Waterville Valley Real Estate

[VTKilarney]

I can think of scores of ski areas that are more likely to close than Waterville Valley. They also really try to be a four season resort. I have my doubts as to how successful this is, but you can not deny that they put in the effort. Cannon Mountain will never see the development of Waterville and Loon, so that reduces competition somewhat. One advantage Loon has is that it's closer to North Conway - although the drive is not exactly a Sunday milk run.

If I had a concern, it would be that the skiing industry as a whole is going to suffer demographic pressures. This may make a place like North Conway a little safer for an investment.

 

[St. Bear]

IMO, Waterville should make a strong push to reclaim their racing background. They need something to seperate themselves from their competition, that is predominately intermediate mountains with slopeside condos/community. They'll never get as big as Loon, but they are falling behind Attitash, and I think Ragged is going to be coming up real quick. Getting back in touch with their racing heritage would be an excellent way to differentiate themselves and provide a reason for people to go there. They should do whatever it takes to get as many top level races on the mountain.

 

[NHNative]

I've only been to WV once to ski on a Saturday several years ago. I've wondered how lively the town is. What's there for nightlife? Is there a decent grocery store? I took a cruise through there and noticed very little.

Waterville Valley's night life is rather quiet and sedate. Although there are places to go out for dinner and to drink, it's not an extremely youthful, hard partying crowd. And that's how I personally like it! My big extended family ranges in ages from grade school through 80s and we've had some pretty raucous times here in the valley, but it's primarily due to our making. If you're looking for bright lights, neon signs, karaoke and dancing, then Waterville is definitely not the place. if you're looking for a good dinner out, drinks at a bar with a guitarist, tubing, playing gym games with your family at the Rec. Dept., a nighttime snow shoe or cross country ski, bright stars in a dark sky, etc. - that's what you'll find in Waterville.

 

[Smellytele]

IMO, Waterville should make a strong push to reclaim their racing background. They need something to seperate themselves from their competition, that is predominately intermediate mountains with slopeside condos/community. They'll never get as big as Loon, but they are falling behind Attitash, and I think Ragged is going to be coming up real quick. Getting back in touch with their racing heritage would be an excellent way to differentiate themselves and provide a reason for people to go there. They should do whatever it takes to get as many top level races on the mountain.

No real slope side condos. They pretty much all take a bus ride to get between them and the hill. Of course there was talk of a gondola between the village and the base...

 

[NHNative]

Here's an example of what's happening in Waterville on a weekly basis in the summer. Here's an example of what's happening in Waterville during a typical winter week. In-town dining options may be limited, but there are LOTS of options down the road. Of course, if you want to drink and don't have a DD, then that puts a damper on things. For those of you who think the drive in/out of Waterville is like traveling to the end of the earth, how long does it take you to drive to your favorite restaurant where you live?! We think nothing of driving 15-20 minutes to get to a restaurant. I know my more urban relatives drive the same amount of time - albeit it's less miles - because there's traffic. Ain't no traffic here!

 

[NHNative]

There won't ever be slopeside condos in Waterville because the ski area is surrounded by National Forest. The gondola easement from TSQ to the mountain still exists and I bet some day it will happen! There are condos that are X/C ski trailside.

 

[Smellytele]

There won't ever be slopeside condos in Waterville because the ski area is surrounded by National Forest. The gondola easement from TSQ to the mountain still exists and I bet some day it will happen! There are condos that are X/C ski trailside.

The x/c trails there are numerous, great and nicely maintained.

 

[St. Bear]

No real slope side condos. They pretty much all take a bus ride to get between them and the hill. Of course there was talk of a gondola between the village and the base...

Point taken. Still close enough to group WV with Loon and Attitash, and my point still stands about re-establishing their racing heritage as a differentiating factor. Hell, I'd be interested in attending a high level race if they hosted one.

 

[deadheadskier]

In-town dining options may be limited, but there are LOTS of options down the road. Of course, if you want to drink and don't have a DD, then that puts a damper on things. For those of you who think the drive in/out of Waterville is like traveling to the end of the earth, how long does it take you to drive to your favorite restaurant where you live?! We think nothing of driving 15-20 minutes to get to a restaurant. I know my more urban relatives drive the same amount of time - albeit it's less miles - because there's traffic. Ain't no traffic here!

I have no problem with the length of the access road into the Valley. I do have a problem with the speed limit of that road and how over zealous it is enforced by the town police. It's right up there with Route 4 in Woodstock/Bridgewater Vt as the worst driving gauntlet / tourist tax collection road in New England.

If I were a local, I'd insist that the speed limit gets changed and the local law enforcement chills out. It is a business deterrent.

 

[4aprice]

IMO, Waterville should make a strong push to reclaim their racing background. They need something to seperate themselves from their competition, that is predominately intermediate mountains with slopeside condos/community. They'll never get as big as Loon, but they are falling behind Attitash, and I think Ragged is going to be coming up real quick. Getting back in touch with their racing heritage would be an excellent way to differentiate themselves and provide a reason for people to go there. They should do whatever it takes to get as many top level races on the mountain.

Are you saying they've lost that SB? The PSU team still trains there from what I understand. How are they falling behind Attitash? IMO between the 2 I would take Waterville everytime. I know on this board (a small percentage of a small percentage) Waterville takes a lot of hammering but I still like the place and hopefully will visit this year.

Alex

Lake Hopatcong, NJ

 

[NHNative]

I agree the speed limit is ridiculous. That said, I've been driving Rt. 49 for 40 years. I've only been stopped for speeding once. Maybe it's because I don't go 20 mph over the limit! ;-) C'mon, the speed limit isn't to my liking, but really, all you gotta do is slow down from your highway speeds - just a little! Everything will still be there whether you're going 60 or 45! Frankly, with all the wildlife I've encountered in the roadway over the years, I much prefer just taking it easy on my drives in and out of Waterville. I don't want to have a moose drop in my lap. :razz:

 

[4aprice]

. It's right up there with Route 4 in Woodstock/Bridgewater Vt as the worst driving gauntlet / tourist tax collection road in New England.

Ok OT but I agree with this statement and throw out the question "Has anyone taken 89 to 107 to 100 to 4 to get from WRJ to Rutland?" Got to make this trip Sunday and thinking of trying this route.

Alex

Lake Hopatcong, NJ

 

[St. Bear]

Are you saying they've lost that SB? The PSU team still trains there from what I understand. How are they falling behind Attitash? IMO between the 2 I would take Waterville everytime. I know on this board (a small percentage of a small percentage) Waterville takes a lot of hammering but I still like the place and hopefully will visit this year.

Alex

Lake Hopatcong, NJ

Maybe it's a misconception due to marketing, but my impression was that Attitash has been trending up, especially since Wildcat got bought out.

College teams training there is a good start, but I'm talking about getting world class athletes there, and marketing the hell out of it. Even if it's a low level or junior circuit race, then see if you can get someone like Hannah Kearney or Mikeala Schiffron to make an appearance and wave to the crowd. Yes it's a lofty goal, but that's what they should be working towards. Again, in my opinion.

 

[4aprice]

Maybe it's a misconception due to marketing, but my impression was that Attitash has been trending up, especially since Wildcat got bought out.

College teams training there is a good start, but I'm talking about getting world class athletes there, and marketing the hell out of it. Even if it's a low level or junior circuit race, then see if you can get someone like Hannah Kearney or Mikeala Schiffron to make an appearance and wave to the crowd. Yes it's a lofty goal, but that's what they should be working towards. Again, in my opinion.

Maybe they should try for the NCAA's or The Eastern High School Championships. 2 years the latter was at Cannon and last year Attitash. Dartmouth Skiways has hosted the NCAA's in the past so its not out of the question.

Alex

Lake Hopatcong, NJ

 

[St. Bear]

Maybe they should try for the NCAA's or The Eastern High School Championships. 2 years the latter was at Cannon and last year Attitash. Dartmouth Skiways has hosted the NCAA's in the past so its not out of the question.

Alex

Lake Hopatcong, NJ

Exactly. That kind of stuff should be a no brainer for them. Maybe they have been trying, I don't know.

 

[Vortex]

I owned in Campton and skied Loon Mostly and went to Waterville at night. Love the common area, candy store Fire works and safe community. I liek this area more in the Summer than the Winter.

 

[deadheadskier]

I agree the speed limit is ridiculous. That said, I've been driving Rt. 49 for 40 years. I've only been stopped for speeding once. Maybe it's because I don't go 20 mph over the limit! ;-) C'mon, the speed limit isn't to my liking, but really, all you gotta do is slow down from your highway speeds - just a little! Everything will still be there whether you're going 60 or 45! Frankly, with all the wildlife I've encountered in the roadway over the years, I much prefer just taking it easy on my drives in and out of Waterville. I don't want to have a moose drop in my lap. :razz:

I do drive the speed limit on that road because if I don't I know the consequences. Its still super annoying. The speed limit on that road should be 50.

 

[dmw]

Ok OT but I agree with this statement and throw out the question "Has anyone taken 89 to 107 to 100 to 4 to get from WRJ to Rutland?"

I started going that way to Killington last year after getting a ticket, took about the same amount of time.

 

[Smellytele]

I started going that way to Killington last year after getting a ticket, took about the same amount of time.

By google maps it is only 10 mins longer but I have been stuck behind the slowest people on earth on route 4. They go like 10 mph under the speed limit and it drives me insane. My kids even notice it. it seems like I am always behind someone going around the world to the left or right as well (their blinker is stuck on)

 

[Puck it]

I started going that way to Killington last year after getting a ticket, took about the same amount of time.

From my house, I can get to exit 1 in VT on 89 in 1.5 hours. It then takes me another 45 mins. to get to the Skyeship base, which is only like ~30miles. It kills me.