Friday, January 8, 2016, NewEnglandSkiIndustry.com
Magic Mountain's 2015-16 opening date has been postponed again, citing the need to make more snow. The area had previously announced a planned January 9 opening.
However, according to a representative with the Vermont Passenger Tramway Division this afternoon, Magic's lifts have not yet passed inspection this season. The representative reports the ski area is working with the state inspector to try to get the lifts certified.
The Red double chair was the only operational chairlift at Magic last season, as the Black triple chair was unable to pass inspection.
A Magic Mountain representative has not yet responded to questions about the status of the lifts and the area's liability insurance.
Since 2008, Magic's opening days have ranged from December 18 to December 26. According to Magic's Facebook page, snowmaking commenced this season on January 3.
In a January 6 Facebook post, Magic announced it would not meet its revised January 9 opening. Subsequent posts suggested tubing could commence, however that too was later postponed. The area is now stating it will be open for Martin Luther King weekend.
Background
Magic Mountain was almost sold in September 2015, however the deal fell through.
Current ownership assumed operational control of the troubled ski area in 2014. A December 2014 web posting revealed the group was facing funding issues due to debt payments.
Located in Londonderry, Vermont, Magic Mountain was originally opened in 1960-61 by Hans Thorner. In recent decades, the area has been plagued by financial problems, including a 6 year closure during the 1990s. Magic currently advertises a 1,700 foot vertical drop serviced by two chairlifts.
