Bretton Woods, New Hampshire — It’s been a good start to the season at Bretton Woods, thanks to cold weather and various improvements. The highlight of the season, though, may have come this past weekend.
This past weekend, Bretton Woods opened up the new Bethlehem Express Quad. Also known as BEQ-2 or Becky, this chairlift is their first new lift since the gondola opened during the 2019-20 season. The first riders were from the Bretton Woods Club, a group that has various perks at the ski area and Mt. Washington Resort.
Previously, the lift was a Doppelmayr detachable high-speed quad, which was installed in 1989. High-speed chairlifts tend to have a shorter operating life compared to fixed-grip chairlifts due to their more complex mechanical operation.
There are a few key differences between the two lifts. The new chairlift is a Leitner Poma detachable high-speed quad that can carry 1,800 people per hour. It’s also a shorter ride. The base terminal is approximately 75 feet above its prior location, reducing congestion in the base area. The top terminal is situated approximately 75 feet below its former location, providing an easier offloading area for less-experienced skiers and riders.
Other improvements at the Woods include a new double-black-diamond glade and snowmaking enhancements.
Currently, Bretton Woods has 27 trails/glades and 4 lifts open. With cool weather and the white stuff in the forecast, more terrain will likely open soon.
Image/Video Credits: Bretton Woods
