October 7, 2013. Gunstock, with the history of innovation is building the first Terrain Based Learning Center in the state of NH. This project is estimated at $175,000 in earth moving, expanded snowmaking, lighting and extending the surface lift to create a completely new learning experience. Learning to ski or snowboard has always been on flat terrain with little representation of what is on the mountain, or the skiers movements to help make turns, and navigate runs. The new Terrain Based Learning Center will feature: Rollers, a Sluice, The Dish, The Spine and a Mini Pipe. They are all designed to help the skier or rider “feel” the mountain and use their natural movement change the direction of the ski or snowboard. As they progress form the surface lift to the complex designed for beginners, served by the Penny Pitou quad lift, the Terrain Based Learning Center will again reduce the learning curve and build their confidence.

The new Terrain Based Learning Center is also going to give the staff of learning center professionals the ability to reach a new level of fun for both themselves and the new skiers and riders. The industry has primarily focused on equipment in different shapes and sizes to help reduce the learning curve and they have all been great catalysts in the next level of skier or rider. From GLM to Shaped Skis they have all helped. By actually shaping the surface they ski or ride on to improve the natural movement, we are going to embark on a completely new level of interaction with our guests in the Mountain Magic Program.

“Scott Goeller, Gunstock’s Snowsports and Outdoor Adventure Manager was instrumental in testing these ideas out last season, and presented an exciting, forward thinking plan to the senior management team last year”, says Greg Goddard, GM at Gunstock Mountain Resort. “In conjunction with Jeff Jacobsen, Gunstock’s Resort Services Director, Gunstock again is going to take a leadership role in a new way to get the beginner skier and rider up on the mountain and enjoying the day, using movement based learning.

Gunstock has invested over 1 million dollars on improvements, preparing for winter with additional lighting, a new snow cat, snowmaking and trail improvements for the coming winter season. Gunstock has been a leader through the years when it comes to technology, and teaching. This year Gunstock will feature a learn to ski free week from 12-7 to 12-15. If you sign up for our award winning 3 day Mountain Magic program, your first day is free. We will also participate in the national Learn a Snow Sport Month program, visit SkiNH.com for details. Gunstock also has a tremendous 4 to 7 week outreach program giving schools and rec departments the opportunity to bring younger skiers and riders to the mountain. These midweek programs at Gunstock bring 2,500 kids a week to the sport for the program. Anyone wishing to get their community or school involved should call Gunstock at 603-293-4341. As in all of our scenarios, learning to ski or ride is much like other sports and it doesn’t just take a day. The Mountain Magic 3 day learning program is guaranteed to teach you to ski or snowboard with huge benefits upon completion such as; discounted tickets, rentals, retail products, and you can even upgrade it to a season pass once you are done to explore the mountains in a whole new way.

Gunstock, located in Gilford New Hampshire, is one of the state’s largest recreation areas. The first ski area in New England to have a chairlift, Gunstock boasts 1400 feet of vertical, 227 acres of skiing. Gunstock’s new Adventure Park has the largest Aerial ropes and zip line course in New England, and ZipTour the longest zip lines in the continental US. Gunstock also boasts 270 campsites during the summer, with spectacular views of the Lake Winnipesaukee at every turn. It is also the host of major events such as Soulfest, Tough Mudder and the TimberMan Triathlon.