Pat's Peak Preps for Upcoming Ski Season

Snowmaking at Pat's Peak in Henniker. Photo: Pat's Peak

Pats Peak Ski Area in Henniker will undertake a series of capital improvements for its 2017-2018 season, the mountain's 55th consecutive ski and snowboard season. Projects include a new triple chair lift; additional energy-efficient snowmaking fan guns; lodge expansion; new rental skis, boots and snowboards; new deck heaters; and upgraded behind the scenes infrastructure.

“We know that New England weather can be challenging with varying temperatures and levels of natural snowfall, which is why exceptional snowmaking capacity is a priority for us," says Kris Blomback, general manager of Pats Peak. "We want to give our guests as much time as possible to enjoy the slopes every year. Fortunately, we have committed ownership who are willing to invest in the very best products, allowing us to provide this great service year after year."

Below is more information on each scheduled capital improvement project:

New Peak Triple Chair
With the new triple chair lift, Pats Peak will be doubling the capacity of the lift from 800 to 1,600 people per hour. They will also be deploying some newer technology at the bottom of the lift with a conveyor carpet system that will make loading easier and faster, cutting down on the ride time to the summit.

Additional Energy-Efficient Snowmaking Fan Guns
Improvements to provide early season skiing/riding continues to be at the forefront of upgrade plans, with another $250,000 investment into an existing 100 percent snowmaking coverage system. This year’s investment is the addition of six additional Fan Guns from Snow Machines. 

Pats Peak was the first ski area in NH. “With our new snow guns, we will be able to open more terrain even faster and sustain it longer, even through stretches with marginal winter temperatures”, says Blomback.

More Lodge Space
Pats Peak is midway through their lodge expansion and renovation. When it is complete, it will add more seating, an elevator and new bathrooms along with expanded locker service. This year’s expansion work will be done on the middle A-frame of the lodge and by adding more seating on the cafeteria level.

The Starting Gate Rental Shop at Pat's Peak. Photo: Pat's Peak

More Rental Equipment in the Rental Shop

The 9,600-square-foot Starting Gate Rental Shop is Northern New England’s largest rental shop. Every season, the shop adds to its rental fleet. This season renters will find new Elan skis, boots and poles along with new Burton snowboard boots.

New Deck Heaters
Brand new deck heaters will take the edge off of the chill while skiers and riders are relaxing on the deck. They'll be placed throughout the third floor deck nearest the Sled Pub.

Renovated Behind the Scenes Infrastructure
"Behind the scenes" aimed at establishing a smoother process in the day-to-day operations at Pats Peak.