Under new ownership, Cranmore Mountain Resort in North Conway, New Hampshire is due to receive millions of dollars of improvements in the next six months, ensuring the resort will undergo a facelift in time for winter operations in November.
Brian Fairbank, Joseph O’Donnell and Tyler Fairbank, the principals and operators of Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort, purchased the Cranmore Mountain Resort on June 15 and plan to make major upgrades and improvements immediately. CNL Lifestyle Properties, Inc. a Florida-based real estate investment trust (REIT) is providing nearly $7 million for the planned improvements.
Meanwhile, Ben Wilcox has been promoted to president of the resort and will also continue his role as general manager of Cranmore.
“Ben has been instrumental in the sale, and we look forward to his continued leadership as Cranmore moves into the future,” says Brian Fairbank. “Candidly, we couldn’t have gone through it without him and his team, and this promotion reflects our confidence in his leadership.”
Recently Wilcox presented a full site plan outlining to the town of Conway the many improvements planned for the resort. Final permits are expected in early summer.
Among the improvements is installation of a fixed-grip quad chairlift to replace the South Double. The new lift, a Doppelmayr eco-Drive fixed grip quad, will double the capacity of the current South Slope lift. The new lift occupies the same footprint as the current double chair, and is 2,622 feet long.
“The South Slope is premiere beginner terrain. Upgrading the lift for this terrain will decrease lift lines and greatly enhance the experience for our guests,” says Wilcox.
The Cranmore Mountain winter resort at North Conway, New Hampshire is expected to see at least $7 million in new investment following the resort's sale to new owners
The existing South Double chair will be relocated to a new location near the Beginner Basin area (near the former North Chair line). It recycles most of the parts of the South chair but will feature new lift towers and is 1,050 feet long. It will run about half way up the Lift Line slope.
Cranmore is changing some of the trail layouts on part of the mountain to accommodate the new lift and to provide additional beginner terrain in what are now under-utilized trails. These include lower Lift Line, Quad Chute and Summit Alley.
“The new quad lift and the relocation of the double lift illustrate our commitment to our children’s programs,” says Wilcox. “These will allow our instructors to better serve our guests and give them quicker access to more learning terrain.”
Also in the works is the relocation and enlargement of Cranmore’s tubing park. The number of lanes will increase from seven to 10 and the tubing park will feature a new Sun Kid surface lift in addition to a handle-tow lift.
The tubing park is being relocated to accommodate a new Mountain Coaster to be installed in or near the current tubing park. The Coaster is to be installed by Wiegan, and is the same manufacturer as the Mountain Coaster installed at Jiminy Peak and other resorts throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe.
Other on-mountain improvements include a significant investment in snowmaking equipment, including the installation of 70 new energy-efficient tower guns.
“Last winter we installed 80 new guns and it significantly improved the quality and quantity of snow we were able to produce, especially in the critical early-season period,” says Wilcox. “To add another 70 guns to that arsenal will allow us to open more terrain earlier than ever, while also consuming less energy.”
Cranmore also has plans for its base facilities. The current Arlberg Lodge is being converted into a state-of-the-art Children’s Center. Its facilities will be reserved for kids enrolled in Cranmore’s Penguin and Adventure Camps, and will be home to the Cranmore Play Room for Young Children. The Center will have its own ticketing and reservation center, rental services and lesson drop off areas.
“Cranmore is already known as the place where families have learned to ski since the days of Hannes Schneider,” says Karen Dolan, snowsports director. “This new Center will allow us to better serve our guests with this completed redesigned and renovated building. Its location next to Beginner Basin and the relocated double chairlift will give us even more learning terrain than ever before.”
The relocation and enlargement of Cranmore Mountain Resort's tubing park will allow the number of lanes to be increased from seven to 10. The bigger tubing park will feature a new Sun Kid surface lift and a handle-tow lift
Cranmore’s former “North Chair” building, now the Cranmore Training Center, will see renovations for Cranmore’s race-program participants.
The main base lodge is undergoing changes, with the space for its children’s programs moving over to the new Center. This will free-up facilities for additional seating, and food and beverage options for guests. Guests entering the building will now be greeted by a Guest Services desk and basket check area.
The Cranmore Fitness Center will be modified to accommodate a food and beverage venue, as well as ticketing facilities for the Mountain Coaster and Tubing Park. The Fitness Center will also receive a new façade, roof repairs and other renovations. The Fitness Center will continue to operate as the Valley’s largest health club with a full array of cardio and weight equipment, group fitness classes, personal training and more. The Fitness Center has recently invested thousands of dollars in new cardio equipment.
“This is the dawning of a new era for Cranmore,” says Wilcox. “‘With the financial backing, support and guidance of our new ownership, we are poised for even greater success in the coming decades.”
Cranmore Mountain is located in the heart of North Conway Village, New Hampshire and can be contacted at 1-800-SUN-N-SKI and online at www.cranmore.com.
Related to this story:
- Dunton Hot Springs Resort Offers Winter Adventures in the Colorado Rockies
- VisitScotland Lists Scotland’s Top Mountain Bike and Cycle Routes
- InterContinental Moorea Resort & Spa Completes Major Renovation
- Handlery Hotel & Resort San Diego Re-Opens after Major Renovation
- Levi’s Stature as a Winter Resort Grows Internationally
