Vermont boosts fun factor
Mountain resorts were far from restful offseason in Vermont, working on projects to once again boost the awesomeness that is the state’s skiing.
Bolton Valley continued to upgrade its snowmaking system, adding even more white stuff to its usual high natural season totals. Improved pumps and hoses will allow the resort to blow snow in multiple locations at the same time, which will mean more snow earlier in the season and more trails getting covered faster than last year.
Burke Mountain improved snowmaking as well, installing 13,400 feet of new snowmaking pipe which will increase efficiencies on the lower mountain while adding snowmaking for the first time to two new trails on the upper mountain. These new additions are a part of a larger-scale project currently underway to replace a POMA lift that services the Warren’s Way training hill. A new high speed Leitner POMA T-bar surface lift is being installed and will increase Burke Mountain’s uphill capacity by nearly five times.
Magic Mountain’s new ownership isn’t resting on its laurels after winning Liftopia’s award for best ski area in North America. They’ve expanded the snowmaking system, added two new lifts and spruced up their classic base lodge. They also added a new beginner area with a StarLift carpet conveyor lift. The addition of the new Green Chair Lift servicing base-to-mid mountain intermediate and beginner terrain allows easier access to classic skiing for all ability levels.
Mount Snow has big things happening. They’ve completed their $30 million snowmaking upgrades, doubling their ability to make snow. They are also now beginning a $30 million base area improvement project, replacing base lodges across the resort.
Okemo Mountain Resort’s dedication to creating a superior snow surface continues with the addition of two new grooming machines to its fleet of Prinoth Beasts. The Prinoth Bison demonstrates excellent maneuverability and climbing ability, even in adverse conditions. Okemo is also adding HKD SV 10 snowguns, bringing its arsenal of HKD snow guns to 1,300 mountain-wide.
Stratton Mountain Resort added two new Bison X Prinoth cats equipped with state-of-the-art fuel burning technology, decreasing harmful emissions. Besides taking great care of trails, the cats will also transport guests to mid-mountain for a starlight gourmet dinner held every Saturday this winter.
Sugarbush Resort made your day smoother by replacing the old ticketscanning system with RFID gates at all base lifts. Other projects to improve the guest experience include purchasing new SnowLogic guns, replacing the motor for the North Ridge Quad, installing a new snowmaking pipe on Which Way, new air compressor for snowmaking and purchasing two new Pisten Bully groomers.
Jay Peak Resort is always finding ways to make its fun even more fun. This season they add reels and rappelling to its list of winter activities. The resort will open a new 142-seat movie theater and Clip ‘n Climb climbing facility in the 15,000-square foot Clips and Reels recreation center opening at the Stateside area of the resort.
Smugglers’ Notch Resort continues to build on its award-winning programs with the completion of the FunZone 2.0. It includes activities like a multi-course Smugglers’ Warrior Challenge, massive laser tag arena, Smugglers’ themed Mountain Rally Races slot car track, arcade and transparent climbing tower. They debut a new toddler fun area as well.