Gunstock lays out plan for a major expansion

Gunstock Mountain Resort (File Photo)

Gunstock Mountain Resort recently announced plans for a major expansion, a proposition that could turn the Gilford, N.H. ski area into one of the largest in the Granite State. 

The expansion would add 31 trails to the ski area’s existing 48 and it would nearly double the mountain’s skiable acreage, from 227 to 425.

The multi-million dollar, multi-year plan would also include other amenities, such as a hotel, mountaintop restaurant, and improved snowmaking. Four new lifts are also part of the plan. 

“In this MDP [master development plan], we offer our vision for maintaining the overall facilities at Gunstock while also maintaining Gunstock’s appeal to our loyal guests in our competitive standing in the New England ski marketplace.” Gunstock president and general manager Tom Day said. “Guests have high expectations for recreational facilities and expect them to be well-maintained and modern.

During the winter of 2020-21, Gunstock set a record for most skier visits in its history, so discussion of an expansion is warranted. On Dec. 4, resort representatives detailed their expansion plans during a town hall meeting. Gunstock Mountain Resort is owned by New Hampshire’s Belknap County. According to the Laconia Daily Sun, the resort recently paid Belknap County $247,000, a figure reportedly 41 percent greater than what it paid last year.” 

The plan includes expansion in three adjacent areas. Two are already owned by the county. The third, according to the Sun, is not on Gunstock property and would need to go through a comprehensive approval process. 

The project would be Gunstock’s biggest in its 84-year history.

You can get full details on the expansion plan by watching last weekend’s open house in Belknap County below.