With the ski season approaching spring, resorts have made some announcements recently regarding planned improvements, discounts and passes.
Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports is hoping to expand to Sugarbush Resort’s Mount Ellen with a new $2 million adaptive sports facility.
The nationally recognized Killington, Vt.-based organization filed an Act 250 permit application with the state of Vermont last month and, if approved, looks to start construction this spring.
“We saw huge growth in our programs and the number of people who can participate in year-round sports when we built our first adaptive sports facility at Pico Mountain in 2013,” executive director Erin Fernandez said in a news release. She added they’re excited for the potential growth in the Mad River Valley.
“Friends and participants of Vermont Adaptive’s programs at Sugarbush have pledged a generous challenge to match every dollar up to $1 million for this Sugarbush facility,” she added.
Sugarbush has granted a long-term lease for the 4,000-square-foot facility designed by Jeff Dunham Architecture.
Fernandez said that, in addition to donations from individuals, the organization is seeking in-kind support in the form of building materials and more.
“We believe in the great work of Vermont Adaptive and provide full support to realize their vision,” said Win Smith, president of Sugarbush Resort
In other resort news:
■Vail Resorts unveiled an East Coast pass on Tuesday. The Northeast Value Pass, at $599 for adults and $419 for college students, provides unlimited, restricted access to Okemo, Mount Snow and New York’s Hunter Mountain, 10 restricted days at Stowe, plus unlimited, unrestricted access to Wildcat, Attitash, Mount Sunapee, Crotched Mountain and more.
The $449 Northeast Midweek Pass offers similar access but is restricted to Monday through Friday, as well as five restricted midweek days at Stowe.
Vail also announced its Epic Mountain Rewards. That gives passholders a 20% discount off food and beverage, lodging, group ski and ride school lessons, equipment rentals and more at the the behemoth’s North American-owned and -operated resorts.
■Waterville Valley recently said the U.S. Forest Service has accepted its 10-year master development plan.
The plan includes a boundary extension, allowing for 140 acres of terrain expansion with 15 new trails, additional parking and new buildings for events and dining as well as four new Nordic trails. The plan also anticipates the replacement of the White Peaks Quad Chair and the Sunnyside Triple Chair.
A future gondola would start near Town Square and take skiers and riders toward the South Ridge of Green Peak, where they could unload for midstation services, including a new base lodge and learning area, as well as expanded Nordic facilities. From there, guests will have the option to continue to the summit of Green Peak for dining, exploring or taking in the mountain views.
“We’re thrilled to continue Waterville Valley’s development and look forward to fulfilling our team’s vision,” said the resort’s president and general manager, Tim Smith. “This is just the first step in a long process, but it marks an exciting milestone towards progressing Waterville Valley into the future.”
■Enfield’s Whaleback recently announced its Tail End Unlimited Pass is now on sale for $139. Valid every day for the season’s remainder, the pass pays for itself in four or five visits. The pass also allows for some deals at their Freedom Pass partner ski areas, including New England areas like Jackson’s Black Mountain, Dartmouth Skiway, Bolton Valley, Maine’s Lost Valley, Magic Mountain and McIntyre Ski Area. Passholders can get a total of three free tickets to those areas and other participating mountains, plus other discounts.
Kudos to Whaleback, which was also featured in a video that was part of the L.L. Bean Outside Series. The five-minute short entitled The Little Mountain That Could can be viewed on YouTube and showcases the community spirit that lifted Whaleback back into operation in 2013 after it was closed.
■Pats Peak is having some specials only available online this month that also benefit various nonprofits.
The Henniker, N.H., ski area becomes Pets Peak on March 9-12 with $35 lift tickets available online in advance. Bring three pet items to the mountain and get a $10 Pats Peak cafe card. Get $30 lift tickets on March 16-19, and again March 23-26 too, to benefit melanoma research.
“Our skiers and riders can enjoy a discount, and we can support these nonprofit organizations, thanks to our skiers and riders,” said general manager Kris Blomback.
That’s a win-win.
Marty Basch can be reached at marty.basch@gmail.com.