Henniker, New Hampshire — The snowmakers at Pats Peak are among the best in the business. It only took around one month to get all of their terrain open, and it’s early January.
On Tuesday, Pats Peak announced its 100% open. This includes all its trails and glades, which have benefited from snowmaking efforts and some natural snowfall. Yes, they make snow in the glades. The openings includes the Hurricane trail, the trail with Volkswagen-sized bumps.
We’ll see how this upcoming rainstorm will impact that count, but Pats Peak is typically quick to replenish any areas that have taken a hit from wet weather.
Earlier this week, Pats Peak opened up the Hurricane Quad Chair. This replaced a fixed-grip triple chairlift that serviced the mountain since 1977.
The old fixed-grip triple chairlift is being replaced with a Skytrac quad chairlift, which has increased the uphill capacity by 25%. The new liftis a more convenient option for skiers than its prior setup, making it easier to reach. A gentler entryway and a loading conveyor facilitates easier loading, while a raised unloading ramp provides easier access to the Cascade Basin terrain pod.
Other improvements for the 2025-26 season include an expanded beginner area, snowmaking upgrades, and new food options.
It’s been a whirlwind past few months for the Pats Peak team. In December, co-founder Wayne Petanaude passed away at the age of 87. He and his three other brothers opened Pats in 1963, and it has become a place where many have learned how to ski, including myself.
According to the Concord Monitor, the family intends to keep it in family hands. Pats Peak is an independent gem in a corporate ski industry.
Image/Video Credits: Pats Peak Ski Area
