Gunstock's Plans to Expand

The Lakes Region is a famous summer playground, but its lone ski resort is expanding and reminding people theres winter fun as well. Gunstock Mountain Resort in Gilford is undergoing a $4 million expansion expected to be complete by the end of next summer.

Owned by Belknap County, Gunstock is adding four new ski trails, a new ski lift and a new beginner complex. It is also expanding its snowmaking capabilities. Most of that project will take place next summer and be completed for the 2009-2010 winter season. The resort previously made road improvements and added new signage.

We want to be known as New Hampshires number one destination for learning to ski and ride, says Greg Goddard, general manager of Gunstock. The expansion is part of the resorts $13 million master plan developed in 2000. In 2003, Gunstock invested $3.8 million to increase its snowmaking capabilities and install a quad chairlift that reduced ride time to the top of the mountain from 14 minutes to six minutes.

Gunstock gets about 180,000 ski visits annually, says Goddard, noting attendance fluctuates at Gunstock more widely than other resorts because it attracts mostly day trippers, and their visits are more weather dependent. Gunstock is hopeful its increased snowmaking capacity will counteract that trend. We want to make sure we continue to develop a reputation that no matter what nature gives us, we can put down a nice carpet of snow, Goddard says. Gunstock has been a source of financial tension within the county for years, but that is starting to change. This past year, it's 71st in operation, Gunstock paid $320,000 back to the county. We hope to continue to do thatto be a net contributor back to the taxpayer, he says.