By Dick Butler

A new suit, a new car, a new TV, we all enjoy new things. We do the research, we shop, we buy, then it all culminates with using the product or enjoying the service. Every season it is exciting to see what the new year brings, and what each resort is willing to provide. Whether its expanded terrain, a new lift, lodge, or program, there is an expanded enjoyment of our winter sport that has laid dormant for the past seven months.

If there is a trend to this year's upgrades, it is convenience over the physical construction of lifts, trails and expanded snow making, i.e., things that enhance or make a visit to a resort easier to experience. Each resort has its own plan for construction and expansion of its facilities and offerings. The timing of its implementation is governed, for the most part, by demand, by access to money and by government agency approvals. Below is a summary of the major physical improvements of a few areas, most of which are in close proximity to the Capital District in upstate New York.

Stratton has a new slope-side meeting place for its Junior Ski and Snowboard School. The new facility is convenient for check-in, rental pick-up, and lunch breaks, it is complete with its own kitchen. There is a new full-service day spa in Stratton Village, and a new fine dining restaurant, the Luna, located at the Stratton Mountain Club. Of significant interest to skiers and riders is a new 420 foot long, 17-22 foot high, superpipe designed by two time Olympic champion Ross Powers. To use it, skiers and riders have to complete a safety awareness session.

"If there is a trend to this year's upgrades, it is convenience over the physical construction of lifts, trails and expanded snow making"….

At Smuggler's Notch in northern Vermont 40 acres of new glades have been cut on Madonna Mountain to celebrate the area's forty year history of providing classic Vermont skiing. This resort is renown for its kids and family programs.

Killington has doubled the size of its learning terrain for children participating in its Perfect Turn® Ski & Snowboard School Programs. A 600-ft. surface lift has been installed near the base of Rams Head Mountain to service this new terrain. The terrain area will be sectioned off for learning only and will include animal character cut-outs and kids’ themes. In addition, a new ski and snowboard school reservation system will be in operation, plus additional upgrades will be made to the Rams Head Family Center building. The daycare space at the Family Center has been increased by nearly 20 percent to accommodate young children. Parents will be able to make reservations at a new Perfect Turn Ski and Snowboard School Reservation Center. A new, easy gladed area on Rams Head has been cut. Currently there are two gladed areas on this mountain area: Squeeze Play and Easy Zone. Squeeze Play is the most popular and adding another gladed area will disperse skiers and riders seeking quiet gladed terrain.

Okemo's new Jackson Gore terrain network has been expanded. This section of Okemo now offers a total of 14 trails with four lifts including two high-speed detachable quad chairlifts and an entirely new base lodge and resort center. The new Coleman Brook Express high-speed detachable quad chairlift begins just outside the Jackson Gore Inn's front door and will whisk guests to a trail location above the existing Jackson Gore Express quad. Seven new trails encompassing 40 acres including a 9,600-foot long novice run that runs from the top to bottom of the mountain peak have been added this year. The Stargazer Carpet, a 400 foot-long carpet lift, has been installed on the gentle terrain at the base for beginners.

Situated at the heart of the Jackson Gore base area is a 250,000 square foot facility that is home to the Jackson Gore Inn, with 117 slope side units. The Jackson Gore Inn features services and amenities found in a first-class hotel with a reception area open 24-hours, concierge, full-service restaurant, The Corner Store Sundry Shop, and owner/renter health club with indoor/outdoor swimming pool and whirlpool spas.

The Jackson Gore Base Lodge features The Roundhouse, a 390-seat food court located on the first floor of the new lodge. The Vermont Pizza Co., a 280-seat pub and lounge specializing in wood fired pizzas is situated on the second floor above The Roundhouse. The Coleman Brook Tavern will provide full service dining for guests from dawn to dusk. The Jackson Gore Base Lodge features lift ticket windows, Guest Services Center, Group Sales Office, conference/meeting facility, Day Care Center and Snow Stars Learning Center, Real Estate Sales Office, Ski/Snowboard Shop, equipment rental/repair shop, administrative offices and video arcade. All of the walkways surrounding the new base area are heated for more effective snowmelt during the winter months.

Bretton Woods in New Hampshire, overlooking Mt. Washington, has added a forth detachable quad lift, the Rosebrook Summit Express, along with a dozen new trails and glades disbursed throughout the mountain. For this season the new 58,000 square foot multi-function base lodge has been completed. Bretton Woods is now the state's largest ski area.

At Jiminy Peak near Hancock Massachusetts, they have been busy all summer constructing a new welcome center that houses a café, guest services center, retail shop, and Jiminy Realty. Across from it is a new self contained Children's Center with its own rental shop. For equipment there is Mountain Sports, a new ski and snowboard shop. The mountain has also purchased a new park bully to groom the alpine park and half-pipe. There is also a new drop off area.

Carinthia Base Lodge renovations, a new food outlet at the base of the Summit Local Lift, mountain valet parking service, and improvements to the Grand Summit Resort Health Club and Spa, highlight the major changes at Mount Snow in southern Vermont this season.

As we approach the holidays, all we need is more cold weather and snow, to venture out and enjoy all that's new in the mountains this year.