In spite of a wet summer, it was still a busy offseason at Vermont ski resorts. New lifts were built, trails were sculpted, and snowmaking equipment was added across the state.
Recently, Ski Vermont announced the offseason projects that have been happening across the state. As we’ve done a few times over the past month, we’re ranking the biggest projects happening in Vermont this offseason. Surprisingly, the biggest projects are over at the independent mountains.
But first, here are some honorable mentions:
- Bromley Mountain made snowmaking upgrades this summer, including a completely new system to their racing hill.
- Burke Mountain upgraded its snowmaking pipe and increased water pressure delivery, allowing for better snow gun production.
- Killington is undergoing some decently sized projects, with new snowmaking equipment across the mountain (including new hydrants on Devil’s Fiddle).
- Lyndon Outing Club bought a new groomer near the end of the 2022-23 season and will be adding new terrain park features.
- Mad River Glen is celebrating its 75th anniversary with upgraded snowmaking components for its lower mountain.
- A new trail at Saskadena Six will help connect the Chair 1 & Chair 2 terrain pods, allowing for more consistent access.
- We haven’t been able to find anything on what’s going on at the Vail run properties (Mount Snow, Okemo, Stowe), but they have added My Epic App, which allows you to have the Epic Pass on your phone. Last season saw new chairlifts at Mount Snow and Stowe.
5. Pico: The under-the-radar Vermont ski resort received upgrades to its lifts and snowmaking network. The haul rope on the Summit Express was replaced with a new one, and the Canyon Quad’s motor was rebuilt. Pico’s snowmaking pumphouse underwent a major refurbishment, increasing its Gallons Per Minute (GPM) from 800 to 2400. Lastly, twenty-five low-energy snowguns were added to Pico’s fleet.
4. Stratton: The Southern Vermont ski resort spent $6.9 million over the offseason on various projects. The major investment was the redesign of their learning zone, which included the addition of three new covered magic carpets. Their terrain park network is getting a refresh, with new parks on East Byrnes Side and Betwixt, and the introduction of the Stratton Boardercross on what used to be known as Big Ben. But wait, there’s more. Click here to learn about all their projects.
3. Sugarbush: Three major projects took place this offseason. The Reverse Traverse trail was realigned to provide a smoother route to the Heaven’s Gate Triple. This trail will be renamed the Heaven’s Gate Traverse. $3 million has been invested in snowmaking upgrades. These efficiency improvements were made to Northstar, Inverness, and the Summit Quad terrain pod. Lastly, The Sugar Lodge underwent a renovation of over $1 million. Now known as The Lodge at Lincoln Peak, it features modern rooms and suites.
2. Magic Mountain: Is this the year that the Black Quad makes its debut? Magic Mountian has been working since 2018 to add a fixed-grip quad that used to be at Stratton but has run into multiple challenges along the way. With the new haul rope being installed last Thursday, it seems very possible that it will finally open this winter. If it happens, the lift carrying capacity to the summit will more than double, helping eradicate lines during peak periods. Our unofficial prediction: this is the year.
They have also expanded their snowmaking pond and upgraded the intake pipes, meaning that their snowmaking capabilities will more than double during the 2023-24 season.
1. Middlebury Snowbowl: The best-kept secret in Vermont is about to be discovered. This offseason, the Vermont ski area is undergoing three major projects. The first is the replacement of the Sheehan chair with a new Skytrac fixed-grip quad. The second major upgrade will be the introduction of night skiing. Lights are being added to the Lang, Kelton, and Cameron trails, which are located around the Sheehan chairlift. The third project is the sculpting of a new beginner trail, which is situated around their magic carpet.
For the latest construction update on these projects, check out Middlebury Snowbowl’s video below.
Image/Video Credits: Pico Mountain, Stratton Mountain Resort, Sugarbush Resort (Featured Image), Magic Mountain, Middlebury Snowbowl (Header Image)
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