PRINCETON, Ma. – Wachusett Mountain Ski Area will be celebrating its 50th anniversary season this winter with several exciting new programs and improvements.

Big Air Bag Added to Terrain Park!

The addition of a new Big Air Bag will have Wachusett’s park enthusiasts literally jumping for joy. Manufactured by Big Air Bag, it will be first-of-its-kind at a Massachusetts ski area. The new 50’ x 36’ “Freestyle” model air bag will be in place in December. For a complete update on the new bag, visit www.wachusett.com. New Terrain Park Manager Andrew Roy will lead the park team this winter bringing his extensive riding and park experience to the mountain. He has a lot to be excited about with new features and new park events on the schedule. Among the added features include a “canon” rail modeled after a Revolutionary War canon. Numerous features are also receiving a facelift with graffiti art displays. Added to the event schedule this winter will be the “Video Games” competition on January 26. Check out www.wachusett.com for more details, updates and a complete list of park events.

50 Year Celebration!

Wachusett will kick off its 50th Season this winter with numerous events and promotions. The 50-year highlights and photos are chronicled on the new 50th Scrapbook Section on the Wachusett Mountain website and the season-long 50th celebration will kick off with a gala event on December 15 and continue with a variety of special 50th-themed activities and specials throughout the season. For complete 50th celebration details, visit www.wachusett.com/50th.

Snowmaking Even Better!

125 new HKD Impulse towers with Klik hydrants on Ralph’s, Challenger, Smith, and Conifer. This means increased production, increased capacity over a wider temperature range, quicker recovery after warm spells, and greener more energy efficient technology! “We are making another major investment to further enhance our snowmaking,” said Jeff Crowley, Wachusett Mountain President. “While the forecast is calling to plenty of natural snow this winter, the snowmaking operations will now be even more efficient, produce better snow and allow for faster turn-on, turn-off to take full advantage of the weather and temperatures.”

New Online Ticket Pricing, Daily Coupons and Season Pass Perks

A variety of new ticket deals and specials are available to Wachusett skiers and riders this season:

• The new Online Ticket Pricing will guarantee the lowest possible ticket rates when lift tickets are purchased through www.wachusett.com. Purchasing online will also guarantee admission on busy days; provide the convenience of picking up an online order at any ticket window or the Customer Service Desk; no added online processing fees. Early or late season, the online ticket rate could be up to a $30 savings off the regular ticket window pricing.
• This season customers will receive special discount offers on all their mountain purchase receipts. These offers will include a variety of discounts in MTNside Ski & Ride Shop; Food Service outlets; Wachusett Village Inn; as well as other skiing services.
• Wachusett Mountain Season Pass Holders this winter also receive expanded benefits including discounts at more partner ski areas (including the West); specially discounted deals on bringing a friend; Ski & Snowboard School programs; Food & Beverage; Wachusett Village Inn and at MTNside Ski & Ride Shop. For a complete list of passholder perks, visit www.wachusett.com/passholderperks.

Base Lodge Improvements!

New landscaping around the base lodge including a brick patio with outdoor fireplace added outside the Granite Room and new grove of birch trees welcoming guests by the pond in the front of the lodge highlights the base area improvements. In a partnership with Unilock, the new brick patio and gas fire pit, overlooking the base of the Polar Express and Monadnock Quad chairlifts, is certain to be a popular gathering spot. Numerous other base lodge improvements were made during the off-season, including a new roof, new carpeting and a variety of energy-saving measures including new heating/air conditioner units in the Mountain Suites.

MTNside & Rentals

An expanded choice of demo skis in the Demo Center and easy-to-use online Demo reservation system. Plus, the addition of Volkl skiwear in a new Big & Tall men’s category, sizes up to 4xl in jackets and pants, arriving in the store in early fall. The already-expansive Wachusett Rental Shop will be adding some new rental gear, new easy to learn junior ski equipment, helmets and new Burton Learn to Ride snowboards.

Ski & Snowboard School

Expanded and more flexible Women’s Clinic options with a special for women in It’s Your Turn- Women’s Clinics, including one to bring a friend that does NOT ski or ride.

Wachusett Village Inn Improvements

The new Black Diamond Restaurant opened this year at the Wachusett Village Inn, giving guests the same delicious pub-style dining menu that mountain skiers and riders have all winter, with top-rated food and service. Several rooms throughout the 74-room country inn have also been updated. New Ski & Stay Packages including a “Super Ticket” good from opening until 10 p.m., available for as low as $89 midweek (per person/double occupancy).