As a skier or rider, it’s good to know about the changes you can expect at Vermont ski resorts this winter. Here’s a look at on-mountain improvements that have been announced at northern and central Vermont ski resorts for 2013 - 2014. <link http: www.skimaven.com post southern-vermont-ski-resort-improvements-for-2013-2014 _top external-link-new-window>An upcoming post will cover southern Vermont ski areas.
Bolton Valley Resort
Bolton Valley is replacing 6,000 feet of snowmaking pipe. They are also updating one-third of the ski and snowboard rental fleet with new equipment. In the base lodge, look for a new outdoor staircase and new carpeting.
Jay Peak Resort
Jay Peak Resort will unveil a 80,000-square-foot Stateside base lodge and hotel. It will include restaurants, a rental center, ski patrol and locker rooms. It’s located at the base of the southern side of the ski resort. Oh, and keep your eyes peeled for a brand-new entrance to the resort.
Killington Resort
At Killington Resort, the Peak Lodge is a new 15,000-square-foot facility with food service being constructed atop Killington Peak. It is expected to be completed in December. Killington also is replacing snowmaking pipe and hydrants, and it also purchased four new groomers, including a terrain park groomer.
Middlebury College Snow Bowl
The Snow Bowl is upgrading its snowmaking system with the installation of 15 SV1020 tower guns on the Allen and Ross trails. In addition, glade work and trailside trimming continues.
Pico Mountain
At Pico Mountain they’re building the new Andrea Mead Lawrence Lodge at the base for Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports and the Pico Ski Education Foundation.
Smugglers’ Notch Resort
Smugglers’ Notch Resort is adding 100 new HKD tower snow guns to serve intermediate and advanced terrain on Smugglers' Alley on Sterling Mountain, and Upper FIS, Chilcoot, and Link on Madonna Mountain. In some areas, these guns will be new additions to the trails, in other areas the new guns will be replacing older guns. Two new tower fan guns will also be added: one in the Sir Henry’s learning area and the other at the Sterling base.
Stowe Mountain Resort
Stowe Mountain Resort is adding 100 new HKD tower snowmaking guns, three Super Pole Cat fan guns, and miles of new snowmaking pipe. They're also installing a longer beginner’s carpet lift at Spruce Peak.
Sugarbush Resort
Sugarbush has added two new groomers to their fleet. In addition, 85 new HKD tower snowguns will be placed on Upper Organgrinder, Downspout and Stein’s Run. Also on the improvement list is new carpeting at the Valley House lodge and Mount Ellen base lodge.
Photo: A skier's view of the new lodge and hotel at the base of the Stateside area of Jay Peak Resort. Photo from Jay Peak Resort.
