Tuesday, August 4, 2015, NewEnglandSkiIndustry.com
With a local planning board meeting scheduled in two weeks, new details have been released for the proposed Balsams project.
The DD-Balsams Subdistrict covers 8,175 of the 11,000 acres in the project master plan. Despite multiple construction delays, Dixville Capital, LLC is still planning on a 2016 opening.
The DD-Balsams Subdistrict proposal calls for up to 4,600 dwelling units in four areas.
The existing Balsams Lake Village Area would see up to 2,300 dwelling units, a new hotel, and a new conference center. One or more transfer lifts would be used to connect it to the ski area.
The Wilderness Area, including the existing ski area, would be home to 500 dwelling units. A lodge would be constructed atop the existing ski area.
The Cascade Basin Area, located southeast of Dixville Notch, would feature 300 dwelling units. A mid mountain lodge would be constructed atop the complex, at the top of the proposed Balsams Lake Village connector lift.
The South Village Area, located southeast of Cascade Basin, would feature up to 1,500 dwelling units, as well as a new base area.
Phase 1 construction may include 6 new lifts (including a gondola from Balsams Lake Village) and five new trail pods, in addition to the existing ski area's two triple chairlifts.
The state recently approved water withdrawal from the Androscoggin River for the project. A 24 to 30 inch diameter pipeline would be constructed along Route 26, turning onto the resort's property just east of the state park boundary.
The full build out is expected to consist of 26 lifts, 1,200 acres of trails, and 800 acres of glades. Dixville Capital, LLC, led by Les Otten, is currently operating under an option agreement with the current owners of Balsams, Daniel Hebert, Jr. and Daniel Dagesse.
