Skiers and Riders get to enjoy the exciting gifts for the 2012/2013 season

Henniker, NH, July 27, 2012 – PATS PEAK, southern New Hampshire’s favorite mountain, enters into its 50th consecutive ski and snowboard season under the same local family ownership. For the upcoming season, PATS PEAK continues to focus on improving the guest experience in all facets of the operation. Through these efforts PATS PEAK continues to be a number one destination for skiers and riders in southern NH.

The 2012/2013 season brings with it a new arrival area; a new trail; Women’s Burton Learn To Ride Center; upgraded snowmaking capabilities; new rental equipment; base lodge upgrades; a new generator as well as a large air bag for the Terrain Park.

Kris Blomback, General Manager, commented, “We are excited to enter into our 50th consecutive ski and snowboard season. We are fortunate that ownership is committed to improving the operation on a yearly basis, even after a less than stellar season, due to lack of natural snowfall. We pride ourselves on providing excellent snow conditions. This season we will continue to fine tune one of the most powerful snowmaking systems in New England by adding additional snow guns to our already impressive arsenal. For the past few plus seasons we have been the first to open 100% of our trails and slopes. This investment will help us to honor that commitment to bring our skiers and riders the best conditions.”

New Arrival Area complete with Clock Tower and Warming Area

The arrival area has received a major makeover. The post and beam pavilion is compliments of the craftsmanship by Bensonwood Timber Frames of Walpole, NH. This new entryway between the lodges is complete with a warming area, brick walkway, stone walls and granite steps. It is finished off with a copper roof and a clock tower.

Blomback stated, “We are obsessed with offering the best guest experience. One of our major improvements this season is for both the winter and summer banquet season. Our arrival area has been re-designed to include a beautiful timber structure, warming area and clock tower. We feel that this will “set the stage” for a welcoming entrance.”

Air Bag

PATS PEAK is excited to add an Air Bag to its collection of fun activities. This feature will be located in the F5 Park. The Air Bag is an inflatable cushion similar to those used in the world of professional stunts. By placing the Air Bag behind a jump it is designed to offer a safe opportunity to practice all kind of freestyle jumps providing a soft, cushy landing. It is used for training and entertainment for both professional and amateur skiers/riders. Electrical blowers are placed in the sides of the bag to keep it afloat while it is being used.

New Trail

A new trail off the summit was added on the “backside” of the mountain. This trail will feed into the middle part of the Breeze trail. This will be a second novice run off the top of the mountain. The new trail name will be determined via a Facebook Contest. This trail is the first step in a long term expansion project that includes several trails and a lift off the “backside” of the mountain with more details to be released in the near future pending environmental permit approval.

1st Women’s Burton Learn To Ride (LTR) Center in New Hampshire

New this year, PATS PEAK has earned the distinction of becoming the first Burton Women’s Learn to Ride Center in New Hampshire. This commitment showcases a strong dedication to women-specific teaching and learning. Burton’s specialized women’s rental equipment and snowboard lessons are offered for women every day, but female snowboarders are guaranteed a 100% Women’s Only lesson, at 11:30am every Saturday. PATS PEAK is already a Burton Learn To Ride Center (LTR) for Adults and Kids with LTR Boards designed to accelerate learning by utilizing beginner-specific equipment.

Additional Energy-Efficient Snowmaking Guns and Snowmaking Pipe

Our snowmaking efforts get another boost this year with the addition of six new Fan Guns from Snow Machines Inc and HKD Turbo, the most energy efficient snowmaking equipment. Fan Guns require 20-25% less compressed air than other technologies, while putting out more snow in marginal temperature conditions.
“We will be able to open more terrain faster and sustain it longer through stretches with marginal temperatures. Also, using this type of snowmaking technology provides us with substantial savings in energy costs. Also, snowmaking pipe has been upgraded”, says Blomback.

More Rental Equipment

Every season the Rental Shop continues to add to its already impressive rental fleet. This season 100 pairs of Dalbello Adult Ski Boots, 100 Elan 140cm skis, 200 Elan junior skis and 125 Burton snowboards, bindings and snowboard boots have been added. The state-of-the-art 9,600 square foot Rental Shop provides fast service to renters along with a carpet lift that takes guests and their equipment up to the slopes.

Lodge Upgrades

The mountain operations team continues to upgrade the Base Lodges with new paint on the outside of the lodges. To enhance the guest experience, a new carpet has been installed in the Valley Lodge and main entrance area. Not only does this impact the winter experience but also enhances the summer banquet season.

Generator

A new back up generator has been installed for back up services in the base area. This generator is important for the night skiing operation in the winter and the banquet season in the summer.