Southern NH Improves as a Ski Destination

[thetrailboss]

So I was just in this thread and was considering how the skiing at the three major Southern NH areas (Pats Peak, Gunstock, and Crotched) has really improved since Crotched reopened. Market forces at work...Crotched makes improvements, so does Pat's. Gunstock just announced major discounted season passes and installed that HSQ in 2004 or so.

Anyone else noticing? Any other thoughts?

It seems that this region is a growth market....if done right. With the price of gas increasing and folks looking for more local destinations, I think these areas are set to do well. They are very economical in price, run well, and have great snowmaking. It amazes me how many folks don't consider these close areas to be contenders. Granted there is not much snow, terrain, or glades, but hell, night skiing and close to home are major factors.

 

[AMAC2233]

Now, if it could only get down to MA...

 

[Zand]

...Which Wachusett currently has full control of for the NE part of the state...

 

[tcharron]

So I was just in this thread and was considering how the skiing at the three major Southern NH areas (Pats Peak, Gunstock, and Crotched) has really improved since Crotched reopened. Market forces at work...Crotched makes improvements, so does Pat's. Gunstock just announced major discounted season passes and installed that HSQ in 2004 or so.

Anyone else noticing? Any other thoughts?

It seems that this region is a growth market....if done right. With the price of gas increasing and folks looking for more local destinations, I think these areas are set to do well. They are very economical in price, run well, and have great snowmaking. It amazes me how many folks don't consider these close areas to be contenders. Granted there is not much snow, terrain, or glades, but hell, night skiing and close to home are major factors.

Definatly noticed. And while I'm not familiar with Gunstocks numbers, I know Pat's Peak and Crotched numbers have just been going up year after year. How much of this is due to 'cheap' season passes becoming more widely available, I don't know, but I know Crotched sold a crapton this last season. I also suspect it's that skiing in general is becoming more popular as a sport again for families, and having a close by, smaller, and more fun oriented mountain is very convenient.

 

[riverc0il]

The development of Southern New Hampshire as a suburb of Boston and extension of Massachusetts has created lots of demand for strong local areas. Makes sense that the mid-sized areas would benefit since they can offer a lot of things the bigger areas can't such as cheaper prices, closer drive times, night skiing, better family accessibility, etc. With Ragged and Tenney having new owners it seems like a promising time for ski areas in NH outside of the White Mountain Region and the breaking up of the All For One pass creates a significant opportunity for families looking for bargains in the low price range. Hopefully increased competitiveness not only increases the quality of product but stabilizes the region.

 

[snoseek]

gunstock has always been pretty busy. new chair makes it kind of doable. good to see all the other areas on the up, driving gets pretty old (and $$).

 

[Goblin84]

The development of Southern New Hampshire as a suburb of Boston and extension of Massachusetts

Ahhhhhh! so true! you massholes are taking over my state!

 

[Vortex]

Southern Nh has been a burb for a while. I have made the bost commute for 15 years so far. It is growing still though.