Recent capital investments at NH’s ski areas result in increased visits

NORTH WOODSTOCK, NH, SEPTEMBER 2013 – As fall temperatures arrive in New England, many New Hampshire ski areas are enjoying strong summer business levels. This is especially encouraging given challenging weather during May and June that kept many potential guests at home.

The past several years have ushered in a new era at NH’s ski areas with an unprecedented focus on summer and fall operations and attractions. Significant recent investments have included attractions such as zip-lines, aerial adventure courses, ropes courses, Segway tours, a mountain coaster, bungy trampolines, and more. This bolsters the already broad existing selection of traditional mountain activities such as golf, scenic chairlift rides, horseback riding, hiking, camping, water sports and more.

As a result of the investment and new attractions, the state’s ski areas are enjoying the adjustment to increased traffic. Areas such as Mount Sunapee in Newbury are embracing the increase in summer business thanks to an expanded variety of attractions. Revenue at their recently constructed Adventure Park is up 50% over last summer through Labor Day, according to Bruce McCloy, Marketing Director.

Granite Gorge Ski Area noted reasonable success for their first summer of full-time operations which include downhill mountain biking and disc golf among its offerings. “There is alot of work that goes into summer operations and Granite Gorge has successfully launched and is off and running,” stated Fred Baybutt, Granite Gorge’s owner.

Well-established summer vacation destinations such as Cannon Mountain in Franconia Notch are enjoying a successful summer as well, expecting that even a moderately busy fall season will put them slightly ahead of last year. Greg Keeler, Marketing Director added that “recent favorable weather is giving us a boost.”

Greg Kwasnik, Communications Manager at Loon Mountain reported similar positive results. “Loon Mountain Resort enjoyed strong business this summer, even though the season got off to a slow start due to poor weather. Overall, we saw an increase in total visits over last year.”

Most of New Hampshire’s ski areas are located in the heart of the Lakes and White Mountain regions of the state providing an incredible setting for summer and fall vacationing. New Hampshire’s ski areas also benefit from accessible locations making the region an ideal destination for both day-trippers as well as those looking to enjoy an extended vacation.

“The majority of New Hampshire tourism occurs in the summer and fall months, so these exciting new activities give vacationers a reason to visit our ski areas while in the Granite State and see how truly beautiful they are during every season,” added Karl Stone, Ski NH’s Marketing Director. For full details on Ski NH’s summer and fall attractions, visit www.SkiNH.com or call 800-88-SKI-NH (800-887-5464).

Ski NH is the statewide association representing 33 alpine and cross country resorts and more than 200 lodging and guest service properties in New Hampshire. For more information on ski areas, lodging packages, and updated winter events at Ski NH resorts, call Ski NH at (800) 88-SKI-NH (800-887-5464) or visit the Ski NH website at www.SkiNH.com. For statewide media relations assistance, visit the New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism’s media room at http://visitnh.gov/media/ or contact Mr. Tai Freligh at 603-271-2343, option #2.