Multiple Ski Areas Remain Closed as the New Year Approaches
Chairlifts at ski areas in three states have yet to carry any skiers this season.
Thursday, December 27, 2018, NewEnglandSkiIndustry.com
Plymouth Notch, December 2018
Despite ample early snowfall and snowmaking opportunities, chairlift served ski areas in three New England states have yet to operate this season.
The future of both of Vermont's private chairlift served ski areas remains unknown.
The former Haystack ski area remains closed as the Hermitage Club remains in receivership after being foreclosed on by Berkshire Bank last winter. According to the Brattleboro Reformer, financing has yet to be secured and the best case scenario is a January opening.
Meanwhile, the status of Plymouth Notch is unknown, as nothing has been posted on the club's web site or Facebook page since last winter. As of mid December, there was no sign of preparations for the upcoming season at the former Roundtop ski area, which has operated as Plymouth Notch since 2014-15. There was no response to an inquiry.
In the Granite State, Granite Gorge is only operating snow tubing and nordic skiing. The chairlift is not expected to operate for skiers this season, as "Granite Gorge wants to promise only what we can deliver." It is not known when alpine ski operations will resume.
In Massachusetts, Bousquet has yet to open to skiers this year due to "several unforeseen issues" affecting snowmaking and operations. Though snowmaking was reportedly underway on Christmas, an opening day has yet to be announced. Season pass holders are being offered discounts at nearby ski areas for the remainder of the month.
