Skier at Cannon Mountain on Wednesday Paula Tracy video
By PAULA TRACY, InDepthNH.org
FRANCONIA – Most ski areas in the state expect to be open by this weekend after the past few weeks of cold and some beneficial snow blanketed much of the state.
Ski NH officials gathered Monday to kick off the upcoming season and got a forecast for winter from the New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development.
They predict a good winter with about 3 million visitors spending more than $1 billion.
The event was held at the Prinoth Distribution Center, which produces heavy equipment used by the ski industry. The event included a tour of the facility.
At least 10 ski areas are currently open. Even a few Nordic centers which have to rely primarily on natural snow, including Jackson Ski Touring Foundation and Great Glen Trails at the base of Mount Washington, are open.
Bretton Woods was the first to open in time for the Thanksgiving holiday and it was soon followed by ski areas like Wildcat, Loon, Attitash, and Cannon Mountain.
Also open are Mount Sunapee, Pats Peak, Ragged, Waterville Valley and Crotched.
Opening tomorrow or this weekend are Cranmore Mountain Resort, Gunstock, and McIntyre.
Opening dates are set at King Pine for Dec. 15, Dec. 26 at Abenaki and Whaleback and still to be determined are opening dates for Dartmouth Skiway and Black Mountain.
Mt. Washington Valley Ski Touring & Snowshoeing Foundation hopes to have their trails open on Dec. 16 and all other Nordic centers have not yet announced opening dates.
At Loon Mountain on Wednesday afternoon, the snow guns were blasting as the temperatures, in the teens and 20s and little wind provided for perfect snowmaking.
At Cannon, more than eight inches of snow fell Sunday into Monday and the wet snow was followed by a cold, hard freeze that left the trees looking like little dribble castles in the sand at the beach. The dry air sucked out the liquid leaving a very solid base on natural snow trails which were topped off with about three inches of light dry powdery snow for skiers and riders to cut fresh tracks of the season.
Throughout the day, ski patrollers assessed coverage and dropped ropes, opening a large portion of the mountain with top to bottom skiing, but limited the number of lifts to the Peabody area.
School buses from Littleton and Holderness school disgorged high school racers at the base of the lodge in the afternoon and they joined other skiers and riders on the high speed detachable quad chair, which climbed up into the clouds as the top third of the mountain was obscured.
Even cross country skiers were laying down tracks on the pedestrian trail through the Notch which will soon be used by snowmobiles when that season begins, typically in mid December. The state’s more than 7,000 miles of snowmobile trails are currently closed.
Down the road a short distance in Lincoln, Dave Rodgers, owner of Rodgers Ski Shop in Lincoln said he is feeling optimistic about the upcoming season and sees signs the economy is solid.
He noted the major improvements and changes that are being undertaken at Loon to add to the South Peak area and significant construction of second homes at the base, which is helping the local economy.
Mt. Washington Valley is also covered in snow and businesses are gearing up for what is among the state’s top winter travel destinations. With horse drawn sleigh rides through open fields surrounded by mountains, alpine and backcountry skiing, snowshoeing and retail and factory outlet shopping, the area draws many for winter enjoyment.
Michelle Cruz, executive director of the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce said there is lots to see and do, “From enhanced recreational activities to exciting culinary options to thrilling family attractions, the region promises an unforgettable and enriching escape for visitors in the new year.”
She said the Norcross Place redevelopment is set to bring fresh energy to North Conway Village. Located near the historic park in the center of town, the building was once home to the Carroll Reed Ski Shop.
“Our goal is to have the redevelopment of Norcross Place attract the next generation of visitors to North Conway,” said Alec Tarberry, President of the Berry Companies, owner of Norcross Place. Construction is underway and is expected to be open to the public in time for summer 2024.
Cranmore Mountain Resort opens its new Fairbank Lodge in time for most of the 2024 ski season.
The Lodge is part of an $85 million base area redevelopment that will double the size of the area’s day-visit facilities and house 100 condominium residences.
Most ski areas are members of Ski NH. The organization has a website with links to specific resorts and condition reports which is available here https://www.skinh.com/