The Balsams Resort redevelopment in Dixville Notch is taking steps to move forward. First, the NH Department of Environmental Services has granted the Dixville, NH resort a water quality certificate under Section 401 of the federal Clean Water Act. The certificate grants The Balsams permission to withdraw water from the Androscoggin River for snowmaking at what will become the largest ski resort in the Northeastern United States. In addition to receiving the permit, The Balsams has received 161 reservations from people wishing to purchase a residence on the Balsams Century Club property.
“Our vision is to redevelop The Balsams into a true, yearround destination resort, which includes a major expansion of The Balsams Wilderness Ski Area,” said Les Otten, who is leading the redevelopment team. “We plan to install the latest snowmaking technology to augment Dixville’s abundant natural snow, so receiving this permit is an important step forward.”
The water permit allows The Balsams to withdraw Androscoggin River water and transport it roughly nine miles via underground pipe to Dixville for snowmaking activities between October 15 and March 15. The permit also allows withdrawals for fire suppression activities, if needed.
Otten added, “People are very excited about The Balsams’ rebirth. Through the Century Club program, they can own part of it and enjoy access to our vast, spectacular wilderness, and then pass it down to family members like an eleven-thousand-acre heirloom.”
The proposed Balsams’ redevelopment includes renovating the historic Dix House, Hampshire House and Hale House, as well as the Panorama golf course and clubhouse designed by pioneering course architect Donald Ross. The Balsams Lake Village, which will encompass the Dix and Hampshire Houses, will feature a new Lake Gloriette House hotel, a 500-seat conference center, Nordic hot baths and spa, a performing arts center and an open-air marketplace. The resort’s fine cuisine and chef training programs will return through multiple dining opportunities around the resort. All will embrace the farm-to-table concept by sourcing locally-grown meats, produce and dairy.
The plan also includes expanding The Balsams Wilderness Ski Area into the largest and most technically advanced ski resort on the East Coast. With a skiing base camp at 2,350 feet above sea level, in a true alpine climate zone, The Balsams is known to receive among the highest annual snow totals of any ski resort in the Northeast. At build out, it will offer 2,200 acres of alpine terrain accessed by 23 lifts, and 100 kilometers of Nordic trails.
Nestled within the grand northern White Mountains in Dixville Notch, The Balsams’ includes 11,000 sprawling acres of scenic views and accessible wilderness. The redevelopment has been challenged at times.
Current Issue - May 2024