Here’s a look at some of the enhancements that guests will enjoy in the White Mountains this winter:
Cannon Mountain, Franconia Notch - Cannon is spending a half-million dollars on snowmaking improvements this summer. Among the additions are dedicated snowmaking on Paulie’s Folly trail. New air and water lines are being installed on Upper Cannon and fan gun power pedestals are being added on Lower Cannon. A new twenty-foot automated, portable tower fan gun, one of the first of its kind in North America, is being added as well. Several trail enhancements are underway including removal of a tree island on the Tossup trail, which will allow for more snowmaking and a bigger terrain park. A new Prinoth Bison X terrain park groomer has been purchased to shape and smooth out all the snow.
Bretton Woods, Bretton Woods - This winter skiers and riders will find the addition of lift service to the Mount Stickney area of the resort. Bretton Woods recently added 30 acres of glades to the area that will now be serviced by a 2,000 foot Doppelmayr T-bar lift. The glades are also being expanded to include some steep drop-offs for adventurous experts as well as more wide-open glades for less-experienced skiers and riders. At the top of the lift a new 600-square-foot log cabin is being constructed. The cabin will feature an exterior stone fireplace as well as a porch for enjoying the sun on warmer days. Inside, a wood stove will warm skiers between runs. The popular Range View trail will be home to 50 new SV10 Impulse snowguns. In the base lodge guests will be able to select custom clothing, gear and accessories electronically at the new Bogner virtual clothing store, which will then be mailed to their home address. The recently constructed Canopy Tour, Williwaw Racing Zip and indoor climbing wall will also be available to guests this winter.
Cranmore Mountain Resort, North Conway - Over the summer Cranmore is replacing its historic East Double Chair with a triple chairlift. The lift will increase uphill capacity and add 300 feet of vertical drop to the resort’s southern slopes. The lift will also provide access to the summit of the mountain. Sixty new snow guns have been added to the resort’s arsenal, bringing the total of high-efficiency snow guns to 300. The Soaring Eagle Zipline installed this summer will operate all winter, joining the snowtubing park, mountain coaster and giant swing as alternative activities for winter guests.
Black Mountain, Jackson - More than $500,000 is being invested over the summer in snowmaking improvements including two new Ingersoll Rand Centac electric air compressors which will more than double the overall snowmaking capacity while reducing the area’s carbon footprint. Thirty-five low energy high-efficiency tower snow guns have been added to the primary race trail, Jackson Standard, as well as the Big Dipper, Maple Slalom and Black Beauty trails. A new beginners’ area is being completed with all-new snowmaking lines, hydrants and low energy, high-efficiency tower guns. Additionally, the new learning area will have a new dedicated surface lift. Improvements to the base lodge include an expanded ski school and ticketing area, a new day care and nursery area, fully renovated dining room areas, and expansion to the Lostbo Pub, more than doubling its size. An all-new ticketing system will provide guests with a quick and efficient ticketing experience.
