Ski New Hampshire, the association representing over 30 ski resorts across the state, reports significant capital improvements at many Granite State ski areas in preparation for the upcoming 2023-24 season. Projects encompass terrain expansions, new lodges, lifts, and various upgrades aimed at enhancing the overall guest experience.
“New Hampshire’s ski areas consistently invest in equipment and technology to boost efficiency and guarantee optimal snow coverage on their trails. This year, resorts have allocated millions for terrain expansion, new lifts and buildings, and facility upgrades,” explained Jessyca Keeler, President of Ski New Hampshire. “Whether directed at facilities, snowmaking, terrain, or equipment, the objective remains the same: to provide skiers and riders with an exceptional experience at New Hampshire’s ski areas.”
Noteworthy Projects:
Loon Mountain Resort, Lincoln: Loon Mountain Resort has been actively expanding its South Peak, adding 11 trails and a four-person chairlift. This expansion increases the skiable terrain to over 400 acres, with 12 lifts and a 2,190-foot vertical drop—the longest in New Hampshire. The new terrain, featuring tree-skiing areas, caters to varying ability levels.
Cranmore Mountain Resort, North Conway: Cranmore Mountain Resort is set to unveil Fairbank Lodge for the 2023-24 season, offering 30,000 square feet of space with amenities such as a food pavilion, retail ski shops, restrooms, locker rooms, a slopeside bar, and lofted residential condominiums. The resort is also introducing another terrain park, bringing the total to four.
Attitash Mountain Resort, Bartlett: Attitash Mountain Resort is on track to commission The Mountaineer in mid-December, replacing the Summit Triple. The Mountaineer, a high-speed 4-passenger chairlift, aims to significantly reduce ride time, enhance uphill capacity, and improve the overall flow of the Attitash base area.
Mount Sunapee, Newbury: Mount Sunapee’s South Peak is undergoing revitalization with the addition of New Hampshire’s only ski-through lighthouse, inspired by Lake Sunapee’s iconic lighthouses. Interactive signage will create memorable photo opportunities.
Wildcat Mountain, Pinkham Notch: Wildcat Mountain is replacing the Peabody Pedestrian Bridge connecting the base lodge to the slopes. Skiers at Wildcat Mountain and sister Vail resorts will benefit from the newly launched Mobile Pass & Mobile Lift Ticket via the My Epic app.
Gunstock Mountain Resort, Gilford: Gunstock Mountain Resort is constructing a new Rental Building and Tuning Shop to streamline the rental process. Additionally, plans include redesigning and paving the main parking lot for improved visibility and parking space.
Waterville Valley Resort, Waterville Valley: Waterville Valley Resort is adding a 2,000 sq ft deck off its Freestyle Lounge, providing outdoor gathering space with a firepit and live music. A new two-story Ski Patrol and sled garage are under construction at the summit, along with renovations to the Snowstar employee housing building.
King Pine Ski Area, East Madison: King Pine Ski Area is replacing the “Cubby Tow” rope tow lift with a new Sunkid moving carpet lift and acquiring a Prinoth Husky snow groomer. Facility improvements include new outdoor decks at Milts Lodge and the King Pine Snowsports building, along with an expanded rental shop.
Pats Peak Ski Area, Henniker: Pats Peak Ski Area has undergone changes at the Alpine Training Center, receiving an interior facelift with new carpets, furnishings, lighting, and energy efficiency upgrades. A new Race Training Area with snowmaking and night lighting has been integrated, providing dedicated training lanes.
Cannon Mountain, Franconia: Cannon Mountain has received approval for major improvements to its aerial tramway, funded by an $18 million appropriation. Although completion is slated for 2025 or later, other summer projects include trail widening for enhanced skier and rider space.
Other Ski Resorts: Various ski resorts, such as Whaleback Mountain in Enfield and Ragged Mountain Resort in Danbury, have undertaken lift equipment replacements and other upgrades during the summer.
For more information about ski resorts in New Hampshire, visit SkiNH.com.
