Wednesday, January 18, 2017, NewEnglandSkiIndustry.com
Woodbury, January 18, 2017
With the midpoint of the ski season quickly arriving, ski areas in multiple states have yet to open.
In Connecticut, Woodbury has been radio silent since December 26 when it announced, "We have delayed opening at this time due to lack of snowmaking water." Traditionally one of the first ski areas to open each fall in New England, the slopes were still bare as of January 18. Recent inquiries have not received responses.
In Maine, Saddleback Mountain Community Resort CEO Peter Stein reported on Monday that "progress is being made" on the complex purchase agreement but "to say much more would be unwise." Organizers of the Saddleback Mountain Foundation/Saddleback Mountain Community Resort effort had been hoping to possibly reopen the ski area this winter. The lifts have not been inspected since the 2014-15 season. The area has yet to be sold to the prospective non profit group.
In New Hampshire, Tenney Mountain remains on what it refers to as a "technical hold." Tenney Mountain Development Group CEO Michael Bouchard recently stated that he is still shooting for a "soft opening" this season. While limited snowmaking and grooming operations have taken place, no rates or expected opening day have been announced.
Meanwhile, New Hampshire's newest ski area, Nashua's Gateway Hills, plans to open as soon it has a foot of snow on the ground. The tiny area plans to serve beginners and terrain park users on natural snow this year and could add snowmaking as soon as next season.
