Check out what’s new this season at ski areas in Vermont

Okemo plans to be fully operational this winter season after historic flooding in the Ludlow area. (Vail Resorts)

Whether it’s a new, multi-million dollar lift or a unique wrinkle to the cafeteria lunch menu, the offseason is a busy time for getting work done at ski areas and resorts across New England.

Here’s a roundup of the additions and projects that skiers and riders can expect to see at their favorite ski destinations this winter in Vermont: 

In October, Sugarbush Mountain Resort announced $12.6 million in capital improvements through next summer. Leading the list of highlights is the replacement of the Heaven’s Gate Triple with a new fixed-grip quad, slightly realigned to lower wind exposure and slatted seat backs to help minimize the opportunity for wind holds. The new lift is tentatively planned to be ready for the 2024-25 season. Sugarbush also spent the summer investing another $3 million into its snowmaking infrastructure. 

Killington made it to June, again, last season and there is no doubt that the ski area will make another run at late-spring this season, partly thanks to snowmaking upgrades the resort made during the offseason. Killington replaced large sections of pipeline and added more low-energy snow guns to its arsenal. It also is adding a new Prinoth Bison X groomer and winch (the winch increases Killington’s snowmaking accuracy by providing snow depth readings and ensuring snow is delivered where it’s needed) to its technical grooming fleet.

Next door, Pico Mountain saw major lift maintenance over the summer, including the installation of a new haul rope on the Summit Express, a rebuild of the motor in the Canyon Quad, and an overhaul of the ski area’s pump house. Those improvements will increase the snowmaking system’s capability to 2,400 gallons per minute, making snow faster — over a larger area — with less energy.

Vail Resorts announced Shannon Buhler as the new vice president and general manager at Stowe Mountain Resort, which is celebrating the 100-year anniversary of the Auto Toll Road with a new guided audio tour. This  season also marks the 90th year of the Mount Mansfield Ski Patrol, the country’s oldest continually operating ski patrol.

Stratton Mountain is investing $6.9 million this season.  Guests can expect RFID lift gates and a reimagined beginner area, which will include three new covered magic carpets in the main base area. Stratton also added HKD’s KLIK Manual hydrant technology to its snowmaking system, which “can boost snowmaking production by as much as 100 percent.” 

Magic Mountain plans to double its uphill capacity this season with a new (to the mountain) summit quad, slated for completion by the start of the season. Also, an expanded pond and upgraded intake pipe will more than double the snowmaking abilities this year. 

Twenty years ago, Middlebury Snowbowl general manager Mike Hussey championed the idea of night skiing at the ski area. Well, two decades later, his vision becomes a reality as the Snowbowl will join only a handful of Vermont alpine ski areas offering after-dark skiing (Bolton Valley, Magic Mountain’s terrain park, and the Lyndon Outing Club). The ski area will light the Lang, Kelton and Cameron (for the race team, but open to the public when not in use) trails, as well as the discovery zone and adjoining magic carpet. Also this season at Snowbowl, the Sheehan double chair will be replaced by a Skytrak fixed quad, an upgrade that will offer a slight increase in uphill capacity and vastly improve beginner lessons by allowing instructors to ride with larger groups of students.

Mad River Glen will celebrate its 75th anniversary this winter with upgraded components for its lower-mountain snowmaking system. Burke Mountain upgraded snowmaking pipe and increased water-pressure delivery to its high efficiency snow guns.  Okemo Mountain Resort continues to make final repairs following Vermont’s historic flooding over this summer, with plans to be fully operational by the winter season.