Gunstock Mountain Resort is poised for another significant offseason of development as it announced the second phase of its ambitious two-year, $9 million capital improvement plan. This upcoming season will see an investment of $4.5 million dedicated to a suite of upgrades encompassing lift infrastructure, snowmaking capabilities, and various other enhancements designed to elevate the guest experience and operational efficiency. This latest tranche of investment builds upon a history of strategic upgrades aimed at ensuring Gunstock remains a premier winter destination in New England.
Strategic Investment in Lift Modernization: The Panorama Project Continues
The centerpiece of the 2026 offseason improvements is the culmination of the two-year modernization of the Panorama chairlift. This extensive project, initiated in the previous year, has already seen the installation of new communications lines and an updated chair spacing system. The current phase will focus on the heart of the lift’s operation, with the installation of a new drive system and a complete overhaul of its control system. These upgrades are critical for enhancing reliability and operational performance, ensuring smoother and more consistent service for skiers and snowboarders.
Furthermore, the Panorama lift station will be revitalized with new lift shacks. These structures will not only house the advanced control systems but also provide improved working environments for resort staff. A key technological addition to the Panorama lift will be another RFID gate system. This technology is designed to optimize guest flow, significantly reducing wait times and improving the overall efficiency of lift loading. By better distributing skiers and snowboarders, the RFID system aims to alleviate congestion at the base, leading to a more enjoyable on-mountain experience.
Dave Ulbrich, Director of Mountain Operations at Gunstock, emphasized the behind-the-scenes nature of a substantial portion of this investment. "A large part of this investment in the Pan won’t be directly visible to guests," Ulbrich stated. "The real payoff we expect to see is the increased reliability of service that comes with installing a brand-new system like this." This focus on underlying infrastructure underscores a commitment to long-term operational stability and guest satisfaction, prioritizing the mechanics that ensure a seamless mountain experience over solely aesthetic changes.
Beyond the Panorama lift, other vital components of Gunstock’s lift network will also receive attention. The Tiger chairlift is scheduled to receive a new haul rope, a crucial component for the longevity and safety of the lift. Concurrently, the Pistol lift will be outfitted with new grips and will complete its gearbox rebuild. These targeted upgrades across multiple lifts demonstrate a comprehensive approach to maintaining and improving the resort’s aerial transportation system, ensuring all areas of the mountain are accessible and efficiently served.
Enhancing Snowmaking Power and Efficiency
Gunstock’s commitment to providing excellent snow conditions is further underscored by significant planned investments in its snowmaking infrastructure. Two major projects are slated to enhance the resort’s ability to produce and manage snow. Firstly, 5,000 feet of new snowmaking pipe will be installed. This expansion of the pipe network is vital for increasing the reach and coverage of the snowmaking system.
Secondly, a strategic separation of the upper and lower mountain snowmaking systems is planned. This architectural change will allow for simultaneous snow production across different zones of the mountain, significantly increasing the overall capacity and efficiency of the snowmaking operations. The separation will also enable the delivery of more power to the snowmaking systems on the upper mountain, a critical factor in maintaining high-quality snow coverage at higher elevations, especially during warmer periods or rapid temperature fluctuations. This proactive approach to snowmaking is crucial for extending the ski season and ensuring consistent conditions for guests throughout the winter months.
Trail Improvements and Fleet Modernization
The operational enhancements extend to the grooming and trail management aspects of the resort. The Derringer trail, an intermediate slope, will undergo further widening. This expansion is designed to create a smoother and more accessible run, particularly for those transitioning to or from the Smith Run trail. Wider trails not only improve the skiing and snowboarding experience by providing more room for maneuverability but also enhance safety and allow for more efficient grooming operations.
In line with its commitment to maintaining an elite grooming fleet, Gunstock has acquired a new Prinoth X winch cat. This advanced snow groomer is equipped with a winch system, enabling it to operate effectively on steeper terrain. The addition of this specialized equipment allows for the creation and maintenance of corduroy (groomed snow surfaces) on challenging slopes, offering a superior on-snow experience for a wider range of skill levels. This investment in grooming technology directly impacts the quality of the skiing and riding surfaces available to guests.
A History of Strategic Investment and Growth
These upcoming upgrades are not isolated events but rather the continuation of a sustained period of significant capital investment at Gunstock Mountain Resort. The resort has consistently prioritized infrastructure development to enhance its offerings and operational capabilities.
In 2023, the resort saw the completion of several key projects, including the construction of a new building dedicated to rentals and tuning services, a substantial renovation of the Stockade Lodge, an expansion of the popular Panorama Pub, and the paving of the main parking lot. These improvements aimed to enhance guest amenities and improve the overall flow and convenience of the resort’s facilities.
The year 2024 brought further advancements, with the installation of snowmaking on two upper-mountain trails, an expansion of the deck area at the Stockade Lodge, and the construction of a new Welcome Center specifically designed to serve Nordic skiers and campground users. These initiatives demonstrated a commitment to diversifying the resort’s offerings and catering to a broader spectrum of outdoor enthusiasts.
The previous year, 2025, marked the commencement of the extensive Panorama chairlift renovation, alongside other lift improvements. Additionally, the resort bolstered its snowmaking arsenal with the installation of 24 new HKD Impulse tower guns and associated hydrants, and expanded its grooming fleet with the acquisition of two new snow groomers. This progressive series of investments highlights a strategic vision focused on modernizing every facet of the mountain experience, from lift capacity and snow quality to guest services and operational efficiency.
About Gunstock Mountain Resort: A Year-Round Destination
Gunstock Mountain Resort, a property owned by Belknap County, stands as a prominent fixture in New Hampshire’s recreational landscape. Offering breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Winnipesaukee, the state’s largest lake, the resort provides a diverse range of activities for both winter and summer visitors.
During the winter season, Gunstock boasts 44 meticulously maintained trails, complemented by 5 glades, serviced by 8 lifts. The resort features a substantial vertical drop of 1,340 feet. A significant draw for many is its extensive night skiing network, which encompasses 25 trails and is accessible via 7 lifts, offering extended opportunities for winter sports enthusiasts. Beyond skiing and snowboarding, the resort also provides facilities for snow tubing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, catering to a variety of winter pursuits.
The appeal of Gunstock extends well into the warmer months, transforming into a vibrant summer destination. Its summer offerings include a thrilling zipline tour, a scenic mountain coaster, an aerial treetop adventure course, and a unique Ford Bronco off-road driving experience. Guests can also enjoy scenic chairlift rides and utilize the resort’s well-equipped campground. This year-round operational model, supported by continuous infrastructure investment, positions Gunstock as a vital economic and recreational asset for the region.
The consistent investment in infrastructure and amenities at Gunstock Mountain Resort signals a strong commitment to maintaining its status as a leading four-season destination in New England. The $4.5 million allocation for the 2026 season, particularly the continued focus on lift modernization and snowmaking expansion, reflects a strategic approach to ensuring operational excellence and enhancing the guest experience for years to come.
