Pinkham Notch, New Hampshire — Some of the biggest snowmaking upgrades in New England this offseason are happening at a place that desperately needs it.
Wildcat Mountain has struggled in recent years to keep up with nearby mountains, which have more advanced snowmaking systems. The reasons why aren’t exactly clear (snowmaking pond capacity, dated infrastructure, and staff turnover have been speculated), but it’s been surprising given Wildcat’s historically longer-than-average season. Meanwhile, competitor Black Mountain has extended its season by leaps and bounds over the past two seasons and dunked on Wildcat/Vail Resorts along the way.
The cat is responding with a few big snowmaking upgrades. This includes over 50 new-to-them snowguns, a new air transducer, and pipe replacements.
Last week, Wildcat Mountain shared a few updates on its snowmaking projects. Replacement work on Polecat will allow for more air production on the long beginner trail. Catnap has also received new pipe, which will allow them to make snow on that trail again.
The other update came from Okemo Mountain Resort, which revealed that they are the ones giving Wildcat over 50 new snow guns. Okemo is in the midst of various snowmaking upgrades, which you can read about here. While not new guns, they come from a well-regarded snowmaking powerhouse, which means they’ve done years of great work for one of the Northeast’s better snowmaking producers.
There are a few ways to check out these upgrades. During weekends, Wildcat offers scenic chairlift rides. The ski area also has hiking trails and disc golf that are open daily. If you’re looking for great views of Mt. Washington and Tuckerman Ravine, Wildcat’s hard to beat.
Image/Video Credits: Wildcat Mountain
