Happy Holidays
Many Thanks to our Enthusiastic Readers and Best Wishes for Happy and Healthy year!
Best Deals For Seniors at 112 North American Ski Areas
SeniorsSkiing.com is pleased to provide subscribers with our annual listing of North American ski areas providing older skiers with free or deeply discounted season passes and/or lift tickets and the age to qualify. We believe these incentives are a positive for the snow sports industry and appreciate all the ski areas listed below.
Our general criteria for “deeply discounted” were passes available for under $50. Many areas offer the lowest passes in the spring and increase the cost as the season approaches. Some passes may no longer be available at super low prices or not available to purchase again until the spring.
While not intentional, this list may contain incorrect or out of date information. Ski areas may discontinue discounts or change prices at any time, so please defer to the ski areas posted pricing. We encourage readers to email corrections info@seniorsskiingmedia.com.
| ALASKA | |
| Eaglecrest | 75 |
| Moose Mountain | 80 |
| ARIZONA | |
| Arizona Snowbowl | 75 |
| Ski Valley | 70 |
| CALIFORNIA | |
| China Peak | 75 |
| Dodge Ridge | 76 |
| Mammoth, June, Big Bear, Snow Summit | 80 |
| Mount Shasta | 85 |
| Mt High | 70 |
| Pallisades Tahoe | 80 |
| Snow Valley | 80 |
| COLORADO | |
| Hesperus | 75 |
| Granby Ranch | 76 |
| Monarch Mountain | 69 |
| Powderhorn | 75 |
| Purgatory | 75 |
| Ski Cooper | 75 |
| Sunlight Mtn Resort | 80 |
| Telluride | 80 |
| Wolf Creek | 80 |
| IDAHO | |
| Lookout Pass | 80 |
| Pomerelle Mt | 70 |
| Schweitzer Mt Rst | 80 |
| MAINE | |
| Big Rock | 75 |
| Black Mt of Maine | 75 |
| Hermon Mountain | 70 |
| Mt Abram | 80 |
| Saddleback Mt | 80 |
| Pleasant Mtn | 80 |
| Sugarloaf, Sunday River | 80 |
| MARYLAND | |
| Wisp | 75 |
| MASSACHUSETTS | |
| Bousquet | 80 |
| Berkshire East | 80 |
| Otis Ridge | 70 |
| MICHIGAN | |
| Boyne Mt | 80 |
| The Highlands | |
| Crystal Mt | 80 |
| Mt Holiday | 70 |
| Nubs Nob | 70 |
| Shanty Creek | 70 |
| MICHIGAN-continued | |
| Snowriver Mtn | 80 |
| Snow Snake | 70 |
| MONTANA | |
| Bridger Bowl | 80 |
| NEVADA | |
| Diamond Peak | 80 |
| NEW HAMPSHIRE | |
| Sunapee, Crotched Mt, Attitash, Wildcat (2) | 80 |
| Bretton Woods Ski | 80 |
| Cannon Mountain (1) | 65 |
| Dartmouth Skiway | 80 |
| Gunstock | 70 |
| King Pine Ski Area | 80 |
| Loon Mt | 80 |
| McIntyre Ski Area | 65 |
| Ragged Mountain | 80 |
| Waterville Valley | 80 |
| NEW JERSEY | |
| Mountain Creek | 80 |
| NEW MEXICO | |
| Angel Fire | 75 |
| Parajito Mtn | 75 |
| Red River Area | 70 |
| Sandia Peak | 75 |
| Sipapu | 75 |
| Taos | 80 |
| NEW YORK | |
| Catamount | 80 |
| Hunter Mt (2) | 80 |
| Maple Ski Ridge | 70 |
| McCauley Mt. | 70 |
| Mt. Peter Ski Area | 70 |
| Swain Resort | 75 |
| NORTH CAROLINA | |
| Beech Mtn Resort | 70 |
| Catalooche | 70 |
| Sugar Mtn Resort | 75 |
| OREGON | |
| Hoodoo Ski Bowl | 75 |
| Mt Ashland | 70 |
| Mt Hood Meadows | 75 |
| Ski Anthony Lakes | 70 |
| Willamette Pass | 75 |
| PENNSYLVANIA | |
| Big Boulder, Jack Frost, Liberty Mtn, Ski Roundtop, Whitetail, Hidden Valley, Seven Springs, Laurel Mtn (2) | 80 |
| Shawnee | 70 |
| PENNSYLVANIA-cont | |
| Ski Sawmill | 70 |
| Spring Mountain | 70 |
| Bear Creek | 70 |
| SOUTH DAKOTA | |
| Terry Peak Ski | 80 |
| UTAH | |
| Alta | 80 |
| Brian Head Resort | 75 |
| Nordic Valley | 75 |
| Powder Mountain | 75 |
| VERMONT | |
| Okemo, Stowe, Mount Snow (2) | 80 |
| Bolton Valley | 75 |
| Burke Mt | 80 |
| Jay Peak | 80 |
| Killington / Pico | 80 |
| VIRGINIA | |
| Massanutten | 70 |
| Wintergreen Rsrt | 75 |
| WASHINGTON | |
| 49o North | 80 |
| Crystal Mountain | 80 |
| Mt Spokane | 80 |
| Bluewood | 70 |
| Summit at Snoqualmie | 80 |
| White Pass | 73 |
| WEST VIRGINIA | |
| Canaan Valley | 70 |
| WYOMING | |
| Snowy Range | 70 |
| CANADA | |
| ALBERTA | |
| Banff Sunshine | 80 |
| Castle Mtn | 75 |
| Lake Louise | 80 |
| Marmot Basin | 80 |
| Mt. Norquay | 80 |
| BRITISH COLUMBIA | |
| Mt Washington | 75 |
| Fernie,Kicking Horse,Kimberly, Nakiska | 75 |
| Red Mt Resort | 75 |
| ONTARIO | |
| Mt Pakenham | 70 |
| Ski Chicopee | 80 |
Note
(1) NH Residency Required
(2) 80+ Epic Northeast Value Pass (off sale). Click Here.
Don Burch “Vintage Skiing”
Short productions by ski videographer, Don Burch, have been gracing these pages for a several seasons. As we enter 2024 enjoy this Vintage Skiing video featuring Tbars, sitzmarks, 9 foot skis, and a groovy sound track!
ICYMI for January
Our monthly roundup of this and that from here and there includes news about the winter Olympics returning to the USA, sled dog racing, a prize you can win, an event that set a world record, a new lease on life for a small family-owned area, something about next season, and more. Because there’s always something happening at the winter resorts we love.
See you on the slopes.
2034 Winter Olympics Likely to Return to Utah
The International Olympic Committee has chosen Salt Lake City as its preferred host for the 2034 Winter Olympics and Paralympic Winter Games, which all but guarantees its official okay.
Salt Lake City hosted the games in 2002 and reportedly wanted to bid for the 2030 event, but the IOC decided that would be too close to the 2028 summer games in Los Angeles. The preferred bidder for the 2030 winter games is France – which is hosting the 2024 Summer Olympics in and around Paris.
The IOC will announce its final decision this summer about both the 2030 and 2034 winter games, but it’s pretty certain the preferred host cities will be the official choices.
Read more – click here.
2024 Idaho Sled Dog Challenge
The West Central Mountains of Idaho will reverberate with the thunderous and athletic spirit of sled dogs as the 2024 Idaho Sled Dog Challenge marks its sixth annual run, Jan. 20 to Feb. 1. Its 300 grueling miles and 36,000 feet of elevation changes make it one of the toughest, and it attracts world-class mushers. It’s the only such Yukon Quest qualifier in the lower 48 and one of only three such events for the Iditarod in the contiguous continental U.S. (The Iditarod and the Yukon Quest are considered the longest and the toughest sled dog races in the world).
It begins Jan. 20 with the Meet a Musher event in downtown McCall, followed by the 52-mile Warm Lake Stage Race that starts and finishes at North Shore Lodge & Resort Jan. 24-25. The Ceremonial Start, presented by Brundage Mountain Resort at the McCall Activity Barn, is Jan. 28, and the 300-mile and 100-mile races start Jan. 29 at Lake Cascade State Park.
Organizers expect the 100-mile race to end Jan. 30 at the Wye Trailhead & Campground off U.S. Route 95. Mushers and their teams are expected to cross the 300-mile race finish line at the Lake Cascade State Park boat ramp starting in the evening ofJan. 31 and throughout the next day, Feb. 1.
Visit idahosleddogchallenge.com for more information.
Aspen Wants Your Artwork
Are you an artist, or even an accomplished doodler? Submit your best illustration to win up to $1,000 and be part of Aspen’s ski racing history. The 2024 Stifel Aspen Winternational marks the return of a festival tradition, which includes iconic poster art commemorating various events during the festival.
You have until January 15th to submit your artwork, for a chance to win $200 gift cards or the grand prize of a $1,000 Aspen Snowmass gift card. All finalists will have their work featured throughout the weekend, but bragging rights extend long beyond that.
For Submission information click here.
Jackson Hole Achieves Guinness World Record
Congratulations to JHMR, which has snagged the award for the World’s Most Skiers/Riders in Jeans on a single day.
On Saturday, Dec. 9, 3,114 jeans-clad downhillers showed up for the record books, beating the record held by New Zealand resort The Remarkables by 102 people.
We previewed the event in last month’s ICYMI.
Hickory Ski Center, Warrensburg, New York
The family-owned ski center has joined the Indy Pass for the 2023/24 season, which is allowing it to re-open after eight years in a deal initiated by Unofficial Networks. Hickory Ski Center, one hour from Albany, was founded in 1946 by veterans of the 10th Mountain Division. In addition to the Indy Pass, there are season passes for the upper or lower mountain.
More information at skihickory.com.
Looking Forward to Next Season
This season is just underway, but this important announcement can help you start planning now for next season, including which season pass to purchase.
Vail Resorts is acquiring Crans-Montana, one of the largest ski-snowboard regions in Switzerland, joining the Epic Pass for the 2024/25 season. Accessible from three international airports and by train, Crans-Montana Mountain Resort is in the Valais canton of Switzerland, approximately two and a half hours from Geneva and less than four hours from Milan and Zurich. It’s also under three hours from the company’s other owned and operated European resort in Andermatt-Sedrun.
In the heart of the Swiss Alps, Crans-Montana offers breathtaking views of the Matterhorn and the Mont Blanc, and has been recognized as one of the best ski resorts in Europe. It has a legacy of being a renowned outdoor sports destination, with signature events such as the Ski World Cup, Mountain Bike World Cup, Omega European Masters, and other championships, the Caprices Festival and more.
Discounts for Senior Skiers/Riders in Colorado
Age has its privileges. That includes discounts for senior skiers and snowboarders. Here’s what’s available for 50+, 65+, 70+, 75+ or 80+ in Colorado, including where to ski free or a super-bargain $25 for the entire season. Alphabetically of course, since that’s the only fair way. See you on the slopes – with a discount pass for seniors.
Arapahoe Basin
Seniors 70+ with a valid ID can receive 30% off lift tickets.
Aspen Snowmass
There are two season pass options for seniors this season. Those between 65- 69 can get the Aspen Snowmass Premier senior pass for $2,424, which includes a complimentary Ikon Base pass. Silver seniors 70+ can purchase a Premier Pass for for $799. Aspen Snowmass also offers discounted lift tickets for seniors 65+. Purchase at least seven days in advance and for multiple days for the best rates available.
For more information, visit www.aspensnowmass.com
Copper Mountain
Copper offers the Over the Hill Gang 50+ guided ski program. A full season membership, for 44 days of skiing or riding with certified guides, is $549. 80+ get the same pass for $269. There also are one-day discount tickets for $99, which must be purchased on day-of-usage at Mtn Sports Sales Center in the base village. Lift tickets or Copper Mountain/Ikon season passes are required for all lesson participants and are not included with the program. Prices listed are for the program…lift tickets are not included.
For more information, visit https://buy.coppercolorado.com/s/lesson-guides/adult-programs/
Echo Mountain
There are two passes for seniors for ages 65+. Value Senior Season Pass is $259 and includes blackout dates. The Unlimited Senior Season Pass is $359 and does not include any blackout dates.
There also are Midweek Season Passes for $129, and even though it is not senior specific, it is popular with seniors who have more free time during the middle of the week. While there are blackout dates, the pass includes night skiing on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
For more information, visit https://echomtn.com/
Eldora
The best and most affordable way to ski or ride Eldora is on a season or multi-day pass. Visit Eldora’s website to see which pass works best for you.
Granby Ranch
Seniors 65-75 can buy a season pass for for $619. Golden Seniors 76+ pay only $35. For more information, visit www.granbyranch.com.
Howelsen Hill
Howelsen Hill features a variety of season passes including special senior rates: Alpine Pass – $195, Nordic Pass – $160, Combo Pass – $266. Plus, the historic ski area in downtown Steamboat offers discounted daily lift ticket rates for anyone 65+.
The best deal for any age is Ski Free Sunday, where skiing/riding is free every Sunday of the season. Www.steamboatsprings.net/ski.
Loveland
Seniors 70+ can enjoy deep discounts on season pass products while skiers and riders age 60-69 can take advantage of daily lift ticket deals during the regular season. For more information, visit http://www.skiloveland.com.
Monarch Mountain
There are several choices for seniors. The Super Senior Pass for 69+ is just $25, for Monarch Mountain only. Ages 62-68 can get a pass for $509 which includes all reciprocal partners.
Peak Season Senior day tickets are $139. Also, there are substantial savings by purchasing online prior to 11:00 pm the day before your visit.
For more information visit Season Passes – Monarch Mountain (skimonarch.com)
Powderhorn
Skiers age 75+ can purchase the Mission: Affordable season pass. This offers unlimited skiing and riding during the 2023-24 season for just $29.
Powderhorn also invites seniors ages 50+ to join the Young at Heart group every Tuesday for small groups with intermediate and above skills to explore the mountain and build relationships. Discounted lift discounts will be offered.
For more information, visit www.powderhorn.com.
Purgatory
Those between 65-75 can purchase a Power Pass fir unlimited access to eight ski resorts plus partner days at several additional resorts, starting at $549. Super Seniors (75+) ski for free. Purgatory also offers ski clinics designed for skiers and riders ages 55 and up.
For more information, visit purgatory.ski.
Steamboat
Steamboat Resort offers a discount on single-day and multi-day lift tickets for seniors 70+, rates vary throughout the season.
Telluride
The Palmyra Pass, for skiers 80+, grants free and unlimited access to Telluride. Seniors 65+ receive a discount on daily and multi-day lift tickets, available online with prices varying throughout the season. The unlimited season pass for seniors is $1,995.
The Silver Skier program offers the opportunity to explore the mountain and meet others who share the same passions over a 4-session clinic for Telluride skiers over the age of 50.
For more information, visit www.tellurideskiresort.com.
Thanks to Colorado Ski Country USA, the trade organization representing most of Colorado’s large and small resorts, for putting this information together for SeniorsSkiing at our request.
Concierge Skiing Comes East
What are your favorite thoughts about that upcoming ski trip?
I’ll bet carting ski gear from home to the mountain and back is not one of them. And sitting in a rental shop at the hill isn’t on the list either.
There is an alternative. If you have never tried a ski concierge service, it is worth a look. High quality equipment chosen to match local conditions is there waiting for you when you arrive. No more hauling skis through the airport, or worse, waiting at the terminal with fingers crossed, hoping your gear made it on the same plane you did. With a concierge service, you avoid all that. Sure you pay for the convenience of knowing that the right gear will be in the right place when you arrive. It isn’t cheap. But there are companies out there that make the cost every bit worth the price. The service is common at western resorts and, in recent years, is available at some areas in Europe too.
And this year, it has come to the Northeast.
Ski Butlers, a company that has a wide presence throughout the western US and Canada, has opened in Vermont this winter, servicing Stratton and Mt. Snow. It is the same service that Ski Butlers and other multi-location companies like Black Tie and Christy Sports have been offering in the west for the past 20 years: top quality skis and snowboards delivered directly to your lodging. There you are fitted with the right gear and ready for the slopes It is all arranged on line in advance: no forms to fill out when you arrive or base area rental shop to navigate. It can’t be easier. Not satisfied with your choice after a few runs, or if conditions change while you are there, you can swap out your gear. And at the end of your stay, they come to you for pick up.
Is it seamless? It sure has been in my experience. One time at Jackson Hole, I had not cleared the rental car parking car lot before my cell phone rang and the company – in this case Ski Butlers – was on the phone confirming my arrival and the time to deliver my equipment. I was set up and ready to ski before I had unpacked my luggage. It was my sixth rental with the company and each time it has been smooth as promised.
Now offering the service in New England this winter is a homecoming of sorts for Ski Butlers founder and long time chief executive Bryn Carey who started the company in 2004 right after graduating from the University of New Hampshire where he was a member of its D-1 ski team. He had grown up in Maine where his father was the marketing chief at Sugarloaf. By then, the Carey family had moved to Park City Utah and the Canyons resort. Bryn, now finished with school, was looking at the job market ahead, He knew he wanted to live in a mountain and ski town, and, driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, he wanted his own business.
Talking with his father, the conversation ultimately turned to the hassle skiers often encountered traveling from home to hill. Voila: Convenience and Service: it was the birth of a business idea. Working out of the family garage in Park City that winter, Bryn delivered equipment to local ski area visitors and did the fitting right at their lodging. The service was a hit. The demand exceeded expectations. Carey expanded to other mountains in the region. The rapidly growing business quickly outgrew the family garage so he bought out a former Mexican restaurant in Park City – Nacho Mama’s. The business had a headquarters.
Eventually Ski Butlers expanded to more than 30 areas in North America and added resorts in France and Italy. In 2022 Carey sold it to Alterra, the multi mountain ownership group and large Ikon ski pass company. Plans are to further expand in the Northeast. Ski Butlers now has operations at 50 areas worldwide with plenty of new markets in South America, Australia, New Zealand and Japan so far untouched.
A ski concierge service is now on my radar every time I plan a trip. My epiphany came several years ago when delayed flights had me dragging skis as well as luggage through the terminals at Newark airport at 11 pm after a day long travel from Reno Nevada. In my mind that evening. Ski Butlers, or any concierge service, would have been a bargain.
So whether your ski destination is near or far, west, now east, or overseas, consider one of the concierge services. They work, and the experience is worth the price.
Take Amtrak to the Slopes in California, Colorado and Vermont
Take the train to one of your favorite ski/snowboard resorts, and avoid highway traffic jams and base area parking problems. Amtrak has expanded its service this season to slopes in California and Vermont, in addition to the beloved ski train between downtown Denver and Winter Park.
Amtrak Benefits on All Ski Trains
Unlike airline checked baggage or car rental agency add-ons for a luggage rack, you can bring your gear on board for free, and there are special ski storage racks on some trains. Plus, Amtrak offers discounts to passengers 65+, to members of the military and to disabled passengers. Families can save money, too, as children (and grandchildren) aged two to 12 are eligible for 50 percent off tickets.
Winter Park Express
Zip past backups on I-70 for an easy metro-to-mountain trip with a choice of 40 round trips this season. The popular Winter Park Express will operate every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Jan. 12 through March 31, plus additional service on holidays such as on Jan. 15 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day) and Feb. 19 (Presidents’ Day).
Choose a one-day round-trip, or split your outgoing and return to spend an entire weekend, a full week or longer. Each way takes about two hours.
The Amtrak Winter Park Express leaves Denver at 7:00 am and leaves Winter Park Resort at 4:30 pm local time. While onboard, you’ll enjoy a trip in Coach class, featuring wide, reclining seats, big picture windows, ample legroom and no middle seat. Be sure to visit the bi-level Sightseer Lounge for panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains and Moffat Tunnel from upstairs and café service with snacks and drinks for sale downstairs.
https://www.winterparkresort.com/plan-your-trip/getting-here/winter-park-express
The Vermonter
Glide into some of the Northeast’s top ski destinations aboard Amtrak’s Vermonter, between St. Albans – Essex Junction (Burlington) – Springfield – New York – Washington, DC, while you pass quaint New England villages and towns tucked beneath the beautiful backdrop of the snowcapped Green Mountains.
Resorts accessible on the Vermonter:
- Stowe Mountain Resort
- Jay Peak Resort
- Bolton Valley Resort
- Cochran’s Ski Area
- Catamount Mountain Resort
- Greek Peak Mountain Resort
- Mount Peter Ski Area
- Okemo Ski Resort
- Vermont Ski Resort
- Berkshire East Mountain Resort
https://www.amtrak.com/vermonter-train
Ethan Allen Express
This trail operates daily between NYC, Albany, Rutland and Burlington, including a scenic stretch along the Hudson River through the Hudson Valley.
Killington is accessible from either Rutland or Burlington, via regularly scheduled public bus service on Vermont Translines.
https://www.amtrak.com/ethan-allen-express-train
California Zephyr
This classic and scenic train travels year-round between Chicago and the snow-capped Sierras beyond San Francisco, through some of the most beautiful scenery in the USA. Although you might not want to make the full 51-hour trip in winter, it’s each to choose in-between destinations such as Denver and Salt Lake City, or via connections to Emeryville.
There are just too many ski/snowboard resorts accessible from the California Zephyr to mention them all. Top choices include –
- Palisades Tahoe and Diamond Peak in California
- Alta, Deer Valley and Park City in Utah
- Keystone, Breckenridge, Vail and Arapahoe Basin in Colorado
Different Way to Buy a Pair of Skis – Part 1
New skis at Whistler
It was after Thanksgiving, 2022 and ski trip planning was well underway. With ski passes in hand. I decided to buy a new pair of skis.
Being a cheap sort, I decided to wait until after the first of the year before going ski shopping.
The Ski Gods didn’t cooperate. In early December 2022, I had a transient ischemic attack (TIA) that lasted for the better part of 10 minutes. During the TIA, my right arm was paralyzed. TIA’s are also known as a mini-strokes. If you’ve never had one, the emphasis is on stroke and they are really, really scary.
Skiing was the last thing on my mind as I went through a full neurological and cardiovascular workup. In the words of my neurologist, “my veins were 77 years old and not as flexible as they used to be.” The tests found where a piece of hard plaque had broken off and probably caused the TIA. The good news was that I was cleared to go skiing.
The next day, I started my search for a pair of skis. Understand that 10 years of ski testing, when a short ski was 190 cm long, gave me a very good understanding of how skis work and what brands fit my skiing style. For the record, I’m a Dynastar guy.
I live in Dallas, and, believe it or not, there are ski shops in town that carry skis, but now it was February, and the pickings were slim. Calls to ski shops near Taos (10 hours by car from my house) told me none had either the model or size Dynastar I wanted. Conversations with ski shops in Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Angel Fire, and Red River Ski areas were unproductive.
“Panic” was setting in. However, by then, we were planning to ski at Whistler/Blackcomb so I called shops in Whistler/Blackcomb. No luck. Then I called Dynastar dealers in Vancouver, and bingo, a shop had my second choice in the right length – 184 cm.
I told the salesman that I’d be there in three weeks and asked what did the shop need to hold them along with a set of bindings. He said I had to pay for the skis which already had a pair of Look bindings mounted.
Numbers flashed through my mind. U.S. retail list price for the skis was US$999, and I figured the bindings would be another US$300. Total – US$1,300 plus Canadian taxes.
When the shop sales manager told me the shop wanted $469 Canadian for the skis and bindings and would be happy to hold them and adjust them to my boots when I came in. I almost fell out of my chair and couldn’t get my credit card out fast enough.
At the time, CDN$469 equaled ~US$328! In other words, I saved about a grand. Better news, when I returned to the U.S., I could ask for a refund on the Canadian taxes.
Part 2: https://seniorsskiing.com/different-way-to-buy-a-pair-of-skis-part-ii/
What’s New for the 2023-24 Season—Southeastern Edition
For those who live in the Southeast, the many close-to-home ski/snowboard destinations offer affordable and convenient getaways for a day, weekend or longer. The resorts here have been busy upgrading terrain, lifts, snowmaking and other amenities for the 2023/24 season.
Here’s an update of what to expect, by state.
Virginia
Massanutten
Following up last winter’s major slope expansion at the Shenandoah Valley resort, Massanutten again leads the region’s resorts in the “new terrain” category.
Last year’s three new slopes, including a third long drop from the summit, are capped off this winter with easier, faster access on the Peak Express, a new, four-person high-speed detachable that replaces the old conventional quad. The run under the quad becomes a new expert slope, “No Hesitation,” the resort’s only double black run. It’s covered by automated snowmaking and LED lights.
Another of the existing summit slopes, Paradice, has received a makeover and snowmaking upgrade, and there’s new expanded seating and menu options at the Mid-Mountain Grill.
Massanutten also leans into the region’s improving access to online slope information with a new interactive website trail map.It’s also increasingly easy to track southern ski conditions with a growing list of webcams on the slopes and in neighboring resort areas. This year Massanutten adds The Peak webcam on the summit.
Wintergreen
Wintergreen, Virginia, quite literally “perched on the crest of the Blue Ridge.”
Perched on the crest of the Blue Ridge near Charlottesville, Wintergreen has rebuilt its entire complement of fan snow guns to “like new,” condition, and the Blue Ridge Express, one of the South’s first detachables, has a new haul rope. Group lessons will again be available this year seven days a week from the ski school (and Friday-Sunday for snowboarders). Also Friday-Sunday, the Mountain Explorers program returns for skiers ages 7-14.
West Virginia
Snowshoe Mountain Resort
The big news is a new replacement for the Powder Monkey lift. The almost 30-year old fixed grip triple chair, one the mountain’s original rides, will be replaced by a new fixed grip quad with a conveyor loading system. The new lift should significantly reduce congestion on the Basin Slope side of the mountain, making it quicker and easier to reach the crest of the mountain. This is where the entrance the Western Territory trail system opens the resort’s 1,500-foot maximum vertical drop on slopes like Cupp Run.
Timberline Mountain
One of two alpine resorts in West Virginia’s Canaan Valley, Timberline was purchased by Indiana’s Perfect North Slopes in 2019. Major lift changes came first—a six-person fixed grip summit lift and a fixed grip quad to mid-mountain. This season the improvements are more subtle but still substantive, with thirty new snowguns, many of them tower mounted. A New water pump, and 8000 feet of additional snowmaking pipe have gone in, and a new Pisten Bully 600 joins the grooming fleet.
At mid-mountain, an unloading deck that was challenging for some skiers and riders is easier this winter. New lights on the green Winterset slope expand night skiing on the lower mountain and make skiing after dark accessible from that slope’s ski-in, ski-out rental cabins (available through valley rental agencies).
Winterplace
New terrain features and events have been added on last season’s new Heaven Holler Terrain Park located on the Highland slope. There also is a new look and offerings to the popular Snowdrift Lounge, including retro-themed snow parties, live entertainment, local microbrews, winter-inspired cocktails and tap takeovers. Guests at slopeside Mountain Mama’s Café have new menu items and improved flow to quickly get skiers back on the slopes.
Additionally, Winterplace also has a new Pisten Bully in its grooming fleet.
North Carolina
Appalachian Ski Mountain
The first (1962) of the now three ski areas in northeastern North Carolina’s High Country ski region, Appalachian was an early adopter of RFID lift ticketing. This season Appalachian says it will be the first resort in the nation to have daily lockers available to reserve online. Its 650 lockers of various sizes have been outfitted with RFID access technology to make locker rental easier. All skiers on a single order will be able to open the same locker with their RFID card.
The resort also added seven stationary guns to its snowmaking arsenal.
Beech Mountain Resort
The mountain’s one-time terrain park has become a beginner slope named Carolina Caribbean, after the company which developed the ski area in the late 1960s. Nicely separated from the flow of the main trail system, the green run has a new conveyor lift this year. Beech Mountain Brewery is celebrating its ten-year anniversary with an array of concerts and other events.
Beech also joins the growing trend to RFID ticketing. Purchase online, redeem at a pick-up box, reload from home. No more waiting at crowded ticket booths.
Sugar Mountain
Sugar’s formidable snowmaking system has added a fifth air compressor and six new fully automated SMI snowmaking machines. The resort has finished another round of refurbishments to its venerable, vintage lodge, including a rebuilt slopeside deck. A new online ski rental system is being instituted that, along with onsite touch screen kiosks, is expected to significantly streamline the process.
Wolf Ridge Ski Resort
The former Wolf Ridge ski area is under new ownership and being rebranded as Hatley Point, a “boutique ski area,” say the new owners, with the emphasis on an upscale experience. The change has sparked high hopes for the resort a half hour north of Asheville on I-26, a short distance from the highest Interstate elevation in Eastern America.
The resort’s rustic original ski lodge is still being massively expanded, so due to delays, the resort will not open until later this winter. Among many upgrades and changes, including snowmaking improvements, the mountain’s former cafeteria is being relocated to the lodge’s upper level and upgraded to a dine-in experience.
Maryland
Wisp Resort
Overlooking scenic Deep Creek Lake in Maryland’s westernmost Garrett County, Wisp Resort focuses on snowmaking improvements this winter.
Twenty-two new TechnoAlpin TL8 tower snowmaking guns will be aimed at covering Wisp’s base area and the popular expert run above it, The Face. The long green Possum also benefits. More than 2,800 feet of new snowmaking pipe feed these improvements across the front side of the mountain. All the new snowmaking equipment is automated for self-adjusting snow quality, fast start-up and quicker shut down. New energy efficient lighting in the same area enlightens The Face and Squirrel Cage, both blacks. The resort’s rental inventory includes Rossignol ski and snowboard equipment.
Indy and IKON Pass Update
The Indy Pass has spread to six participating ski resorts in the South, including –
- Bryce Resort and Massanutten Resort in Virginia,
- Canaan Valley Resort and Winterplace Resort in West Virginia
- Cataloochee Ski Area in North Carolina
- Ober Mountain in Tennessee.
Alterra Mountain Company’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort in West Virginia, the region’s biggest ski area, is part of the IKON Pass network.
See you on the slopes!