From Maine to Washington, areas are working franticly to complete construction in time for the first snowfall. If any one word could be used to describe this season’s projects, it would be “unusual.” Vermont’s Mt. Snow is readying an aerial tramway to transport skiers from the front of their lodge, across a lake over a spectacular 400-ft. water fountain, to deposit them at the base of the mountain. Park City, Utah has designed a series of uphill facilities that runs through their mountain; and Squaw Valley has an outdoor patio, warmed by infra-red heaters, permitting skiers to enjoy an outdoor lunch in perfect comfort.
This lift will lead to the top of new section of Glen Ellen ski area, in Vermont. When present construction is comleted, it will have one of the East’s few FIS approved trails, and the sharpest vertical drop—2645 ft.Boyne Mountain, in Michigan has a 4-place chair capable of carrying 2400 skiers per hour.Utah’s Brianhead has a 9800-foot high base area, one of the highest in the ski world. Solid lines indicate the trails to be open this year. Broken lines are areas slated for future.Glen Ellen’s mid-station, Glen House, will have a complete restaurant at over 3000 feet. Mid-station will be the lower terminal point of the area’s several new expert trails.Hunter Mountain, New York, is completing the largest base lodge in the East at a cost of over a half-million dollars. Future plans include an addition of a nine story hotel and retail complex as shown by dotted lines. Lodge features a swimming pool, a sauna, a bar and cafeterias.New York’s Bristol Mountain will open this year with what is reported to be the longest, fully-lighted slope in the country. The circular base lodge is two-stories high and features dining room, snack bar, cafeteria, and cocktail lounge. The lodge is glass enclosed, offers a 360-degree view.Mt. Southington Ski center in Connecticut is one of the smaller areas going up this year. The area will feature complete snow-making from top to bottom. Here, area manager, Jim Dancona directs digging for the footings of one of the area’s three T-bars. Rope tows will go in next.The first two buildings of Sugarbush Village will be ready for this season. These buildings will house retail operations on the lower floors and apartments on the second story. Located at the base of the mountain, the village will have a chair lift originating in its center.(Top) The lower gondola terminal at Squaw Valley is now part of the base lodge. Skiers can enter either from the lounge or from the outside.(Bottom) Patio lounge is enclosed by glass walls and has heated floors and infra-red heaters. Charcoal broiler provides additional heat and enables skiers to enjoy outdoor barbecued snacks in winter.Owner-manager Jim Kelley plans mid-December opening for Brodie Mountain in Massachusetts. This area is one of few in the East to rent clothing.
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