New and improved lodges are set to debut over the next two seasons.
Wednesday, October 16, 2019, NewEnglandSkiIndustry.com
Gone are the days of dirt floored lodges with outhouses: Today's skiers want modern facilities and ski area operators want off season revenue. As a result, ski areas across New England have been heavily investing in their base facilities in recent years.
Two multi-million, multi-year projects have been started this year. Killington is currently working on the foundation of the lower part of its new $27 million K1 base lodge. The original structure will be demolished in the spring to facilitate the slopeside construction, with the whole facility expected to be ready for the 2020-21 season.
Meanwhile, work continues on the new summit lodge atop the new gondola at Bretton Woods. The new facility is expect to open for the 2020-21 season and will be a focal point for off-season functions.
A multi-year addition is nearing completion at Waterville Valley. The new space features a bar with garage doors that can be opened on warmer days. Existing seating, foyers, and restrooms have been rebuilt as part of the project.
Meanwhile, a multi-year addition to the main lodge at Pats Peak is moving along, complete with 'ski boot friendly' stairways.
The Whaleback base lodge has been gutted after sustaining water damage this spring. MTD Building Contractors have been donating labor for the project, which is expected to be completed in time for a December opening. The rebuilt area will complement the recently renovated cafeteria and may facilitate future off season usage.
The new lodge at Catamount is expected to be completed soon. The cramped, antiquated base facilities were amongst the first issues addressed by the new ownership that took over last year. In addition to the new building, the existing base lodge was rebuilt last year.
