Top Upgrades at U.S. Ski Resorts This Summer

Even though it’s mid-summer, avid skiers are already gearing up for the coming ski season.   And, ski resorts are getting ready to accommodate them.  What are some of the leaders around the nation doing?  You might be surprised…just read the tips below to get a better idea of what you can expect for the 2012-2013 ski season.

  1. Vail Resorts.  This company just took over Northstar last year, and California ski enthusiasts have been waiting with high anticipation to see what changes would be made.  They decided to pull the trigger and make $30 million in various improvements at the resort.  In addition to the expected improvements – ritzy new base lodges, fancy pizzas in the food court, and high-end retailers in the Village, they also increased the skiable terrain by 10%.  Both Lookout Mountain and Sawmill Glade have had additional routes developed.
  2. Bromley Mountain Resort.  Located in Vermont, Bromley Mountain Resort has dropped $1 million on a new 3,000 square foot kids facility.  The Learning Area was also the recipient of extensive remodeling.  A Kids’ Cabin was also added for warming up.  Finally, they also constructed a fully enclosed carpet lift.  A new trail named “Orion” was also added.
  3. Seven Springs, Pennsylvania.  To help accommodate dedicated snowboarding enthusiasts, Seven Springs constructed The Streets Urban Park.  The park offers an Olympic-sized superpipe and a variety of features typically found in urban settings, including guardrails and flights of steps.
  4. Copper Mountain.  Located just 75 miles west of Denver, Copper Mountain, replaced the High Point Lift in West Village with a new one that is more accessible for skiers of all ability levels.  A new trail that connects from the east will ease travel from Catalyst Terrain Park to the beginner and intermediate areas.
  5. Beaver Creek.  Located near Vail, Colorado, Beaver Creek has added a new high-speed Doppelmayr detachable quad chairlift.  This lift has the capability of transporting 2,400 people per hour.  Ride time will also be cut in half to around 5.5 minutes.
  6. Brighton.  Located on Utah’s Wasatch Front, this local favorite spend $500,000 on a new snowmaking system and an additional $20,000 on new Terrain Park features.  Brighton is also placing an increased focus on ski rentals for the coming season.
  7. Palisades Tahoe.  Snugly nestled in California, this resort has undergone a dramatic change to go from one of the least popular ski resorts in America to one of the most popular.  More than 12 new grooming machines have been added.  In addition, there will be two new lifts added and many facilities enhancements.
  8. Peak Resorts.  This company owns six different ski resorts throughout Missouri, Indiana, and Ohio and is primarily focusing on upgrading Hidden Valley, located near St. Louis.  The expansion will include 30% more skiable terrain, a new quad chairlift, and substantial renovation to the food and beverage center.

After learning more about some of the upgrades to these ski resorts, which is most appealing to you?  Are you more interested in a convenient location or an unforgettable experience?

 

Contact