capabilities
Burke Mountain, located in Vermont’s northern region, has recently invested in upgrading its snow-making capabilities. The mountain has installed new pipes and increased water pressure in its snow-making system. These upgrades will allow for more efficient snow production, ensuring a consistent snow base for skiers and snowboarders throughout the season. By improving its snow-making infrastructure, Burke Mountain aims to provide a high-quality skiing experience for visitors.
Mad River Glen’s snow-making limited to lower portion of mountain
Mad River Glen, another popular ski resort in Vermont, has a unique approach to snow-making. The resort’s cooperative bylaws only permit snow-making on the lower 700 feet of the mountain’s 2,037-foot vertical drop. This restriction is intended to preserve the natural snow skiing experience that Mad River Glen is known for. While the resort’s snow-making capabilities may be limited compared to other mountains, it still offers excellent conditions for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts.
Snow-making upgrades in Vermont focus on efficiency
The recent snow-making upgrades in Vermont are not only aimed at improving snow production but also focus on efficiency. Ski Vermont, a trade association, reports that these upgrades include the use of more efficient pumps and snow guns. By adopting more environmentally-friendly and cost-effective technology, Vermont ski resorts are able to produce snow more efficiently while reducing their impact on the environment. This commitment to efficiency benefits both the ski industry and the surrounding natural environment.
Vail and Alterra invest in snow-making at eastern properties
Vermont’s ski industry has received significant investment from two major resort conglomerates, Vail and Alterra. These Colorado-based companies have acquired many of the region’s renowned mountains and have made considerable investments in snow-making infrastructure. For example, Sugarbush, which is owned by Alterra, plans to spend $12.6 million on upgrades, including $3 million on snow-making improvements. By investing in snow-making technology, these companies are ensuring their eastern properties have reliable access to snow, even in less snowy seasons.
Maine
Sunday River invests in snow-making infrastructure
Sunday River, one of Maine’s most popular ski resorts, has made significant investments in its snow-making infrastructure. The resort has nearly two miles of pipe dedicated to snow-making operations, greatly increasing its snow-making capacity. This expansion allows Sunday River to provide a consistent and reliable snow base for its visitors. By investing in snow-making infrastructure, Sunday River aims to enhance the overall skiing experience at the resort.
Sugarloaf adds new terrain and high-speed quad
Sugarloaf, another prominent ski destination in Maine, has added 120 acres of new terrain for skiers and snowboarders to enjoy. This expansion provides more diverse options for winter sports enthusiasts and increases the overall skiable area of the mountain. Additionally, Sugarloaf has installed a new high-speed quad called the Bucksaw Express, which will significantly reduce lift wait times and improve accessibility to various areas of the mountain. These additions contribute to Sugarloaf’s reputation as a premier ski resort in the region.
Saddleback Mountain opens midmountain lodge
Saddleback Mountain, a privately-owned resort in Maine, has recently opened a new midmountain lodge. This addition provides visitors with a convenient place to rest and refuel during their skiing or snowboarding adventures. The midmountain lodge enhances the overall experience at Saddleback Mountain and adds to the resort’s amenities, further attracting winter sports enthusiasts. Since its reopening in 2020, Saddleback Mountain has invested heavily in upgrades, including major improvements to its snow-making infrastructure.
New Hampshire
Attitash Mountain replaces Summit Triple chair with new high-speed quad
Attitash Mountain Resort in New Hampshire is replacing its Summit Triple chairlift with a new high-speed quad called the Mountaineer. This upgrade will significantly reduce the time spent riding the lift, improving the overall efficiency of the resort’s lift system. The Mountaineer quad takes its name from a historic local railway, adding a touch of local charm to the skiing experience. Attitash Mountain Resort’s investment in modern infrastructure demonstrates its commitment to providing a top-notch skiing experience for visitors.
Loon Mountain introduces Timbertown Quad
Loon Mountain in New Hampshire has introduced a new chairlift called the Timbertown Quad. This high-speed quad serves 30 acres of new beginner and intermediate terrain, making it ideal for skiers of all ages and skill levels. The addition of the Timbertown Quad enhances the accessibility of the mountain’s slopes, providing a smoother and more enjoyable skiing experience. To further enhance the skiing conditions, Loon Mountain has also implemented automated snow-making technology, ensuring consistent coverage on the slopes.
Cranmore Mountain Resort opens Fairbank Lodge
Cranmore Mountain Resort in New Hampshire has recently opened its Fairbank Lodge, a spacious 30,000-square-foot facility located at the base of the mountain. The lodge provides visitors with a range of amenities, including dining options and a slope-side bar. This addition enhances the overall experience at Cranmore Mountain Resort, allowing guests to relax and recharge after a day on the slopes. The opening of Fairbank Lodge demonstrates the resort’s dedication to providing a comprehensive and enjoyable ski vacation.
Mount Sunapee builds ski-through lighthouse
Mount Sunapee in New Hampshire has added a unique feature to its ski area – a ski-through lighthouse. This lighthouse serves both as a whimsical decoration and a navigational aid for skiers and snowboarders. Inspired by the three lighthouses on Lake Sunapee, the ski-through lighthouse adds character to the mountain and offers visitors a distinct visual landmark. Mount Sunapee’s commitment to creating a memorable skiing experience is evident in this creative addition to its slopes.
Cannon Mountain rebuilds tramway
Cannon Mountain, one of the few mountains in the East with a tramway, is undertaking a significant project to rebuild its 2,180-vertical-foot tramway. The state of New Hampshire has approved $18 million in appropriations to support this rebuild. The new tramway will provide visitors with a scenic and efficient way to access the mountain’s slopes, offering breathtaking views along the journey. Cannon Mountain’s investment in its tramway infrastructure demonstrates its commitment to delivering an exceptional skiing experience.
New York
Gore Mountain replaces Bear Cub surface lift
Gore Mountain in New York has replaced its Bear Cub surface lift with a new quad chairlift that features a loading conveyor. This automated conveyor system allows for easier and more efficient loading, particularly beneficial for beginners. The replacement of the Bear Cub lift with a quad chairlift enhances the accessibility of the beginner area and ensures a smooth and enjoyable skiing experience for all visitors.
Whiteface installs new high-speed quad and snow guns
Whiteface, known for its challenging terrain and stunning views, has installed a new high-speed quad chairlift called The Notch. This chairlift transports skiers and snowboarders from beginner terrain to two different unloading locations, improving access to various areas of the mountain. Additionally, Whiteface has installed 150 new snow guns, further enhancing its snow-making capabilities. These upgrades contribute to the overall experience at Whiteface, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the mountain’s unique offerings.
Holiday Valley upgrades lifts and automated snow-making
Holiday Valley in New York has invested $9 million in offseason improvements. One notable improvement is the installation of the Mardi Gras Express, a new six-person high-speed chairlift that replaces a four-person lift at a high-traffic point on the mountain. This upgrade increases the resort’s uphill capacity and reduces wait times for skiers and snowboarders. Holiday Valley’s commitment to improving its lift infrastructure ensures a seamless experience for visitors. Additionally, the resort has renovated a significant number of rooms at the Inn and implemented more automated snow-making technology.
Belleayre replaces aging Chair 7 with new quad
Belleayre in New York has replaced its aging Chair 7, a triple chairlift, with a new quad chairlift. This upgrade improves the efficiency and capacity of the lift, allowing for faster and more convenient transportation to the slopes. Belleayre has also made extensive improvements to its snow-making infrastructure, installing five miles of new snow-making pipe and 255 new snow guns. These enhancements ensure optimal snow conditions for visitors and contribute to Belleayre’s reputation as a premier ski resort.
Catamount Mountain Resort enhances snow-making capabilities
Catamount Mountain Resort in New York has enhanced its snow-making capabilities by building two new pump houses and installing 50 new snow guns. The resort has also expanded its snow-making pond, allowing for increased snow production. These upgrades significantly improve Catamount Mountain Resort’s ability to cover its slopes with high-quality snow. By investing in snow-making infrastructure, the resort ensures a reliable and enjoyable skiing experience for guests.
Greek Peak Mountain Resort improves snow-making pumps
Greek Peak Mountain Resort in New York has replaced its snow-making pumps, significantly increasing its snow-making capacity. The resort now has the capability to cover an area equivalent to 16 football fields with a foot of snow in just 24 hours. This enhancement ensures ample snow coverage on the slopes, even during periods of low natural snowfall. Greek Peak Mountain Resort’s investment in snow-making technology solidifies its position as a premier skiing destination.
Other Ski Resort Destinations
Numerous ski destinations throughout the region have also enhanced their snow-making capabilities. These improvements reflect the industry’s commitment to providing optimal snow conditions for skiers and snowboarders. By investing in more efficient pumps and snow guns, ski resorts can produce snow more effectively and economically. These enhancements benefit not only the skiing and snowboarding community but also the surrounding environment, as resorts strive to mitigate their impact on climate change. The upgrades across multiple ski destinations indicate a collective effort to deliver exceptional snow conditions and memorable experiences for winter sports enthusiasts.