Hello Sugarbush Community,
I hope you all had a great summer and were able to enjoy one of the best foliage seasons in recent memory. It was great seeing so many of you last month at our Oktoberfest and Community Day celebrations. Since then, we’ve seen our first snow, tested the snowmaking system, and like you now eagerly await the start of the ski season. We’ve got our eyes on potential snowfall as well as cooler temps coming in later this week and as of right now, our Opening Day remains scheduled for Saturday, November 21st, weather dependent.
Before we turn our full attention to winter, it’s worth reflecting on a busy and successful summer. We saw near-record golf rounds, hosted numerous community events, and welcomed a strong weddings and conferences business. While all this activity was taking place, our teams were working hard across the resort to prepare for the season ahead.
Over the past several months, we’ve made significant investments designed to improve your experience at Sugarbush. Along with our annual maintenance work, we added two new groomers, installed 27 new tower guns on Jester, replaced the drive in GMX, upgraded the seat pans, pads, and footrests on the Gate House Quad, and replaced the haul rope on Super Bravo. Our trail crew was busy with trail edging at both mountains and glade maintenance throughout several designated glade areas.
We’ve also completed a number of important facility projects. At the golf course, we opened The Clubhouse, Pro Shop, and new maintenance buildings. Across the resort, we’ve installed a new roof on the Mt. Ellen Base Lodge, replaced carpeting in The Farmhouse and Gate House, added new furniture to Rumble’s, and made numerous improvements throughout Valley House. I’m also excited to announce a partnership with our friends at Lawson’s Finest Liquids to bring you The Sunshine Lounge, located in the space previously occupied by the lower level of The Wunderbar. Look for exciting new offerings and activities there beginning December 19th.
These projects represent over $5 million in investments that will continue to enhance the guest experience this winter. However, perhaps the most exciting news is still to come.
This spring, we will begin replacing the North Ridge Quad at Mt. Ellen with a brand-new detachable quad. Those who have followed our long-term plans know that North Ridge has been our next major lift priority, and we are thrilled to move this project forward. The new lift will significantly enhance the overall Mt. Ellen experience, and we look forward to sharing additional details about the lift as the project gets closer.
If you weren’t already thinking about winter, I hope this update helps build some excitement for the season ahead. Now is also a great time to get your Season Pass, Quad Pack, TBD Ticket, or any of the other offers currently available.
Opening Day is right around the corner, and we can’t wait to welcome you back.
John Hammond President & COO Sugarbush Resort