SAM Magazine-North Conway, N.H., June 18, 2010-Cranmore Mountain, now run by Jiminy Peak principals Brian Fairbank, Joseph O'Donnell and Tyler Fairbank, will get nearly $7 million in improvements in the next six months, providing a facelift in time for winter operations set to begin in November 2010. CNL Lifestyle Properties is providing the capital.

The new management's first move, though, was to promote Cranmore GM Ben Wilcox to president. "Ben has been instrumental in the sale, and we look forward to his continued leadership as Cranmore moves into the future," said Brian Fairbank. Wilcox recently presented a full site plan outlining the many improvements in the works to the town of Conway. Final permits are expected in early summer.

Among those improvements is a quad chairlift to replace the South Double. The new lift, a 2,622-foot-long Doppelmayr eco-Drive fixed grip, will double the capacity of the current lift. It serves some key beginner terrain and will "greatly enhance the experience for our guests," said Wilcox.

The existing South Double chair will be relocated to a new location near the Beginner Basin area. It will run about half way up the Lift Line slope. Cranmore is changing some of the trail layouts in that area of the mountain to provide additional beginner terrain.

Also in the works is the relocation and enlargement of Cranmore's tubing park, from seven to 10 lanes, with a new Sun Kid surface lift in addition to a handle-tow. Cranmore will erect a new Mountain Coaster in the approximate location of the current tubing park.

Other on-mountain improvements include the installation of 70 new energy-efficient tower guns, in addition to 80 guns installed a year ago. Cranmore also plans to convert the Arlberg Lodge into a state-of-the-art Children's Center, which frees up space in the main base lodge for an expanded cafeteria with additional seating.

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