Cranmore Unveils Master Development Plan

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16 December 2013

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SAM Magazine—North Conway, N.H., Dec. 16, 2013—Cranmore Mountain Resort has unveiled a Master Development Plan at a town Planning Board Meeting here to replace dated ski facilities with a mix of combination service space/residential condominium buildings and residential-only condos.

“Mixing new ski facilities with condominiums has been a successful model” at resorts such as Jiminy Peak, Mass., Stratton, Vt., and Mont Tremblant, Quebec, said Cranmore president and GM Ben Wilcox. New ski facilities will include a restaurant, cafeteria, seating, locker rooms, rest rooms, changing areas, rental shop, ski retail shop, snow sports instruction registration and other skier service areas.

“This plan incorporates a unique, slopeside residential community at Cranmore which will help assure the resort's sustainability for years to come,” added Brian Fairbank, chairman of the Fairbank Group, the entity that manages Cranmore.

The plan proposes a total of six new buildings that will eventually replace all of Cranmore's existing buildings, with a few exceptions: the Cranmore Ticket Office building, renovated in 2010; the historic summit Meister Hut; and the Artist Falls Lodge, home to Cranmore Fitness.

Phase One would be a new 36-unit residences-only condominium building, located at the base of Cranmore's South quad chairlift with easy access to winter slopes and summer attractions. “Offering base area condominium units to our guests is unique for our region,” said Wilcox.

Cranmore will be submitting a full site plan review to the Conway Planning Board in February. State of of New Hampshire permits are also being submitted, and if approved, Phase One will begin in the spring of 2014, with projected completion in winter 2014.

The proposed plan would continue resort improvements begun in 2010 after the principals and operators of Jiminy Peak, Brian Fairbank, Joseph O'Donnell and Tyler Fairbank, purchased Cranmore. The owners have invested $9 million in lift, snowmaking, and facilities improvements, with CNL Lifestyle Properties providing the necessary capital.

Year round mountain attractions have also been added, including the Mountain Coaster, Giant Swing, and Soaring Eagle Zip Line. These compliment an aerial adventure ropes course, summer tubing and a number of other family-friendly offerings.