Haystack Mountain Ski Area
Encyclopedia
Haystack Mountain Ski Area was a mid sized alpine ski area located northeast of Haystack Mountain
in Wilmington
, Vermont
.
installed in 1965), featured over one thousand vertical feet of trails for intermediates and experts. The lower mountain, serviced by multiple lifts (including a Mueller double chairlift), featured shorter trails for beginners. For many years, a transfer chairlift connected the lower and upper areas.
In the mid 1980s a significant expansion took place, resulting in the installation of three new triple chairlifts, including a CTEC
chairlift serving a new expert complex called "The Witches." The "Witches" is known for its tough terrain that even challenges experts.
, purchased Haystack and soon began promoting the two ski areas as one. Though they were never connected by alpine ski trails or lifts, (there is a Nordic trail along the ridge between the two), trail counts and snow reports were often combined.
In 1996 S-K-I Ltd. merged with LBO Resort Enterprises, forming the American Skiing Company
. The American Skiing Company (ASC) would soon hit financial troubles, resulting in the scaling back of operations at Haystack. By the end of its ownership of Haystack, ASC limited operations to weekend and holiday periods.
Haystack Mountain (Vermont)
Haystack Mountain is a 3,445 foot mountain in Wilmington, Vermont, USA. The true summit is accessible on foot by the Haystack Mountain Trail.The currently defunct Haystack Mountain Ski Area is located on the northeast slope of the mountain....
in Wilmington
Wilmington, Vermont
Wilmington is a town in Windham County, Vermont, United States. The population was 2,225 at the 2000 census.-History:The town was chartered in 1751 by Benning Wentworth, colonial governor of New Hampshire. It was named in honor of Spencer Compton, 1st Earl of Wilmington...
, Vermont
Vermont
Vermont is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. The state ranks 43rd in land area, , and 45th in total area. Its population according to the 2010 census, 630,337, is the second smallest in the country, larger only than Wyoming. It is the only New England...
.
Early operations
The ski area featured two unique areas, complete with lodges and chairlifts. Haystack opened in the early 1960s as an alternative to crowded resorts. The upper mountain, serviced originally by the Oh No double chairlift (a MuellerMueller
Mueller is a spelling variant of the German surname Müller . In German, the letter "ü" can be replaced with "ue". It may refer to:-People:*Armin Mueller-Stahl , German actor*Barbara R...
installed in 1965), featured over one thousand vertical feet of trails for intermediates and experts. The lower mountain, serviced by multiple lifts (including a Mueller double chairlift), featured shorter trails for beginners. For many years, a transfer chairlift connected the lower and upper areas.
In the mid 1980s a significant expansion took place, resulting in the installation of three new triple chairlifts, including a CTEC
CTEC
CTEC is globally known as Certified Technical Education Center, this term was introduced by Microsoft in early 1990s.The Microsoft Certified Technical Education Centre channel provides training for computer professions in the use of Microsoft products...
chairlift serving a new expert complex called "The Witches." The "Witches" is known for its tough terrain that even challenges experts.
Mount Snow merger
In 1991, S-K-I Ltd., owners of nearby Mount SnowMount Snow
Mount Snow is a mountain and ski area in southern Vermont located in the Green Mountains. It is Vermont's closest big mountain to many Northeast metropolitan areas. It was cohost of the first Extreme Games in 1995 and host of the Winter X-Games in 2000 and 2001...
, purchased Haystack and soon began promoting the two ski areas as one. Though they were never connected by alpine ski trails or lifts, (there is a Nordic trail along the ridge between the two), trail counts and snow reports were often combined.
In 1996 S-K-I Ltd. merged with LBO Resort Enterprises, forming the American Skiing Company
American Skiing Company
American Skiing Company was one of the largest operators of alpine ski, snowboard and golf resorts in the United States. Its resorts included Sunday River and Sugarloaf, in Maine and The Canyons in Utah....
. The American Skiing Company (ASC) would soon hit financial troubles, resulting in the scaling back of operations at Haystack. By the end of its ownership of Haystack, ASC limited operations to weekend and holiday periods.
Sale and closure
On March 30, 2005, the American Skiing Company announced it had sold Haystack Mountain Ski Area for $5,000,000 to a group of local businessmen. The Haystack Club concept was created as a result, with the plans to open an upscale private ski area. The Club will include Town House Villas as well as a new Hybrid "chondola" (A lift with chairs and gondola cabins) to the summit. The "oh-no" Double will be removed. Barnstormer will also now service as a beginner area lift and transfer lift. The Haystack Club has been open since the sale. The club was open for two days of groomed uncrowded skiing for the members. Although they were open only two days because they got sued by Mount Snow for water rights.The Haystack Club
The Haystack Club has started renovations. Four town houses were torn down. Additionally, the Upper Base Lodge is being renovated to be turned into the "Hay Loft." The Club will sell 900 family memberships. Benefits include exclusive skiing, uncrowded, as well as access to a golf club and Equestrian Center. Also, along with the 900 memberships, everyday 450 Tickets will be sold to Wilmington Residents for the day. As of Winter 2010 the area will not operate for skiing this year. The old Upper Base Lodge has been completeley demolished.External links
- Haystack Club - Attempting to reopen Haystack as an upscale private ski area
- Mount Snow
- Haystack Page at the New England Lost Ski Area Project