Gilford, New Hampshire — It’s going to be another busy offseason at Gunstock Mountain Resort.
This week, the New Hampshire ski resort announced the second phase of its $9 million two-year upgrade plan. This offseason will see $4.5 million in improvements, including lift, snowmaking, and other upgrades. Here’s a rundown of what’s coming to Gunstock.
Lifts
The most notable project this offseason is the completion of the two-year Panorama upgrade project. Last year saw new communications lines and an updated chair spacing system. Currently, Panorama is receiving a new drive and an all-new control system. New lift shacks are also being added, creating a new space for the control systems and employees. Another RFID gate system will be added to Panorama, which will better spread out lift lines.
“A large part of this investment in the Pan won’t be directly visible to guests,” said Dave Ulbrich, Director of Mountain Operations at Gunstock. “The real payoff we expect to see is the increased reliability of service that comes with installing a brand-new system like this.”
Other projects planned for the lift infrastructure include Tiger getting a new haul rope and Pistol receiving new grips and completing its gearbox rebuild.
Snowmaking
Two major projects are planned for the snowmaking infrastructure. Five thousand feet of new snowmaking pipe is being installed, and the upper and lower mountain snowmaking systems will be separated. This will allow them to make more snow simultaneously and increase efficiency for what is already a strong snowmaking system. This will also allow more power into the snowmaking system for the upper mountain.
Other Upgrades
The Derringer trail will be further widened. Widening the intermediate trail will provide smoother access to the Smith Run. A new Prinoth X winch cat was purchased, allowing for curdoroy on steeper terrain.
The moves follow a busy few years of investment at Gunstock. 2023 saw a new building for rentals and tuning, a renovated Stockade Lodge, an expansion of the Panorama Pub, and paving of the main parking lot. 2024 saw the installation of snowmaking on two upper-mountain trails, the expansion of the deck at the Stockade Lodge, and the construction of a new Welcome Center for Nordic skiers and campground users. Last year saw the beginning of the Panorama chairlift renovation, other lift improvements, 24 new HKD Impulse tower guns plus hydrants, and the acquisition of two new snow groomers.
About Gunstock
Owned by Belknap County, the New Hampshire ski resort features impressive views of the state’s largest lake: Winnipesaukee. The ski resort features 44 trails, 5 glades, 8 lifts, and a vertical drop of 1,340 feet. There’s also an extensive night skiing network, with 25 trails and 7 lifts available in the evenings. Other activities include snow tubing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
In the summertime, it’s home to a zipline tour, a mountain coaster, an aerial treetop adventure course, a Ford Bronco off-road experience, scenic chairlift rides, and a campground.
Image/Video Credits: Gunstock Mountain Resort
