Peak Resorts’ Expansion Projects Transforming Two Of The Company’s Northeast Resorts
Peak Resorts, Inc announced today that construction on its projects at Mount Snow in Vermont and Hunter Mountain in New York is progressing on schedule ahead of the 2018/19 skiing and riding season. These projects, which combined represent approximately $32 million in upgrades across the two properties, have set a number of milestones for the Company, including its largest-ever base lodge and the Eastern United States' largest ski area expansion in over 15 years.
Jesse Boyd, Vice President of Operations at Peak Resorts, commented, "The Hunter North project at Hunter Mountain and the new Carinthia Base Lodge project at Mount Snow each represent a significant undertaking and our ability to accomplish both in one summer is a great testament to the dedicated teams we have in place at our resorts. It's been amazing to watch these two projects evolve and we can't wait for our Peak Pass holders and guests to experience these new and improved properties this coming winter."
The Hunter North project will expand Hunter Mountain's skiable terrain by 80 acres, encompassing five new trails and four new gladed skiing areas, thereby driving a one-third increase in the total acreage Hunter has to offer and making Hunter the third largest ski area in New York by number of trails. These five new trails, including four intermediate trails and one beginner trail, will be serviced by a fully automated snowmaking system and brand new high-speed six-person chair lift as well as a new entrance to the resort off Route 23a that leads to 250 additional parking spaces. This entirely new mountain face will add much needed intermediate terrain to the Company's leading Catskills resort that is already known for its great beginner terrain and steep and challenging black diamond terrain, making Hunter more inviting and approachable for families.
Russ Coloton, General Manager at Hunter Mountain, commented, "Hunter North is a game-changer for Hunter Mountain as it dramatically expands our winter offerings and adds variety to our terrain. Featuring predominantly intermediate terrain serviced by the yet-to-be-named high-speed six-person chair lift, Hunter North will allow our resort to broaden its appeal and improve on-mountain traffic flows over the course of the winter season. Views from the additional terrain are spectacular and I am confident that visitors to Hunter Mountain this winter will enjoy an unrivaled skiing and riding experience."
Representing a further evolution of Mount Snow, the Carinthia Base Lodge project is set to replace the old 1960's-era lodge at the Carinthia Base Area with a new 42,000 square foot lodge that is five times the size of the former lodge. The new, state-of-the-art lodge will include the amenities that today's skiers and riders expect from a high-end ski resort. These include a sit-down restaurant, two bars, a multi-station cafeteria, retail offerings, rental facilities, a private lesson desk and an outdoor seating deck complete with fireplace and bar. The $22 million project, which was started in the summer of 2017, is currently on track to open when Mount Snow opens in November.
Erik Barnes, General Manager and President at Mount Snow, commented, "Mount Snow has seen a major transformation over the past several years, first with the upgrade to our snowmaking capabilities through West Lake and now with our new Carinthia Base Lodge. This new facility has been a long time coming and will be a substantial improvement over our old lodge. While the old lodge will no doubt be missed by some of our long-time guests, I'm looking forward to seeing the reactions from our passholders and guests when we open the doors this November."
