Sugarbush and Stowe construction pics 8/31/06

[ski_resort_observer]

I have not been up to Stowe since they started the new Spruce Peak developement so I decided to go for a cruise north, take some pics at Stowe and head over the notch to see what was happening at Smuggs.

Before I headed north I went up to the Bush to check things out. My pics of the Bush can be found here:
http://forums.skimrv.com/modules.ph...ame=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

Lostone also took some awesome pics from the top of Stein, check them out here
http://forums.skimrv.com/viewtopic.php?t=335

When I drove into the Spruce Peak it took awhile to get my bearings as the layout has been totally changed. They have done a tremendous amount of roadwork, landscaping and earthwork. Constructionwise they have only just started according to the Master Plan. When completed it will be pretty massive. Here are a few pics:
http://forums.alpinezone.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=586

If any of you Stowe locals or anyone else who is in the know about Stowe(sorry, couldn't resist) has anything to add please do.

Smuggs did not have any constuction that I noticed but it was obvious they had recently built a bunch of condos. The place was really busy with families and kids. The village at the base was pretty impressive being that it was so vibrant with so many people compared to most other base area's in the summer.

 

[maplevalleymaster]

Nice pics. I cannot wait to hit the bush this year. Also, I have also driven that road in Stowe with those large rocks and the sudden, short road turns. It is pretty crazy.

 

[JD]

Those large rocks prvode a great bouldering resource...check it out sometime. I try not to look at srpuce every time I drive by.

 

[ALLSKIING]

Cool pics guys...Thanks.

 

[JD]

Here's one of those boulders....

 

[Lostone]

I love that section of 108!

Always suggest it to people who've not seen it. :smile:

 

[WWF-VT]

I did a similar Vermont trip this weekend. The new Gate House Lodge and Claybrook are well on the way to completion at Sugarbush. Still there is a lot of work to be done to open for the season in 90 days.

The Spruce Peak development at Stowe is incredible. Big $$$ luxury homes at Spruce Peak. Lots of money being spent on the Spruce Peak area. Not sure what the plans are but the base lodge at Mt Mansfield must be slated for an update in the near future.

Smuggs village was very active. The base lodge at Madonna / Sterling mountains looks very low-key.

I also took notice that the leaves are starting to change.....winter is on the way !

 

[smootharc]

When Spruce is all done....

....are there any projections regarding effect in general on Stowe traffic ?

I am assuming there were predictions of increased auto conjestion....and wondered if any road widening, expansion, improvements on the town level were coming in anticipation of this project's impact. It seems with all of Stowe's great skiing and great classic VT town stuff that traffic is the one glaring negative on most people's assessment of the place.

Luckily, I helicopter above the driving masses on my way to my lodge top landing pad. It's good to be king....

 

[ski_resort_observer]

This summer they have done a fair amount of work on Rt 108, mostly renovating the base and resurfacing but no widening. Once the new hotels and condos come online I think that traffic use will be an ever increasing problem that they will have to address.

Presumeably people who are staying at Spruce won't be on Rt 108 for skiing, morning and late afternoon, but will greatly increase the traffic during the off-skiing hours.

 

[ALLSKIING]

Any word on when all this is going to be complete?

 

[Greg]

Any word on when all this is going to be complete?

Gatehouse and Claybrook are supposed to be up and running for this season. Seems like they're coming down to the wire, but I'm sure they'll pull it off.

 

[ALLSKIING]

Gatehouse and Claybrook are supposed to be up and running for this season. Seems like they're coming down to the wire, but I'm sure they'll pull it off.

It does look like they still have a bit of work to do...Hope the weather stays good for them.

 

[Greg]

It does look like they still have a bit of work to do...Hope the weather stays good for them.

Well, sitework is what takes the most time. Once that baby (Gatehouse) is fully framed and roofed/sided, it should move quickly. There's probably a fair amount of open space in the building vs. Claybrook which are individual condo units so I imagine Gatehouse will proceed more quickly. Hopefully, Win will chime in here.

 

[ski_resort_observer]

Scheduled to be completed by Dec 9th when LP opens for skiing.

 

[Lostone]

Well, that pic sas from 9/1. This:

is from 9/8. They are cranking!

Note that my shots are from a slightly different angle because... uh... my helicopter is... uh... in the shop... Yeah... That's the ticket!

More of my pix from this week #871 - #898.

 

[win]

Everything is on schedule. The push for the next few weeks is to get the outdoor work done. Gatehouse is water proofed so the plumbing and electrical work is being installed and the windows should be going in this week. Framing on first floor is done. Most of the parking lots are being finally graded and much of the landscaping will be in this fall while there is still growing season. We will be paving most of the main lot this fall as well, so it will be much nicer and cleaner in all seasons. Claybrook residences are humming inside and the pool and jacuzzi are getting built now. December 9th is opening day at Lincoln Peak, and we plan to have all open. (Mount Ellen is scheduled to open Saturday, November 18th.) the The weather has been good for construction the past couple of weeks. Thank you Mother Nature.