Queensbury, New York — One of the ski resorts that could grow the most over the next several years could be one near Lake George.
West Mountain is on the smaller side of New York ski resorts, but still boasts a vertical drop of slightly over 1,000 feet. Based on successes brought forth by ski racing and night skiing, work is underway on developing a base village. Future additions include on-mountain lodging, a new high-speed chairlift, and more housing. This would bring more year-round visitation and revenue to the ski resort.
West Mountain provided an update last week on this planned village, which is known as The Woods.
The ski resort received a critical approval from Queensbury’s planning board last December. The ownership team has hired Bull Stockwell Allen (BSA) as its architect and design firm. This is a company that helped Stowe build out Spruce Peak, Sundance build its new inn, and Bretton Woods develop its gorgeous on-mountain base lodge.
Through this process and public feedback, they have transitioned from apartments to condos, replacing the planned amphitheater with treehouse accommodations, a buffer zone along West Mountain Road, repositioning the future parking lot and Woods Flyer (the new chairlift) bottom bullwheel location, and repositioning the village so that it runs parallel rather than perpendicular to the mountain.
The appeal is not just for skiers and riders. With it being near Lake George and Saratoga Springs, there’s demand to have a place to be there in the summer, when the area has various attractions open.
The New York ski resort aims to complete the design process this fall. A final site approval is also needed. After that, the real work begins.
About West Mountain
Situated near Lake George, West Mountain is known for its racing program and night skiing. The ski resort features 35 trails (including 5 glades), 6 lifts, and a vertical drop of 1,010 feet. For night skiing, West features 100% coverage. Their ski racing program is run by Thomas Vonn, whose last name you may recognize. There’s also snow tubing during the winter.
During the summertime, the ski resort is home to XC hiking and biking trails, scenic chairlift rides, and an aerial adventure course. The New York ski resort also hosts events like weddings and reunions during the offseason.
Image/Video Credits: West Mountain
