your guide to winter fun in the mountains
N H Ski a n d Snow.com
2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 N H S k i & S n ow
Get a Room
Superlative Stays in NH Ski Country
2019
winter
2020
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10
Ways to Celebrate
Everything Snow
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SAVE on Your Ski Vacation Uphill Skiing NH’s Slopes Tips from NH’s Ski Patrol
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* pp/pn *Double occupancy with a minimum two-night stay. Plus tax & resort fee. One child (12 & under) eats free with each paying adult. May not be combined with any other offer or discount. Early- and late-season specials available.
NH SKI & SNOW
welcome winter! While we were just a little sorry to see such a vibrant autumn come to an end, we were probably a little more excited that it meant the arrival of ski season. After all, while we’re lucky to live in a state blessed with four beautiful seasons, we do have a favorite. When that first chill arrives, it’s an assurance that things will soon return to normal. And every trip north is a reminder that it doesn’t happen by accident. The ski and snowboarding industry isn’t just an economic engine for the region — though it certainly is that. It’s a way of life for those whose livelihood relies on the colder temps and the thrill-seekers who crave the powder every winter. And thanks to the hard-working folks at New Hampshire’s ski resorts, who stay focused on the customer experience year-round, they’re ready for us all. There’s a lot going on in ski country: We’re looking forward to traveling 1,200 feet per minute and taking in the incredible views from the new eight-passenger gondola at Bretton Woods; pulses will pound while taking on the ups and gliding along the downs atop skinny skis (and checking out all the new improvements) at Eastman Cross Country, in Grantham; we’ll be taking a few spins through the new glades at Ragged Mountain; and when it’s time for a breather, the upgrades at Loon’s Pemigewasset Base Camp look inviting. There’s so much to see and experience in New Hampshire, multi-night stays make sense. When you’re booking a resort, check out our list of superlative stays to take in the best views, enjoy the most romantic spots and discover the most action-packed resorts in the North Country. Whenever and wherever you decide to explore, it all comes down to this: just get here. The mountains are open, the après-ski haunts are warm and inviting, and New Hampshire’s landscape remains breathtaking. The next chapter in the long and storied history of winter sports in New Hampshire is open. We hope you help write it. Here’s to a long and white winter. Ski safely, ski often and make memories. Bill Burke, Editor
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Winter 2019- 2020
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Mista McDonnell mmcdonnell@nhbr.com NH Ski & Snow is a publication of McLean Communications, Inc. 150 Dow Street, Manchester, NH 03101 603-624-1442 © 2019 McLean Communications, Inc.
It ’s bett er t o be s tuc k in powder t han s tuc k in sc hool.
Take advantage of your snow days this year!
BUY AN ADULT SEASON PLUS PASS & ANY KID SKIS FREE ALL SEASON! waterville.com/kids-ski-free
Contents
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Here’s how you can hold on to some coin while hitting the slopes.
Find a room with a view, an in-room fireplace, a hideaway with a touch of romance or even a haunted castle.
Ski lifts are so last year. Uphill skiing, or ‘skinning,’ allows participants to truly earn their turns.
We see them all the time, but who are these men and women in red? Here’s a snapshot of life on the ski patrol.
10 Ways to Ski and Save
Superlative Stays
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How New Hampshire ingenuity is helping the ski industry thrive in the face of climate change.
Kick off the skis and let our expert guide you through the Granite State’s off-slope fun spots.
Working the Weather
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Winter 2019- 2020
Going Up
…And Snow
On Patrol
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Innovation and Upgrades
While we were biking and hiking, Granite State ski resorts were focused on improvements. Here are the upgrades you can expect on your next trip north.
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Way s t o S t r e t c h Y o ur NH S k i Va c at io n D o l l a r
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t’s no secret that New Hampshire is a fantastic destination for a ski getaway, and there are plenty of ways to let your budget take you further down the trail. There are ways to save on lift passes, lodging, dining — and let’s not forget the great tax-free shopping. Here’s a few of our favorite ways to enjoy a New Hampshire ski vacation without breaking the bank.
Winter 2019- 2020
1 get a job Working at a ski area has its benefits. Among them, free or discounted skiing and snowboarding. For example, new hires at Vail Resorts in New Hampshire (including Mount Sunapee, Wildcat Mountain, Attitash Mountain and Crotched Mountain), get a free EPIC pass to all Vail resorts, and discounted lodging at all of its resort properties. Spend a year working at Gunstock and you’ll earn perks like a season pass for you or a family member, and discount passes throughout many other New England ski areas. It’s almost enough to make you consider new career options. ❖ indeed.com
This winter, kids can get up on their skis and boards for a lot less. The $30 passport provides one ticket to each of Ski New Hampshire’s 32 member sites. Provide proof-of-grade (a current report card, progress report, letter from the school, screenshot of school account log-in), place your order, print your voucher and point the car north. The promotion is open to any fourth or fifth grader — no particular state residency is required. ❖ skinh.com/passport-faq
You read that right — free skis. Pats Peak’s Passport Program PLUS ($389) gets you four Skier Starter Special Packages, and on the fourth day of the program you’ll get a free Pats Peak Unlimited Season Pass, free Elan skis (sizes 146-160cm) with bindings and 50% off additional group lessons. Also at Pats Peak, take advantage of the Pay-One-Price (POP) Saturday night — discounted access to lifts, rentals, lesson tips, tubing, entertainment and more from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. ❖ patspeak.com/Shop/Value-Packages.aspx
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photo courtesy cranmore mountain resort
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Get free skis
It’s elementary
4 Enlist
Many ski areas offer deals for active-duty military and their families. King Pine at Purity Spring Resort, in Madison, offers an Early Season Military Special (all active-duty and dependents ski/ride for free and retired/veteran ski/ride for free until Dec. 24); and a regular Military Appreciation Discount — $10 off regular all-day lift tickets for active-duty and veteran/retired military. Wildcat’s Peak Military Card, valid at all northeast Peak Resorts, provides 25% off weekends and holidays and 40% off mid-week non-holiday lift tickets. ❖ kingpine.com/Ways2Save ❖ skiwildcat.com/military-discounts
Learn and save
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January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month, and many ski areas throughout the state celebrate by offering discounted lift, lessons and rentals for beginners interested in giving it a try. Last season, packages ranged from $19 to $39. Offerings range from inexpensive how-to sessions — which can set the stage for a lifetime of successful skiing and boarding — to complete packages, including passes, lessons and rentals, for as low as $39. Bretton Woods, among other specials, offered a Learn to Ski and Ride Free Week, which included equipment rental, ski or snowboard lessons, a Learning Center lift ticket valid for the day of the lesson and additional discounts. Each ski area’s plans and restrictions are different, so check with your favorite destination and bring along a newbie. ❖ brettonwoods.com/learntoski_snowboard
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Getting a late start can help you save. At Loon Mountain, for example, afternoon tickets are available starting at noon for $10 off the full rate. An alternative tactic is looking for last-minute or advance purchase ticket deals from the individual resort’s website, or through discounts sites such as Liftopia that offer last-minute lift and lodging deals on New Hampshire ski resorts. ❖ liftopia.com/ region/new-england
Skip the big game Not a football fan? Many ski areas offer half-day deals or discounted rates to lure skiers and snowboarders north on Super Bowl Sunday. The game doesn’t start until nearly 6:20 p.m., which means there’s plenty of time for some great runs before kickoff. In the past, ski areas like Cannon Mountain and Bretton Woods have offered discounted lift tickets, Gunstock featured a Family 4-Pack deal and Pats Peak hosted an après-ski promotion. Wildcat Mountain has offered $35 lift tickets on the day of the big game (skiwildcat.com/deals). Skip the pregame buildup and focus instead on making first tracks on a day when the trails are historically light on attendance anyway.
Think seasonally
Season passes are often the best value if you plan to ski more than a few times during the season. There are a wide variety of combinations, flavors and varieties of season passes designed to fit any age, schedule or need. The College New England Pass gets students unlimited access to Loon Mountain (as well as Sunday River and Sugarloaf), starting at $269; an Uphill-Only Season Pass at Black Mountain is $99; and King Pine offers a $10 Tuesday Night Skiing and Snowboarding pass. To get the most value from a season pass, it’s best to invest early. Additionally, most ski areas offer early-bird savings for skiiers and snowboarders who get their passes early in the season, or before the flakes even begin to fly.
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Winter 2019- 2020
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Be a clock watcher & online deal maker
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photo courtesy bret ton woods
o Bring the little ones In many cases, it’s free (or almost free), so why not? Waterville Valley offers a kids ski free pass: Purchase a 2019-2020 Waterville Valley Adult Season Plus Pass (unlimited skiing and riding the entire season with no blackout dates — $1,078 any time after Oct. 15) and you’ll get a voucher for a free Junior Season Pass valid for any child age 6 to 12. (waterville.com/kids-ski-free). At ski areas like Bretton Woods, kids four and under ski free with a paying adult; at Gunstock, Loon and Waterville Valley, kids five and under ski free. Cannon has a five-and-under season pass for $39 and a White Mountain Child Superpass, with purchase of an Adult Superpass — providing access to Bretton Woods, Cranmore, Cannon and Waterville Valley with no blackouts — is just $50 for the season.
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Stay at this legendary mountain resort, and ski at Bretton Woods, SKI magazine’s pick for #1 snow, grooming and scenery in the East! Just 2.5 hours from Boston and 30 minutes from Lincoln and North Conway.
WHEN YOU STAY AT THE OMNI MOUNT WASHINGTON HOTEL, BRETTON ARMS INN, LODGE OR TOWNHOMES.* *Subject to availability Sun-Thurs during select periods. Restrictions and blackout dates apply. Valid through 2019-20 ski season.
BRETTONWOODS.COM/LODGING 800-843-6664
want more winter?
Senior skiing Spend your later years on the slopes. Many ski areas have great deals for the more experienced among us, including at McIntyre Ski Area in Manchester, where anyone 65 and older skis free. (mcintyreskiarea.com/tickets-passes). Black Mountain offers discounted Senior Passes for anyone 65 to 75, and a Super Senior Pass for anyone 75 and older; Bretton Woods has mid-week/non holiday senior passes for $29; Gunstock Mountain Resort’s Golden Pass, for anyone 70 and older, is a slim $25 for the season; the Dartmouth Skiway allows Super Seniors 80 and older to ski free.
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Save big & ski more this winter season at
SkiNH.com And be sure to check out NHSkiandSnow.com for more winter-time inspired fun and adventure! NHS k i and Snow.c om
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We’re all born with it. A desire to connect with nature in a bold way. Wildcat Mountain stands as a monument to those humble souls that seek the pinnacle of outdoor adventure. Deep within, you have always been BORN WILD.
# BORN W IL D
# MAKE Y OU R WI LD FACE
buy online & save at
skiwildcat.com
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estled within the towering White Mountains of New Hampshire, a splendid array of terrain, attractions, and après awaits you. Generations of adventurous souls have carved their stories upon this special mountain. A fresh canvas of corduroy and powder lays before you, waiting for your story to be written in the snow.
ATTITASH.COM
room
get a
Superlative Stays Spice Up the Ski Season
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inding a warm, soft spot to land at the end of the day can make slopeside slip-ups seem a little less awkward in retrospect, and help soothe sore muscles after a long day skiing and snowboarding — especially if there’s a Jacuzzi to luxuriate in or an in-room fireplace to warm up in front of. New Hampshire’s ski country has a wide range of accommodations with an endless list of amenities, from spas to welcoming après-ski spots. NH Ski and Snow took a look at some of the more inviting destinations with a particular eye on creature comforts. Here’s a list of where we’ll be staying this winter, and why.
Most Romantic Omni Mount Washington Resort
The iconic red roof topping the instantly recognizable Omni Mount Washington Resort hints at the charm and glamour inside as guests approach from Route 302. The flagship of New Hampshire’s grand resorts, the Mount Washington provides a wide range of activities (or lack thereof, depending on your agenda), for couples seeking an idyllic Granite State winter. Try the Love and Luxury package, which gets couples two mini bottles of Moet & Chandon Rosé Champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries, a romantic turndown with robes, music and lighting and a late, 1 p.m. checkout the next day. ❖ omnihotels.com/hotels/bretton-woods-mount-washington
courtesy photos
The Sugar Hill Inn
The Princess Carolyn Suite at the Omni Mount Washington Resort is just one of its 200 luxury guest rooms and suites.
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Looking for a couples-only weekend away? The Sugar Hill Inn has you covered in a completely unique way. This bed and breakfast, known for its fine dining, original art and stylish guest rooms and cottages, has been restored to a 1789 farmhouse setting. But most importantly, it’s a child-free zone. Indulge, relax and enjoy each other’s company at this boutique country inn. The Sugar Hill Inn has become renowned for its culinary reputation, so arrive hungry. The on-site spa can also help release tension, with either a Swedish massage, a deep tissue massage or a hot stone massage. ❖ sugarhillinn.com
As grand as the history behind it, Omni Mount Washington Resort is gracious in ambiance and generous in amenities. A favorite New England retreat of presidents, poets and celebrities, that delights the senses with enchanting music, refined dining and luxurious dĂŠcor.
Nestled in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, Sugar Hill Inn Bed and Breakfast is a romantic getaway known for its fine dining, original art, an on-site spa and stylish guest rooms and cottages.
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Best Views The Glen House
The Glen House, in Pinkham Notch, is technically one of the newer structures in the region, but its roots run deep in the Whites. The fifth iteration of The Glen House to stand near the site of the original, which opened in 1852, the new, stately structure offers a classic look in a bucolic setting. At the heart of the three-story Glen House is its expansive great room, which extends from the lobby to a welcoming sitting area featuring a towering stone fireplace and massive windows reaching up to the cathedral ceilings, framing expansive views from the west-facing rooms and lobby and overlooking a network of trails and the Presidential Range. In a word, spectacular. â?– theglenhouse.com
courtesy photos
At the base of Mt. Washington in the White Mountains, The Glen House has opened as a new 68-room eco-conscious hotel.
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Winter 2019- 2020
Most Unique Adventure Suites
Some resorts boast a Victorian theme or a European feel with carefully researched décor and appointments. Adventure Suites, on the White Mountain Highway in North Conway, has it all — and more than most people would expect. Created with “a cup of fun, a pound of adventure, a bunch of love and a sprinkle of magic,” Adventure Suites has themed accommodations ranging from Log Cabin and Treehouse to Haunted Castle and Motorcycle Madness. The Cave allows guests to go back in time and live in “primal luxury” in a twostory primitive-looking suite (with modern comforts); Dragon’s Lair features a floating round bed, a TV in the shower and a waterslide sink from Estonia; and Cupid’s Corner is a burlesque boudoir with a heart-shaped king-size bed and a heart-shaped jetted tub with underwater lighting. And when a day skiing and boarding is over, guests can retire to their unique suite, enjoy the outdoor fire patio, spend some time on the snow luge or in the on-site igloo — outfitted with chairs, lights and music. ❖ adventuresuites.com
Mountain View Grand Resort
Getting the “truth in advertising” nod, the Mountain View Grand Resort, in Whitefield, delivers what its name promises. This butter cream, classic New Hampshire grand resort offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Settling in on the veranda for an unfettered view across the valley may make it challenging to tear yourself away, so before you head for the lifts, book a Vista Studio Room and look out onto Mount Lafayette and Cannon Mountain, as well as partial views of the Kilkenny Range and Percy Peaks. ❖ mountainviewgrand.com
Rated one of the top ten theme hotels in the world, Adventure Suites is a one-of-akind property, with themed rooms that include: The Cave The Club Cupid’s Corner Deserted Island Dragon’s Lair Haunted Castle The Jungle Log Cabin Love Shack Motorcycle Madness New York Penthouse Rocket Launcher Roman Rendezvous Showtime Sky Captain’s Lounge Treehouse Victorian Spa Wine Cellar Wolf Den
The 141 luxurious guest rooms and suites blend perfectly with the year-round natural beauty and panoramic mountain views of the White Mountains.
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For Non-Skiers
The Red Jacket Mountain View
As hard as it is to conceive of, there may be members of your party who do not ski. Once the shock of this unthinkable eventuality subsides, you may be looking for something to occupy their time. The Red Jacket Mountain View may be the perfect choice. This North Conway resort is located on 25 acres surrounded by some of the most beautiful country in the state. A sloping, expansive lawn unfolds from the top of Sunset Hill, providing guests with a view of the Moat Mountains, White Horse Ledge, Cathedral Ledge and the Saco River Valley. But most importantly, for the non-skier, it’s home to Kahuna Laguna — a 40,000 squarefoot, year-round indoor water park packed with slides, waves and pools that are all heated to a perfect 84 degrees year-round. While you’re on the slopes skiing, boarding and having a good day, your friend-with-questionable-taste can be back at Kahuna Laguna, well, having a great time. ❖ redjacketresorts.com
RiverWalk Resort at Loon
The RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain, in Lincoln, provides plenty to do, as well. Take a swim in the resort’s heated all-season outdoor pool or hot tubs. Step into the pool from the inside, poke through the faux wall and venture into the winter air — all while staying beneath the surface of the heated outdoor pool. Also in winter, adjacent to the outdoor lap pool, the laguna is frozen over and is open for ice skating. Following a few laps or skating, go back inside and sample some wine and take a tour at the on-site Seven Birches Winery, or head to the nearby North Country Climbing Center, in Lisbon, to tackle the more than 6,000 feet of climbing walls. ❖ loonmtn.com/lodging/riverwalk
courtesy photos
With all the amenities you would expect from a high-end luxury resort, plus an on-site commercial winery, fine Italian cuisine, award-winning spa and ice skating around the outdoor all-season heated pool, your stay at RiverWalk offers plenty of things to do for skiers and non-skiers alike.
Kahuna Laguna has been voted one of the 2019 Top 10 Indoor Water Parks in the nation by readers of USA Today in their 10 Best Readers’ Choice travel awards.
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In-Room Fireplace
The Inn at Thorn Hill & Spa
Packed with rooms named for the nearby Presidential Range, The Inn at Thorn Hill & Spa provides a classic, comfortable French Country feel with a fireplace in every room of the main lodge, and in each of the private cottages. Pro tip: the fireplace pairs perfectly with a two-person Jacuzzi (also in every room and cottage). Light up one of the gas fireplaces and the bone-chilling grip of a Granite State mid-winter will never seem further away. ❖ innatthornhill.com
Stay in one of 16 unique guest rooms in the main inn, luxuriously styled with Jacuzzi tubs, king and queen beds, steam showers, flat screen TVs and gas fireplaces.
The Wentworth Inn
The Wentworth Inn, in Jackson, offers guests fireplaces in all of its deluxelevel rooms, some of which have been recently renovated, bringing modern comfort to classic European cottage ambiance. While heading to your room, however, you’ll pass by a gorgeous wood and marble fireplace in the lobby — an elegant and utterly welcoming portal to one of the most romantic getaways in the Mount Washington Valley. ❖ thewentworth.com
Nestled in the majestic White Mountains of Jackson, New Hampshire, The Wentworth is a charming, 61-room inn within close proximity to cross-country skiing, a stunning golf course and an abundance of year-round, outdoor activities.
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what goes
Down
UP photo by outdoorphotographie
must come
An uphiller makes the climb on the way up, before the ski down at Cranmore Mountain.
Uphilling New Hampshire’s Slopes
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hen his children are in the ski programs at Cranmore Mountain Resort in North Conway, season pass holder Paul DegliAngeli uses the precious time to hit the slopes. But he doesn’t make a straight line to the high-speed quad or any lift for that matter. He starts skinning up. Uphill skiing, also known as “skinning,” puts participants at the top of the mountain under their own power — no lifts for these endurance addicts. They use skis fitted with special bindings and adhesive skins that line the bottom of the skis to provide enough grip to prevent slipping backward. Once they get to the top, the skier peels off the skins, locks in the heel bindings and heads back down using the same equipment they just used to climb up in. So as DegliAngeli begins his ascent, upstream as it were, there are typically some interesting comments from skiers and snowboarders going the downhill way. Inevitably, DegliAngeli is stopped by those with heels affixed to bindings. “The most popular comment is, ‘Hey, you’re going the wrong way,’” he said. For DegliAngeli, it’s all about exercise and fun: a great workout. They’re curious about what he’s doing. “They want to know how the equipment works so I’ll stop and show them,” he said. “I’ll point to Mount Washington and tell them I don’t have the time to go there, but by doing this, you can stay fit and also enjoy the backcountry when you have the time.” Backcountry skiing and New Hampshire are forever linked, forged by access to monumental runs on the east shoulder of Mount Washington in iconic Tuckerman Ravine. A spring mecca for skiers and snow-boarders carrying their gear to ski the narrow steep challenges, the discipline is finding another home at downhill ski areas that began embracing uphilling a few years ago. Better gear, demand and the rise of the nonprofit Granite Backcountry Alliance which promotes and reclaims trails in New Hampshire and western Maine have helped the uphill renaissance. Skinning at ski areas provides convenience plus safety and snowmaking on trails, a boon during scarce natural snow times. Conversely, doing alpine touring or AT on groomers also helps people prepare for the backcountry especially if they are rookies to the discipline and are trying out new equipment. Being spotted by curious weekend warriors isn’t the only place to see uphillers. Events are on the rise. By Marty Basch
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Tuckerman Ravine has long been associated with backcountry skiing. The uphill discipline is now being offered at many downhill ski areas.
Yes, there are reasons for chairlifts but self-propelled uphill travel is a great workout and exhilarating.
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The Winter Wild Series has skiers and snowboarders plus runners and snowshoers trekking up and down ski areas across New England in the morning’s wee hours before the lifts open. Black Mountain in Jackson has them engaged under the stars by the light of their headlamps during its Friday night series. Last season Cranmore started its Meister Tour Series as part of its long-running citizen racing program Moun-tain Meisters. “It was two laps, up the South Slope, and down a series of gates
on the North Slope, with a mass start,” said Cranmore Marketing Director Becca Deschenes. The Hannes Schneider Meister Cup Race, a fundraiser for the New England Ski Museum, introduced skinning to its weekend with a night tour in 2009. That morphed to the Schneider Sprint in the 2017-18 season, a more competitive race. Cranmore donates $20 from each Uphill Season Pass sale to Granite Backcountry Alliance to promote the sport of backcountry skiing.
courtesy photo
Andrew Drummond’s a driving force behind the free-heeling bulge. The multi-sport athlete and owner of the alpine touring shop Ski the Whites at Black Mountain in Jackson first skied Tuckerman Ravine at age 12 and is now a GBA board member and race director starting those series at Black and Cranmore, and at Shawnee Peak in Maine. Under the glow of a headlamp, free-heelers trek up Black Mountain when the lifts are closed during the Friday Night Lights series that started two
seasons ago. With an affinity for night touring and seeing the need for community events for the backcountry community, the event has grown to include 450 participants of all ages from across New England. New to the sport? Reserve backcountry gear for it, and demo it as the series is also an outdoor lab to try the discipline out. “Getting the chance to skin a lap uphill in the gear before committing to a likely expensive purchase will ensure that you’re setting yourself up for the best backcountry experience possible,” Drummond said. “This means finding the balance of fit and performance. There are an overwhelming number of backcountry boots on the market, so find what works best for you.” Drummond says there’s no better way to travel in the mountains than on a modern backcountry setup. “It has been a blast to watch the backcountry community flourish over the last several years,” he said. “It’s not just one demographic either. We see kids getting junior setups and parents looking for ways to stay active while their kids are in ski programs.” Skinning is a lot more friendly that its name implies. Yes, there are reasons for chairlifts, but selfpropelled uphill travel is a great workout and can be exhilarating. Though skiing can often be a solitary experience, doing it with friends and like-minded individuals makes it social and fun. And going uphill is only part of the endeavor. Going downhill is the just reward for slowly getting yourself to the top. Entering the uphill domain requires alpine touring gear that gives you flexibility for the trek up and steadiness for that cruise down. Instead of traditional alpine ski boots, AT boots are designed for both modes of travel allowing
Moving on Up: Skinning 101
Whether it’s for training purposes, for the sheer exhilaration of spending time in the backcountry or “earning your turns,” uphill skiing is gaining in popularity among those craving the endorphin rush as much as the speed typically associated with alpine pursuits. Here’s a few tips, terms and need-toknows for anyone new to uphill skiing: Talk the talk: Uphill skiing is alternately referred to as skinning, AT skiing, ski mountaineering or randonee skiing. Gearing up: Skinners normally use alpine touring skis designed for the pursuit — they’re lighter, which makes getting uphill a bit easier. Some feature notches, which help when attaching the climbing skins. Skin in the game: Skins are pre-cut pieces of material that attaches to the bottom of the skis, gripping the snow and allowing the skier to make his or her way uphill without sliding backwards. Bindings and boots: Touring bindings allow the skier’s heel to move freely, allowing for a stride that’ll carry them along the trail and upward. The boots allow for a better range of motion, providing the ability to hike and skin. Skinning safely: Experts recommend the tried-and-true, “know before you go” approach, and bringing along a shovel and probe, an avalanche beacon, extra gloves and an insulation layer, and plenty of fuel and hydration to keep you going. Technique: Think long, smooth strides, according to experienced skinners. Lift your ski just enough to clear the plush of the skin. Keep your chin up, breathe, keep your core stable. Play by the rules: Stick to designated routes, times and stay safe. NH S k i and S now.c om
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Along with getting a terrific workout, uphillers have the opportunity to experience winter in it’s solitude and beauty, away from the sometimes crowded downhill slopes.
for greater pliability during the walk or jog up and stability for the schuss down. AT bindings allow free-heeling skiers to make the switch, giving them the freedom to lift their heels with each stride and then by clamping down the heel piece after the climb to allow for the downhill run similar to one in traditional alpine boots. Skis tend to be lighter than traditional alpine skis, while snowboarders use a split board that comes about in two halves, good for the way up, and then returns to one board for the ride down. Then there’s the skin, made of mohair (goat hair) or nylon, or a combination of the two. One side has a reusable adhesive that sticks to the skis while the other side only slides one way, allowing for grip on the hill to prevent slippage. Peel them off at the top and ski down. For the most part, ski areas that allow uphill travel do so on designated routes during set hours. Those doing so must have a valid season pass, lift ticket or purchase an uphill accesstype of ticket. At Loon, in Lincoln, uphill travel is allowed on certain trails two hours before the resort opens and during resort operating hours. A practice done for safety concerns. “There are challenges from an operational perspective, which is why we created our uphill access policy,” said Communications Manager Greg Kwasnik. “We wanted to create an environment where people traveling uphill would have a minimal impact on operational assets like groomers, snowmaking equipment and snowmobiles — or skiers and riders traveling downhill during regular operating hours. That’s why we allow uphill travel only on certain designated routes and hours.” But not all skinners follow the rules. “The biggest safety concern we have is with people that skin up the mountain at night or during times when it’s not permitted, while we are actively grooming and snowmaking,” NH S k i and S now.c om
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photo by Mart y Basch
The Friday Night Lights series at Black Mountain in Jackson attracts skiers from around New England.
said Cannon marketing director Greg Keeler. “While we have not had any accidents, groomers often report skinners skiing right behind groomers or coming upon them unexpectedly. That presents a huge safety hazard especially with our winch cat, which may have 1,000 feet or more of cable at tension stretched down the trail.” Though people generally stick to the rules during the day at the Franconia Notch State Park ski area, those night travelers could be spoilers. “The more we see of that, the more it puts the whole program in jeopardy,” he said. In 2018-19, Cannon sold 235 uphill tickets at $15 each, but the number of uphill travelers is higher because Cannon season pass holders are allowed with their pass. “We feel the need to charge a reasonable price for a skinning ticket because we spend millions of dollars on snowmaking and 26 | nh ski & snow
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photo by Andrew Drummond
Uphill skiers take part in the Winter Wild series in 2017 at Black Mountain in Jackson.
grooming which are both required to provide skiing — up and down — in winter,” said Keeler. Why allow it? “We’re always working to expand the winter activities we offer, and we’ve seen increasing numbers of guests traveling uphill in recent years,” said Kwasnik. “Our uphill travel policy allows
this growing group of skiers, snowboarders and snowshoers to enjoy the mountain in a way that doesn’t conflict with mountain operations or our downhill-only guests.” So check the mountain report at ski areas, obey the rules of the mountain, be courteous, give the downhill skier the right of way and head uphill. ❆
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photo by Jeff Hayes
Red jackets and white crosses are the familiar wardrobe for ski patrol.
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Skiers see them all the time, but what do they know about them? What kind of person does it take to be a ski patrol member? What’s a typical day like? What tips do they have for staying safe? By Marty Basch
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photo by jeff hayes
A group from the ski patrol gathers to practice their rescue skills. Ski patrols can use a toboggan to transport injured skiers and riders down trails.
T
he aging chairlift came to a halt, as lifts sometimes will. Temperamental hydraulics seemed to be getting the upper hand on optimism and patience that day, and eventually the chair moved no more. Soon the radio of the person sitting next me on the stalled triple, the ski area’s general manager, crackled with the news of an imminent evacuation. “Figured that,” Ragged Mountain General Manager Bob Fries said to the mountain manager on the other end of the radio. What started as an anticipated 12-minute chairlift ride turned into a 70-minute experience as we dangled high above the snow at the Danbury ski area in central New Hampshire. But then the ski patrol arrived. They talked us through the process before using equipment like rope and T bar- shaped evacuator seats to lower us down, one at a time, after we threw down our
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skis and poles. They were friendly, professional and reassuring. Eventually Fries, a veteran of many safety drills, and I were reunited with firm snow. But this was no drill, and knowing that, the good-natured Fries had a way to impress a now-jittery ski writer. So did the ski patrol. That eyeopening experience some 10 years ago gave me a glimpse into the world of such patrollers — the ubiquitous red-jacketed and white cross-wearing volunteers and pros monitoring the slopes. These certainly weren’t the first patrollers I’d ever seen or talked with, but they were the first that assisted me. For the most part, patrollers are a gregarious bunch, always friendly on the chairlift and wonderful resources for firsthand accounts of snow conditions. They can also provide insight for skiers and riders unfamiliar with the ski area on where to go while providing frequent trail fliers the
The National Ski Patrol Responsibility Code • Always stay in control, and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects. • People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them. • You must not stop where you obstruct a trail, or are not visible from above. • Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others. • Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment. • Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas. • Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely. For more about the Responsibility Code, visit nsp.org.
skinny on when the ropes may drop on favorite runs. Envied for privileges that have them on the hill before and after first and last chair, and an express line for chair access if they choose, patrollers may seem like snow enforcers to a few. In reality, however, they are valued ski area snow ambassadors to many. And when you need them, it’s good that they’re there. Patrollers, some paid but mostly volunteers, run the spectrum of backgrounds and vocations. They all have one thing in common: a love of helping people and carving snow — whether on one board or two. They are a committed and tight-knit bunch, often making the long drive from cities and suburbs on weekends where they have regular jobs, to New Hampshire’s mountains. Though full- and part-time ski patrollers are there for rescue and recovery, they have many tasks the snow-loving public may not know about. “We don’t administer as much first aid as our history implies,” said Stef Costello, ski patrol director of Pats Peak in Henniker, just outside Concord. “We spend the majority of our time checking trails, maintaining fences, ropes, signs, marking hazards and obstacles, picking up trash, retrieving items that customers drop from the ski lifts and training. We are constantly training on our medical skills, ski and ride skills, tobogganing and mountain- specific procedures like opening and closing trails and lifts, turning on lights, lift evacuation, etc.” The list of responsibilities is lengthy and detailed. Patrollers are there early in the day to make sure the lifts are safe to ride. They keep the snowmaking and tower pads in good order. They fill out paperwork about weather and trails. They help prepare race courses. They’re in touch with the marketing department to let them know what’s going on. They’re first on the trails to make sure they’re safe and at the
Prepare Before You Go
Winter sport tips from the National Ski Patrol condit ioning You might think that stepping into a pair of skis or a snowboard, riding the lift and carving through fresh powder down a mountainside, then repeating the process over and over again, wouldn’t be something you’d need to prepare for. Regardless of your ability level, don’t make the mistake of assuming you can ski or board yourself into shape. These are demanding activities, and if you haven’t conditioned your body accordingly, you tire quicker, become sore more easily and also stand a greater chance of getting injured. So, where to start? There are three main areas in a preseason training regime to speed your transition to the slopes and steer you away from injury. Aerobicize and Anaerobicize: In most snow sports, it’s important to build a strong base of aerobic fitness, because that’s what’s going to allow you to be on the hill longer and reduce your chance of injury due to fatigue. At the same time, skiing and snowboarding are anaerobic activities, which means that they require short, intense bursts of energy interspersed with rest periods. Strength Training: Target major muscle groups in the upper body that exercises the arms, chest, back and shoulders. Also focus on leg work that involves the calves, quadriceps, hamstrings and gluteals. Flexibility: Stretching is the one aspect of preseason training that should be done every day. Combine flexibility and movement exercises to increase your balance and coordination for the maximum range of motion required for skiing and snowboarding. D r e ss for S u cc ess Whether you are a novice to winter sports or an expert, one of the most important ingredients to having an enjoyable experience is to dress efficiently. For skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, winter running, ice climbing or any other outdoor pursuit, the goal is to stay warm and dry. Here’s how to do it. Dress in multiple, lightweight layers. Underneath, choose mid- or heavyweight long underwear with wicking capabilities. Staying dry is the best way to combat the inevitable cooling while you’re at rest in the lift lines and on the chairlift. Also, look for undergarments with zip turtlenecks. Next, layer on a lofty insulator, such as fleece pile, to trap warm air and protect you against the cold. Again, the fabric should wick moisture and breathe to help you stay dry. Another good option for skiing and boarding is windproof fleece. Several manufacturers offer garments that feature a layer of wind protection sandwiched between layers of fleece, providing extra warmth and protection without added weight or bulk. Shells for downhilling should be completely windproof and have many ventilation options. A longer, three-quarter length shell parka will keep wind and snow out most effectively with the added benefit of keeping your backside warm on the lift. A hood is handy for extra head and neck protection in high winds. For the best performance and comfort, wear shell pants over stretchy fleece tights. Features to look for in shell pants include full side zips for ventilation, articulated knees for ease of movement and bibs for extra snow protection. Some people, particularly snowboarders, like an extra layer of warmth and padding for sitting in the snow; it’s also nice on the lift. Bring water or a drink to stay hydrated — in a thermos if it’s really cold so it doesn’t freeze. And don’t forget energy bars and snacks. Working hard, you’ll use a lot of calories. You don’t want to burn out before you make it back to the lodge. For more tips, visit the National Ski Patrol’s website at nspserves.org NH S k i and S now.c om
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photos by Jenifer Garside
Chairlift evacuations are part of ski patrol’s duties. It’s a long way down from a chairlift.
Constant training insures a topnotch ski patrol.
end of the day, they’re doing sweeps to make sure everyone’s down. And in the end, the ski patrol wants its presence felt. “We want our jackets to be seen,” said Jenifer Garside, ski patrol director at King Pine in East Madison in the Mount Washington Valley. And they also want to interact with you. Waterville Valley Ski Patrol Director Jeff Hayes has been a full-time patroller since 2010. He’s also an officer of the New Hampshire National Ski Patrol Board of Directors, which oversees the training and education of its members. Hayes rides the chairlift all the time with guests at the western White Mountains resort. Though patrollers can take advantage of quicker lift access, he encourages his staff to sidestep that and ride with the people. “A lot of people are surprised by what we do,” said Hayes. “They’ll tell me they thought we all were doctors. We run the gamut. We have doctors, paramedics but we also have everyone from corporate to middle managers to engineers and teachers — people who love skiing.” Often it is those chairlift rides that lead to people wanting to become a pack-carrying ski patroller. It can create a desire to live the life that would find them transporting guests down the hill on a toboggan, handling first aid, and becoming proficient with shovels and rope rescue equipment. New Hampshire’s slopes are patrolled by members of the National Ski Patrol (NSP), a nonprofit organization with more than 30,000 skiers and snowboarders serving in some 650 patrols across the world — largely in North America. Founded in 1938, the organization follows a doctrine of “Service and Safety,” as it evolved from a service-based group to a professional education association. While patrollers are at least NH S k i and S now.c om
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intermediate-level skiers and snowboarders comfortable on all the trails of their beloved mountain, there’s training. Hours of it. There’s medical training, with most ski areas requiring an Outdoor Emergency Care course through the NSP that’s similar to EMT classes. The programs are long, some 90 to 120 hours. Following that is toboggan training where candidates are taught how to pull loaded and empty toboggans down all trails in varying conditions. A third training piece focuses on mountain specific duties, which vary among resorts. “All of this is required before a candidate can wear their patrol jacket with crosses,” said Costello. “It can take anywhere from one to three seasons, depending on the motivation of the candidate.” Ski patrol offices dot the resorts, their cozy huts a warming respite with woodstoves and limited kitchen and furnishings. Pop in. You’ll be welcome. “We encourage people to stop in from time to time,” said Hayes. “Some think they can’t. When people stop in it can break down a 34 | nh ski & snow
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courtesy photo
Members of the ski patrol at Gunstock Mountain Resort are prepared and ready for whatever the day brings.
little bit of our mystery to guests.” It’s no mystery that education is key to patrollers, as it all comes down to safety. Have fun, but have fun with respect. Hydrate. Replace emptied calories. Know when you’ve skied enough, especially at day’s end when going down that trail you’ve never been down before probably isn’t a good idea. “Skiers and riders need to know the responsibility code, which will help prevent problems before they occur,” said Garside. “We like to develop a positive relationship with the skiing public.” Sometimes a segment of the winter-loving public may see a closed trail as a challenge, and ski patrol members as police officers who can administer the dreaded sentence of a pulled lift ticket. “When terrain is closed, it’s closed for a reason, whether it’s grooming, snowmaking or coverage,” said Hayes. “If it’s closed, it’s deemed unsafe. If people poach it they are putting themselves and ski patrol at risk if someone gets hurt.” Pulling passes is a rarity. “Some people perceive us as police
officers, but I want to stress our job is to be ambassadors,” he said. Costello hates yanking tickets. “We would rather use it as an opportunity to educate them,” she said. “We aren’t police officers; we are here to help encourage people make decisions that keep themselves and others safe.” Of course, stuff happens on snow. Patrollers will say no two rescues are the same and some stay with them. “I have so many memorable rescues,” said Garside. “I like it when I’m out skiing around and I see someone that can’t get their or their child’s ski on and I stop, take my skis off and help them put it on. It makes their day.” And there’s a certain lift evacuation some 10 years ago where I learned to trust the patrol and remain relaxed. “Stay calm,” advised Costello. “We train countless hours on skiing with toboggans and lift evacuations to be ready for when we need the skills.” No argument from me. ❆
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Snow guns lay down fresh powder at Loon Mountain. 36 | nh ski & snow
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working with
Mother
Nature New Hampshire Ingenuity Tackles Climate Change
N
ew England winters have long been synonymous with snow sports and unpredictable weather. Spend any time here, skiing or snowboarding, and you’ll learn that lesson quickly. However, the very same Yankee ingenuity that helped the ski industry gain a foothold and then flourish in the Granite State is being called upon to help save the sport in the face of climate change. There’s a great deal on the line for New Hampshire skiers and snowboarders who are already being asked to pay a premium while pursuing their passion. Snow — good snow — is a necessity, and the scientific community is predicting a grim forecast.
Winter season lengths are projected to decline at ski areas across the country, in some locations by more than 50% by 2050 and by 80% by 2090, if greenhouse gas emissions By Brion O’Connor
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photo courtesy loon mountain resort
Climate researchers are not sugarcoating their findings
photo courtesy pats peak
Multiple guns line a slope at Pats Peak.
continue at their current rate, according to a 2017 case study published in Global Environmental Change. Furthermore, a tourism management study, done in 2012, suggested only about half of the roughly 100 ski resorts presently operating in the Northeast will be economically viable by mid-century. Those are sobering numbers. But New Hampshire ski area officials say that it’s a familiar refrain in New England, where the vagaries of the weather borders on legendary. None sounded worried that they would soon be listed on the New England Lost Ski Areas Project (nelsap.org). “Our weather in New England is consistently inconsistent,” said Ken Mack, Loon Mountain’s snow surfaces manager. “We’ve been dealing with warm-ups and rain events since 1966, but didn’t have the firepower to quickly bring the trails back to packed powder conditions back then.” 38 | nh ski & snow
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Likewise, the Mount Sunapee tandem of director of mountain operations Chris Corliss and snowmaking manager Kris Dubaere have a combined experience of more than 6 decades. There’s little they haven’t seen. “Weather variability has always been a factor in the ski industry,” said Corliss. “Mount Sunapee still pumps around the same amount of water for snowmaking operations as we did 20 years ago, to cover the same terrain and features. “So the average temperatures and windows in which we can make snow have not changed drastically,” he said. “What we have noticed is a higher variability of conditions during our winter seasons, including rain and icing events.” John Lowell, president and general manager of Attitash and Wildcat, told the Conway Daily Sun last spring that a resort’s ability to adjust to rapid-changing weather patterns
“Our weather in New England is consistently inconsistent.” will play an ever-increasing role in its success. “Weather patterns seem to be trending more to the extremes, and we must be prepared to make as much snow as possible when the windows of opportunity present themselves,” said Lowell. “This, coupled with the increasing cost of electricity and electrical supply issues, magnify the need to be efficient and productive.” Andrew Mahoney, general manager at King Pine Ski Area in East Madison, has been involved in mountain operations, dealing with New England winters, since 1993.
photo courtesy loon mountain resort
Bring on the Snow — and the Visitors
With or Without Weather Cooperation, Granite State Ski Areas Thrive
New technologies and snowmaking techniques have helped New Hampshire ski areas thrive, no matter the weather. In fact, a study has revealed that more people came to New Hampshire to ski last year than the previous season. According to Ski New Hampshire, the statewide association that represents 32 alpine and cross-country resorts in the state, visitors who traveled to the Granite State for its winter sports offerings were up year-over-year by 5%. Alpine skiing visits alone were up 5% over the 2017-18 season, and crosscountry skiing visits were up two percent over the 2018-19 season. Tubing posted a significant uptick, with visits growing by 17% over the previous year. Snowfall played a key role in the season’s overall performance, according to Ski New Hampshire. While the season started with significant snowfall, leading some areas to open early and many ski areas to post strong early season visitation numbers, that snowfall was often confined to just the mountainous regions of the state. November and December were strong in terms of natural snowfall and skier visits, but over the course of the season the frequency of storms tended to decrease, and there was little snow in southern regions of New Hampshire and the greater Boston region. Early season storms likely combatted against the Backyard Effect — the impression that if there’s no snow “in my backyard, there’s no snow on the mountain’”— and frigid temps allowed ski areas to experience top-notch snowmaking. Persistent cold temperatures allowed ski areas to make snow throughout the season, which resulted
in ski areas staying open until their expected closing dates or longer. Spreading the word about consistently great conditions may have also helped. Facebook, Twitter and Snapchat have been the mountains’ best friends in recent seasons. Where once snowmakers would have to hope word-of-mouth reached people whose lawns were providing contradicting reports, they can now rely on their own social media networks. Skiers’ and boarders’ selfies, action shots and slopeside tweets are home-grown, grass-roots ski reports that can potentially reach thousands of people who were previously unaware of conditions. Though the ubiquitous phone cameras and the constant communication they provide are valuable tools when it comes to spreading the word from ski country, technology helps in more ways than one. New snowmaking equipment and improved techniques make even the warmest winter less of a concern. Still, according to mountain managers, snow reports and word-of-mouth are great, but a good old-fashioned snowstorm in central and southern New England is always a good thing. According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, which has been predicting the weather since its founding in 1792, the northeast can expect a frigid and wet winter. An online headline touting this year’s weather prediction in The Old Farmer’s Almanac may be music to skiers’ ears: “Get ready for shivers, snowflakes and slush!” it says. “Big chills and strong storms will bring heavy rain and sleet, not to mention piles of snow!” NH S k i and S now.c om
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photo courtesy loon mountain resort
A Loon snowmaker controls the direction of fresh powder on one of the slopes.
“During my career, I have witnessed increasingly challenging weather events, with more frequent storms that end in sleet and rain, more frequent melt/freeze cycles, and more low-snow years,” said Mahoney. “With that being said, we’re coming off one of our most successful seasons with great conditions right until the end of March.” Mahoney’s statement perfectly captures the wild swings that New England ski area managers have had to deal with for decades. It can be feast or famine. However, acknowledging the realities of changing weather, and believing those changes can be addressed through better technology and better business practices, are not necessarily mutually exclusive concepts. “I’ve seen all the doom and gloom facing ski areas in New England and in other parts of the country,” said Kris Blomback, general manager at Pats Peak Ski Area in Henniker for more than a quarter century. “Personally, I don’t buy it. Operating any business, whether its ski areas or widget companies, encounter forces beyond their control. Weather 40 | nh ski & snow
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happens to be one of the inputs that we cannot control. But what we can do about it, we certainly do. “I am generally bullish on the snow sports, but I don’t look through rose-colored glasses either,” he said. “Our management team is vigilant on emerging trends, cost control and generally operating our business where — pardon the pun — we don’t get too far out over our skis. Poor management has sunk many an area at a faster clip than any sort of vagaries of weather.”
Snowmaking’s early days Blomback’s matter-of-fact approach to climate change is echoed by Jessyca Keeler, executive director of SkiNH, the association that represents the state’s ski areas. In fact, she said, it’s simply the latest challenge in almost 80 years of challenges. “While it’s true that climate change is a top concern amongst many in the ski industry, ski areas in New Hampshire have had a long time to learn to adapt to changing weather patterns,” said Keeler. “As early as the late 1930s, when the industry began in this state, operators looked for ways to make
The ability to remotely start, stop and control snowmaking has tremendous value in today’s world where snowmaking temperatures are unpredictable. KLIK Auto Hydrants improve snowmaking efficiency by over 200% when compared to using traditional hydrants and hoses.
snow during seasons when Mother Nature wasn’t cooperative.” “Thus began the sister industry of snowmaking, which has become a key element for New England ski areas’ ability to ensure a 4- to 5-month ski season for its customers,” said Keeler. “Over the decades, the efficiency of snowmaking systems has increased dramatically, effectively allowing ski areas to make twice the amount of snow in half the amount of time that they did just a decade or two ago.” Blomback agrees with Keeler. “(Snowmaking) systems in general are getting bigger and faster,” he said. “In the ‘60s, it was a novelty to have snowmaking. In the ‘70s, if you didn’t have it, you went ‘bye bye.’ “In the ‘80s it was all about getting your coverage to 70% to 90%,” said Blomback. “In the late ‘90s up and through today, you’re seeing every ski area trying to make the investments to get their terrain open as fast as possible.”
Bringing out the BIG guns Technological advances have been implemented at ski areas throughout the state, large and small. At a family-owned resort like King Pine in East Madison, Mahoney said, “Over the past decade we’ve spent the vast majority of our capital budget on improving snowmaking and grooming with the latest technology.” “The first phase was to replace our diesel-powered water pumping and air compressor equipment with more environmentally friendly electric-powered machinery,” he said. “The next phase was to invest in new high-efficiency snowmaking equipment. We added 46 new HKD tower guns, two TechnoAlpin tower guns and rebuilt two other fan guns with the latest high-efficiency nozzles. “We have definitely realized cost
savings with these improvements,” said Mahoney. “We’re now able to put a lot more snow on the mountain in more marginal temperatures, but we can do it in a shorter period of time.” At Cranmore in North Conway, MountainOperations Manager John Mersereau learned the business at the side of his father. Recent technological advances in snowmaking and grooming “have been game-changers,” he said. “They have allowed us to reduce manpower, energy use and our carbon footprint to produce a better product in a shorter time span. “We have incorporated these technologies into both departments at our resort,” said Mersereau. “These upgrades and changes are not cheap but very beneficial to the resort’s sustainability both environmentally and financially. In snowmaking we have gone from 110 low-energy tower guns, to well over 500 low-energy tower guns.” Of course, the manpower required to run the complex snowmaking systems is a major financial hurdle. To keep those costs in line, some areas are doubling down on technology. “We are currently setting ourselves up for snowmaking automation,” said Loon’s Mack. “To date, we’ve installed over 160 semi-auto KLIK hydrants, and are expecting to purchase another 50 this summer. “KLIK’s eliminate the need to roll out hoses and are self-draining when the gun is shut off, making it super safe and fast for our snowmakers,” he said. “These hydrants can also be automated by removing the single handle and installing an actuator, communication, and power back to the control room. We hope to start incorporating full snowmaking automation within the next two to five years.” The second key factor in battling
the side effects of climate change is a robust grooming operation. Groomers may be the unsung heroes of the ski world, providing optimal conditions while the rest of us sleep. Skiers and snowboarders can readily see the snow guns pumping out man-made powder. But groomers often work out of sight, at night (note those flickering lights traversing the slopes after sundown). And the snowpack they create often dictates not only how good the conditions will be, but also a base that determines how long a ski area can stay open come springtime. “Grooming equipment has really evolved in a short amount of time,” said Mack. “Increased horsepower,
“Weather patterns seem to be trending more to the extremes, and we must be prepared to make as much snow as possible when the windows of opportunity present themselves.” better tillers, comfortable and intuitive operator stations, snow-pack monitoring and fleet management software have allowed us to provide a consistent, quality surface. “With the older machines we would often have to make several passes over the same trail in order to get it to come out right,” he said. “With these newer Prinoth Bisons, we can get it right in one pass, saving time and fuel.” Likewise, Mersereau said “the technology has come leaps and bounds from 15 years ago, along with the price tag.” NH S k i and S now.c om
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photo courtesy loon mountain resort
The second key factor in battling the side effects of climate change is a robust grooming operation. The snowpack they create often dictates not only how good the conditions will be, but also a base that determines how long a ski area can stay open come springtime.
“While the old school ways of snow farming are tried and true, with the new technology and new equipment comes different techniques and possibilities,” he said. “It has given us the ability to take the snow surface to the next level, with a better quality product, and get it done faster and easier.” Of course, as Mersereau suggested, all of this technology costs money. Lots of money. That’s a major reason why skiing is expensive. But knowing what a lift ticket costs, resort managers have recommitted to making sure they provide the best conditions possible. “If you plan to be a successful ski resort in New England, then you have to invest and keep up with your snowmaking operations,” said Sunapee’s Corliss. “This ensures sustained business levels during low natural snow years and the ability to bounce back quickly from unwanted rain and icing events during the winter season. “As Mount Sunapee is now a part of Vail Resorts, we will benefit from the continued investment in enhanced snowmaking,” he said. “In addition to these efforts, which help
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ensure consistent conditions for our guests, we are also focused on operationalizing sustainability.” Those corporate benefits will now extend to Wildcat, Attitash and Crotched Mountain, three Peak Resorts properties in New
“You can have the nicest lodges and lifts in the world, but nobody will show up if you don’t have the skiing.” Hampshire that were acquired by Vail Resorts this summer. According to Corliss, Vail Resorts’ bold sustainability pledge — Commitment to Zero — includes achieving zero net emissions, zero waste to landfill, and zero net operating impact to forests and habitats by 2030. One part of the zero net emission goal includes reaching a 15% energyefficiency savings across all of the company’s 37 resorts. To achieve
this goal, Vail Resorts committed to investing $25 million in innovative, energy-saving projects in three key areas: snowmaking, buildings and lifts. This is happening through the deployment of low-energy snow guns as well as through replacement of LED lighting retrofits, said Corliss. Similar changes are happening at other areas. Pats Peak’s Blomback said: “As a business you’re always looking at your revenue dollars in and your expense dollars out. The greater the difference you can create, the more opportunities exist to reinvest in the facility.” For example, Blomback’s crew has been able to idle conventional air/water guns and substitute in low-energy and fan equipment. The difference in energy consumption, he said, is substantial. “It’s not uncommon to see a 90% reduction in the amount of energy that is needed to make snow these days, versus 20 or 30 years ago,” said Blomback. “The energy savings that are created, in part, help with the reinvestment into the operation. Our overall plan is to constantly improve the product and make investments in a snowmaking plant. We have a very robust system here at Pats Peak. “We laugh about it here in our staff meetings, but after snowmaking expansion takes a bite out of the available capital dollars — at the end of a ski season — all the other departments need to fight over the crumbs of what’s left,” he said. “But seriously, if you don’t have a good snow plant, you can have the nicest lodges and lifts in the world, but nobody will show up if you don’t have the skiing.” That customer-driven approach is a common theme among New Hampshire ski areas and resorts. Statewide, SkiNH’s Keeler said, “in the last five years alone, over $20 million has been spent to improve snowmaking systems in order to
help ski areas both save money and lower their carbon footprints.” “Other efforts to mitigate ski area impacts on the environment include a wide range of efforts, such as the installation of LED lighting throughout ski areas, installing electric car-charging stations, using electric groomers, implementing no-idling policies, and installing more energy-efficient heating systems in lodges and associated buildings,” she said. Even those managers who are skeptical about the severity of climate change understand the necessity to adapt.
Looking to the future... “Do we have issues? You bet,” said Blomback. “But technology and adaption can overcome a lot of adversity. What ski areas faced in the ‘50s and ‘60s for problems are long in the rearview mirror with the advent of modern snowmaking. “Thirty years from now, I’m pretty confident we’ll be looking back and saying the issues of today are in the rearview mirror as well,” he said, adding that how individual ski areas “deal with curveballs” that climate change throws at them will set them apart, and will determine which remain successful. Looking ahead, Cranmore’s Mersereau echoed the sentiments of many colleagues in the ski industry: “We are very conscious of our carbon footprint and our impact on the environment, and are always looking for ways to reduce it. There is a lot of technology out there to help with this.” New Hampshire skiers and snowboarders are counting on it. ❆
Day out. Night in.
Bring provisions. After a great day out on the slopes, an evening in can be the perfect way to unwind. To bring provisions, stop by one of our 77 conveniently located New Hampshire Liquor & Wine Outlets – so you’re not left out in the cold.
LiquorandWineOutlets.com
Please Drink Responsibly
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nh ski & snow | 43 9/18/19 11:19 AM
10 Y best options for “skis-off” fun ears ago, my brother Mike, a proud member of Manchester Central’s Class of 1978, sported a fun bumper sticker on the back of his truck: Skiing = Life. It was, I thought, the perfect mantra for those hearty New Hampshire residents and visitors who love winter. Still, while it might sound sacrilegious to some, man does not live by skiing alone. Same for every woman and child. Because although skiing and New Hampshire is a match made in heaven for many, it’s not the “be all, end all” for everyone. Even most skiers and snowboarders understand that. Take me, for example. I’m a New Hampshire boy through and through. I can’t think of anything I’d rather be doing after Thanksgiving than hitting the slopes, carving big ol’ turns on freshgroomed corduroy, or maybe sneaking into the glades after a good powder dump. But I’m also a husband and a father, and suffice to say, not everyone in my clan shares my single-minded obsession. Do they love to ski? You bet. Do they want to mix it up a bit? Absolutely. So, to keep the peace, my wife and I rely on another time-honored adage: “Variety is the spice of life.” We make a concerted effort to enjoy all the activities that the winter in New Hampshire offers. That mindset can be a life-saver (or at least a trip-saver), given the vagaries of the weather. We only have one rule: Everyone needs to get outside. By Brion O’Connor 44 | nh ski & snow
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Winter 2019- 2020
Snowmobiling in the Mount Sunapee area
Snowshoeing
With modern, properly fitted gear, snowshoeing can feel as natural as walking. That makes this sub-freezing pastime one of the oldest, and one of the most popular winter activities for fans of the great outdoors. It also means you can do it almost anywhere you can find a well-maintained trail. Sample state parcels ranging from Monadnock State Park in Jaffrey to Bear Brook State Park in Allentown, or federal lands in the White Mountain National Forest. For something more predictable, visit groomed tracts like the Nordic Center at Waterville Valley, Bear Notch Ski Touring Center in Bartlett, Eastman Cross Country Center in Grantham, Bretton Woods by the Mount Washington Hotel, the Dartmouth Cross Country Ski Center in Hanover, Great Glen Trails in Pinkham Notch, and Gunstock Cross Country and Snowshoe Center in Gilford (all of which offer rentals). Prefer something more structured, like a tour or workshop? Check out the offerings of the Appalachian Mountain Club, which runs programs out of the Highland Center on Route 302 in Crawford Notch, and the Joe Dodge Lodge in Pinkham Notch, or Outdoor Escapes New Hampshire in Freedom.
Muddy Paws Dog Kennel, Mount Washington Resort
BEST BETS:
Appalachian Mountain Club various locations • outdoors.org Outdoor Escapes New Hampshire in North Conway King Pine at Purity Spring Resort in Madison Mount Washington Valley Ski Touring & Snowshoe in Intervale Gunstock Mountain Resort in Gilford Waterville Valley Resort in Waterville Valley Pats Peak Ski Resort in Henniker Jackson Ski Touring Foundation in Jackson
Great Glen Trails in Pinkham Notch Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center in Laconia Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods Windblown Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing in New Ipswich Loon Mountain Adventure Center in Lincoln Beaver Brook Association in Hollis Granite Gorge Ski Area in Keene Dartmouth Cross Country Ski Center in Hanover Dexter’s Inn in Sunapee
Snowmobiling
Admittedly, I’m a fan of activities powered by nature. I prefer sailboats to power boats, windsurfers to Jet Skis, mountain bikes to motorcycles. That’s just the way I’m wired (plus the fact that I’m not mechanically inclined in the least). I was reluctant to try snowmobiling. Then a friend brought a couple of sleds along during a “Boys Weekend” ski outing. The minute I got on one of his snowmobiles and hit the gas, I was hooked. These machines are remarkably agile and responsive. And fast. The New Hampshire Snowmobile Association maintains roughly 7,000 miles of dedicated trail throughout the state, so the variety is quite impressive. There’s also plenty of variety for tours and rentals, such as Dalton Motor Sports or Jericho Outdoors in Berlin, Northeast Snowmobile or White Mountain ATV Rental in Gorham, Dirt Adventure ATV Rentals or Out Back Kayak in Lincoln, or Bear Brook Adventures or Trailside Rentals in Pittsburg. BEST BETS:
New Hampshire Snowmobile Association • Tilton • nhsa.com Bretton Woods
Dog Sledding
This ancient pastime combines all the excitement of snowmobiling, without the throttletwisting horsepower or fumes and cacophony created by internal combustion. Generally speaking, sled dogs are unusually good natured, which the kids love. But these dogs don’t want to sit still for long. And the unmitigated joy they exude when “working,” running along snowcovered trails and through open fields, is absolutely infectious. “It’s just an amazing feeling of cruising down the trail, and it’s only you and the dogs,” said Lily Stewart, a dog-sled racer who attended the University of New Hampshire. “At first, it’s a little nerve-wracking, because it is just you and the dogs, but then you get into this zone where nothing else really exists.” BEST BETS:
Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel • Jefferson • dogslednh.com Valley Snow Dogz • Thornton • valleysnowdogz.com
Zip-Lining
One of the coolest, and potentially coldest, winter activities in the north country, zip-lining is about as close as most of us will ever come to actually flying. At Bretton Woods, a three-hour canopy offers a unique perspective on the wilds of the White Mountains. The thrilling tree-top experience features a series of nine ziplines and glorious, sweeping views of Mount Washington and the Presidential Range. The longest zip is roughly 830 feet, and more than 165 feet off the forest floor. Not to be outdone, Alpine Adventures to the south offer three zip-line options year-round, including the original Tree Top Canopy Tour, the SkyRider and the Super SkyRider Zipline (with ziplines longer than 1,600 feet, and speeds of up to 60 miles an hour). You can also find zip-line tours at Cranmore, Gunstock and Loon. BEST BETS:
Bretton Woods Canopy Tour • Bretton Woods • brettonwoods.com
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Snow Tubing
Whether you’re seven or 70, and whether you’re riding solo or racing your best buddies, speeding down a track in an inner tube will instantly connect you with your inner child. Seriously, what could possibly be better? You don’t need any particular skill or special equipment — just warm clothing, a tube, a long patch of snow and gravity. The big tubes are as comfortable as an over-stuffed Barcalounger, and the tracks are buffed super smooth to keep any drag to a minimum. Many areas offer surface lifts to shuttle you back to the top of the hill, and night lights allow you, and friends and family, to extend your day. BEST BETS:
Cranmore Mountain Resort • North Conway • cranmore.com Pats Peak Ski Area • Henniker • patspeak.com Gunstock Mountain Resort • Gilford • gunstock.com McIntyre Ski Area • Manchester • mcintyreskiarea.com King Pine Ski Area • Madison • kingpine.com
Ice Climbing
Traditional rock climbing routes in New Hampshire are popular in part because they’re predictable. Ice flows, conversely, promise an ever-changing canvas on which climbers can test their skills. New Hampshire boasts a number of spectacular locations, including Frankenstein Cliffs and Mount Willard in Crawford Notch, Champney Falls off the Kancamagus Highway, and Huntington Ravine on Mount Washington, where climbers can set their ice axes and crampons. The biggest caveat is that ice climbing can be a high-consequence activity, so working with a guide is the best option for beginners to intermediates. “We’re able to take people of all abilities climbing both on rock and ice,” said Bradley White, co-owner of International Mountain Climbing School. “The steeper the ice, the more upper body fitness is required, but everybody can climb something and be challenged.” BEST BETS:
International Mountain Climbing School • North Conway ime-usa.com North Ridge Mountain Guides • Bethlehem northridgemountainguides.com Eastern Mountain Sports • North Conway • emsoutdoors.com
Eastern Mountain Sports
Cog Railway
The Cog Railway
On the opposite side of The Rockpile, the legendary Cog Railway chugs halfway up the mountain’s western flank (winter rides do not go to the summit). The world’s first mountain-climbing cog railway is not an exhilarating ride, per se, given the slow, steep approach. But the stunning views and sublime sense of history are unparalleled. And kids will love the chance to stand in the coach and lean out way over their toes, thanks to the sheer incline (with grades exceeding 35%), much like a ski jumper in mid-flight. The small museum at the Marshfield Base Station is also worth a visit, with fascinating displays such as the Devil’s Shingle slideboard (which early daredevils used to race down the track at breakneck speeds) and Old Peppersass, the first locomotive to climb The Rockpile on July 3, 1869. BEST BETS:
The Cog Railway • Bretton Woods • thecog.com 46 | nh ski & snow
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Winter 2019- 2020
Sleigh Rides
Mount Washington SnowCoach
Mount Washington SnowCoach
The 7.6-mile Mount Washington Auto Road, first opened in 1861 and winding 4,200 feet to the summit of the Northeast’s tallest peak at 6,288 feet, has a moth-to-the-light pull for visitors. Mount Washington is often tagged with the reputation of “the word’s worst weather,” thanks to the sub-arctic conditions and the 231-mile-an-hour wind gusts recorded in April 1934. Those winds have scrubbed the granite dome above treeline, giving the landmark its affectionate nickname, “The Rockpile.” But being above treeline also provides remarkable views (imagine looking down on Wildcat Ski Area!). Be sure to bring your camera or smartphone. Advanced reservations for the 1½-hour tours are highly recommended. The Mount Washington Observatory also offers longer snowcat day trips and overnight “EduTrips” with a dedicated trip leader and a tour of the weather station. BEST BETS:
Great Glen Trails • Gorham • greatglentrails.com/snowcoach-2 Mount Washington Observatory • Gorham mountwashington.org/experience-the-weather/summit-adventures/day-trips
Fat Biking
These bikes, with their low-pressure balloon-like tires, are an absolute hoot in the snow. They’ll even roll confidently over ice, provided your tires are equipped with studs. For newcomers, the best option are machined-groomed cross-country ski routes, like you’ll find at Great Glen Trails and Outdoor Center in Pinkham Notch (unfortunately, no riding is allowed either up or down the Mt. Washington Auto Road except for Ski, Shoe & Fatbike to the Clouds event held in March) or the Mount Washington Valley Ski Touring Center in Intervale. However, these bikes are incredibly adaptable, and don’t require manicured terrain, making a host a trails fair game. Many shops offer rentals and maps of local trail networks. And the New England Mountain Bike Association has several local chapters in New Hampshire that can also provide local information and rides. BEST BETS:
Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center Pinkham Notch • greatglentrails.com Highland Mountain Bike Park Northfield highlandmountain.com Mount Washington Valley Ski Touring Center Intervale • mwvskitouring.org
There was a time when I thought that a horsedrawn sleigh ride through the snow, snuggled beside my sweetheart, was the epitome of romance. Actually, I still do! But once I saw how much our young daughters relished these outings, I was convinced it was one of the ultimate family winter activities. These rides are a blast day or night, but I’m especially partial to going out after sundown, under a constellation of stars. BEST BETS:
Omni Mount Washington Hotel • Bretton Woods • omnihotels.com Farm by the River Bed & Breakfast with Stables North Conway • farmbytheriver.com Purity Spring Resort • East Madison • purityspring.com Nestlenook Farm • Jackson • nestlenookfarmsleighrides.com
Aprés Ski (and Snow )
Winter sports and activities encourage us to embrace the cold and snow. So what could be better than sharing those experiences with a host of other folks at the end of the day? It’s difficult to find a better sense of camaraderie than an aprés ski getting together with friends and family. BEST BETS:
Babe’s Blue Ox Lounge at Loon Mountain loonmtn.com/dining-and-apres/babes-blue-ox-lounge Buckets, Schwendi Hutte and T-Bars waterville.com/dining-shopping Cannonball Pub at Cannon Mountain cannonmt.com/dining-pub-options.html The Cave • omnihotels.com/hotels/bretton-woods-mountwashington/dining/the-cave Delaney’s Hole in the Wall • delaneys.com Goosefeathers Pub at Mount Sunapee mountsunapee.com/mountain/lodges-food Onset Pub at Crotched Mountain crotchedmtn.com/onset-pub-and-lounge Paul Bunyan Room at Loon Mountain loonmtn.com/dining-and-apres/paul-bunyan-room Ptarmigan’s Pub at Attitash attitash.com/ptarmigans-pub Red Parka Steakhouse & Pub • redparkapub.com Sled Pub at Pats Peak patspeak.com/the-mountain/sled-pub.aspx Stone Hearth Bar at Ragged Mountain raggedmountainresort.com/the-stone-hearth-bar Wildcat Pub at Wildcat Mountain • skiwildcat.com/dining-apres Woodstock Inn Station & Brewery • woodstockinnnh.com Zip’s Pub and Grill at Mount Cranmore cranmore.com/the-mountain/resort-information/dining NH S k i and S now.c om
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innovations W
and upgrades
hile the rest of us were mountain biking, hiking or heading to the beach during the off-season, New Hampshire’s ski resorts remained laserfocused on this winter. After a summer of investments in everything from snowmaking abilities to infrastructure improvements, the state’s resorts are ready to welcome visitors and to show off their newest offerings. Here’s a look at just some of the improvements New Hampshire ski country has made for this season.
❆ The Balsams
Great Glen Trails has added an additional SnowCoach, upgraded its tubing hill and improved drainage work at the racing facility in the stadium area.
Wildcat ❆
Black Mountain ❆
Cannon Mountain invested in lift maintenance and infrastructure improvements with $2.5 million being spent on upgrades to the Mountain Station Tram building at the summit, including $25,000 toward adaptive route paving at the Aerial Tramway and $650,000 in lift maintenance.
St. Johnsbury ❆ Attitash
North Conway Lincoln
The Freestyle Lounge at the Waterville Valley Resort base lodge is expected to open this winter. Other base lodge improvements include a private event space and a family area. Ragged Mountain Resort has completed renovations to the Elmwood and Meetinghouse Lodges and the New Hampshire Mountain Inn. Other resort ❆ Whaleback improvements include snowmaking system upgrades, new gladed trails, a live-streaming camera and a new Rossignol rental fleet.
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Winter 2019- 2020
Concord
Manchester ❆ Granite Gorge
Cranmore Mountain Resort broke ground on Phase II of Kearsarge Brook Condominiums. It’s the second phase of a $50 million development that will transform the resort into a vibrant mixed-use community with year-round residences and expanded base facilities. Loon Mountain has installed 50 more semi-automated snowmaking hydrants on major trails, expanded its lodge facilities with the Summit Café remodel and the addition of the all-new Pemigewasset Base Camp. King Pine Ski Area has invested over $60,000 during the off-season maintaining its lift infrastructure, making base lodge improvements and investing in technology upgrades.
❆ Dartmouth Skiway
New snowmaking pipes have been installed and updated at Mount Sunapee Resort’s South Peak area. New racks for skis and boots have been added to accommodate the addition of new rental equipment for Ski School.
Bretton Woods at Mount Washington Resort debuts New Hampshire’s first 8-passenger Gondola (which travels at 1,200-feet per minute,) for the 2019-2020 ski season.
❆ McIntyre
Gunstock Mountain Resort has made more than $1 million in improvements this year including 47 new HKD Impulse snow guns and one TechnoAlpin TR8 Fan Gun. Other improvements include upgrades to the pro shop, an enhanced Terrain and Freestyle Park, new trail signage, grooming equipment and base lodge furnishings. Pat’s Peak has built a new post and beam lodge featuring enlarged bathrooms, an elevator and ski boot-friendly stairs. They have also added more energy-efficient snowmaking fan guns and towers, providing the mountain with 100% snowmaking coverage.
last run
Now I lay me down to bed. I pray the lord for powder to shred. And if its waist deep when I wake, Epic lines I vow to take. — Snowboards Prayer
W I TH E X PA ND E D
HORI ZONS
possibilities.
CO M E E N D L E S S
YOU ALREADY LOVE OUR SNOW, GROOMING AND SCENERY. NOW YOU’LL LOVE A NEW WAY TO GET THERE. With our new eight-passenger gondola, as well as the state’s largest ski area for cruisers, signature glades, powder stashes, award-winning lodging and exquisite dining, experience an unforgettable winter getaway. Plan your next adventure and discover all of these luxuries along with the best snow quality, grooming and scenery in the East as distinguished by SKI magazine. 8 0 0 -2 5 8 - 0 3 3 0 • B R E T TO N WO O DS .CO M
2 . 5 H O URS F RO M BOS TO N • 3 0 M I N U T E S F RO M LI N CO LN AN D N O RT H CO N WAY