Bretton Woods, New Hampshire — After years of growing the terrain of the ski area, the owner of the Mount Washington Resort & Bretton Woods is wondering if the next move is to develop its base area.
In a survey sent to guests this week, Bretton Woods asked customers whether they would consider buying real estate if it were to develop a base village there. They also asked guests regarding various amenities the area could feature, including a recreation center, waterpark, pickleball courts, and/or swimming pool. Since the ski resort is owned by Omni Hotels and Resorts, an expansion of this nature would make sense.
Bretton Woods Club
Improvements to the Bretton Woods Club are also mentioned. If you aren’t aware, this is a membership program that includes a season pass, preferred lift line access, first tracks 30 minutes before opening, access to the Alpine Club, and other ski benefits. There’s also a combined membership, which includes golf access, a two-night stay, and access to the pools.
Bretton Woods is considering replacing the tent with a permanent facility that could feature a variety of amenities. A member’s dining area is also being considered, with potential sites in that same facility, at mid-mountain, near the summit, or next to the golf course.
Base Villages @ New Hampshire Ski Resorts
Technically, there are currently no New Hampshire ski resorts with base villages. There’s Waterville Valley, which has a village, but it’s not at the base of the ski area. However, that could change. Then there’s Cranmore, which has developed real estate around its base area. However, it’s not a full-fledged village. There’s also Loon Mountain, which intends to develop a base village near South Peak.
I do think one of the challenges it faces is that, while it would draw guests, there would still be no comparison to what’s across the street. Sure, people would stay and dine there, but it would be hard to compare with the Mount Washington Hotel. That’s not to say they shouldn’t build anything over there, as there’s potential to add another great hotel, recreation facilities, and more dining to the base area. Also, that base lodge is pretty great, so adding lodging next to it would expand its capabilities past traditional daytime use.
Image/Video Credits: Bretton Woods
