New Hampshire — Ski resorts in the Granite State have been busy during the offseason.
Earlier this week, Ski New Hampshire (SkiNH) announced the improvements ski resorts are making for the 2026-27 season. Highlights include new terrain, snowmaking upgrades, lift updates, and renovated buildings. While there are technically no new chairlifts coming to New Hampshire this winter, there are a lot of upgrades for skiers to look forward to.
“New Hampshire’s ski areas have consistently demonstrated their commitment to reinvesting in their mountains,” said Jessyca Keeler, the president of Ski New Hampshire. “These improvements not only help ski areas make the most of winter weather and deliver a better experience for guests, but also strengthen the long-term sustainability of an industry that plays an important role in our state’s economy and communities.”
Here’s a rundown of the improvements at New Hampshire ski resorts for the 2026-27 season.
- The biggest offseason project may be happening at the small yet mighty Pats Peak. A new 21-million-gallon snowmaking reservoir at the summit is being constructed. Because of this, Pats Peak is also adding 3,000 gallons per minute of pumping capacity, bringing total production to almost 8,000 gallons per minute. This means they’ll go from being able to operate 100 snowguns at a time to around 200. Other upgrades include regrading the Hurricane Quad unloading zone, refurbishing the Bluster Carpet Lift, a new Prinoth Bison snowcat, and more.
- Gunstock has also been busy, as they are completing phase 2 of a $9 million investment. This offseason, they spent $4.5 million on lift refurbishments, snowmaking upgrades, and equipment, facilities, and maintenance. According to the Laconia Daily Sun, new glades and natural areas are also planned to be introduced.
- Ragged has also been busy following its acquisition by a group of avid skiers. The ski resort is entering the first phase of a capital improvement plan this offseason, including bringing snowmaking back to Upper and Lower Easy Winder, replacing lift parts, and renovating the Elmwood Lodge (also known as the Red Barn).
- Loon hasn’t detailed what offseason projects they’ve completed yet, but the future looks busy. First up is the expansion into Black Ridge, a 272-acre area that will open up worlds of exploration for expert skiers and riders. Potentially coming up is the expansion onto Peak 4, which would add another 280 acres.
- Wildcat Mountain is making snowmaking improvements. This includes over 50 new-to-them snowguns, replacing key snowmaking pipelines, and adding a new air transducer for better snowmaking efficiency.
- Attitash Mountain Resort is also upgrading its snowmaking. Their focus is on adding new snowguns to the Saco trail. They also replaced key snowmaking pipelines.
- Cranmore Mountain Resort renovated Gibson’s Cabin, which was first built in 1939 for the founder of the ski resort. It’s now a historical exhibit detailing the resort’s history and is open in summer and fall. They’re looking into opening it during the winter as well.
- Bretton Woods followed up last year’s addition of a high-speed quad chairlift and new glade with further upgrades. Additional snowmaking on the Upper Express trail will improve coverage. Also, they’ve moved the park over to Fabyan’s Express. The park will focus on progression, meaning more features for more experienced skiers and riders. Because of this change, racers will have more space on the Bretton’s Wood trail.
- Tenney Mountain is continuing to build on its improvements to snowmaking, parking, base lodge, snow tubing, and terrain parks.
- Granite Gorge Mountain Park replaced over 100 of its old lights with high-efficiency LED fixtures. This will allow for better lighting and less energy consumption.
- Last winter, Veterans Memorial Recreation Area debuted a new magic carpet lift. It’s part of a continued capital campaign, which helped introduce snowmaking to the ski area.
- On the Nordic side of things, Jackson XC is introducing optical biathlon programming, which adds to their existing programming.
- More big changes could be announced. Black Mountain, which isn’t an official member of SkiNH, has been busy this summer. It’s unclear what they’ve been working on, but they have reportedly been busy. This includes the purchase of the next-door Shovel Handle Pub, which has become home to Entabeni Systems.
Image/Video Credits: Gunstock Mountain Resort, Ski New Hampshire
