Gunstock Mountain Resort
Encyclopedia
Gunstock Mountain Resort is a sports complex located on Gunstock Mountain
in Gilford
, New Hampshire
, and is owned by Belknap County
. Activities include alpine
and cross-country skiing
, snow tubing, ski jumping
, snowshoeing, hiking
, swimming, and skateboarding
.
. This single chairlift serviced ski area was eventually phased out when two double chairlifts were installed to the Gunstock Mountain summit. Some of the old trails are still visible today.
Gunstock underwent a significant capital improvement plan in the 1980s with the installation of the Tiger Triple, the Summit Triple (replacing the two summit double chairlifts), and the Ramrod Quad.
In 2003 a high speed detachable quad chairlift was installed to the summit. The Summit Triple chairlift was moved, replacing the Pistol Double Chairlift.
Snow tubing is also available on certain nights.
At the Pistol complex side of the mountain 2 trails gained snow-making capabilities. The Blundersmoke Terrain Park received new permanent snow guns, and the Side Arm trail was widened by over 50 feet (15.2 m). A new glades trail named "Parallax Glades" was cut between Out of Sight and Side Arm.
Gunstock Mountain
Gunstock Mountain, elevation , is the second highest peak in the Belknap Range of central New Hampshire. It is located north of Belknap Mountain, the highest point in the range. It is also the home to Gunstock Mountain Resort ski area...
in Gilford
Gilford, New Hampshire
Gilford is a town in Belknap County, New Hampshire, United States. The population was 7,126 at the 2010 census. Situated on Lake Winnipesaukee, Gilford is home to Governors Island, Ellacoya State Beach, Belknap Mountain State Forest, Gunstock Mountain Ski Resort, and Meadowbrook U.S...
, New Hampshire
New Hampshire
New Hampshire is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. The state was named after the southern English county of Hampshire. It is bordered by Massachusetts to the south, Vermont to the west, Maine and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Canadian...
, and is owned by Belknap County
Belknap County, New Hampshire
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 56,325 people, 22,459 households, and 15,496 families residing in the county. The population density was 140 people per square mile . There were 32,121 housing units at an average density of 80 per square mile...
. Activities include alpine
Alpine skiing
Alpine skiing is the sport of sliding down snow-covered hills on skis with fixed-heel bindings. Alpine skiing can be contrasted with skiing using free-heel bindings: Ski mountaineering and nordic skiing – such as cross-country; ski jumping; and Telemark. In competitive alpine skiing races four...
and cross-country skiing
Cross-country skiing
Cross-country skiing is a winter sport in which participants propel themselves across snow-covered terrain using skis and poles...
, snow tubing, ski jumping
Ski jumping
Ski jumping is a sport in which skiers go down a take-off ramp, jump and attempt to land as far as possible down the hill below. In addition to the length of the jump, judges give points for style. The skis used for ski jumping are wide and long...
, snowshoeing, hiking
Hiking
Hiking is an outdoor activity which consists of walking in natural environments, often in mountainous or other scenic terrain. People often hike on hiking trails. It is such a popular activity that there are numerous hiking organizations worldwide. The health benefits of different types of hiking...
, swimming, and skateboarding
Skateboarding
Skateboarding is an action sport which involves riding and performing tricks using a skateboard.Skateboarding can be a recreational activity, an art form, a job, or a method of transportation. Skateboarding has been shaped and influenced by many skateboarders throughout the years. A 2002 report...
.
History
The original Gunstock chairlift development was located on Mount RoweMount Rowe
Mount Rowe, elevation , is a mountain located north of Gunstock Mountain in the Belknap Range, Belknap County, New Hampshire. It has been home to multiple alpine ski operations, including the original Gunstock Mountain Resort single chairlift , the Belknap Ski Jumps, and the defunct Alpine...
. This single chairlift serviced ski area was eventually phased out when two double chairlifts were installed to the Gunstock Mountain summit. Some of the old trails are still visible today.
Gunstock underwent a significant capital improvement plan in the 1980s with the installation of the Tiger Triple, the Summit Triple (replacing the two summit double chairlifts), and the Ramrod Quad.
In 2003 a high speed detachable quad chairlift was installed to the summit. The Summit Triple chairlift was moved, replacing the Pistol Double Chairlift.
Night skiing
Gunstock features night skiing on its lower mountain slopes. The detachable quad and the upper mountain trails are not lit.Snow tubing is also available on certain nights.
Summer 2009 expansion
In the summer of 2009 Gunstock underwent a $4 million expansion effort to make the mountain more family friendly and easier for learners. The biggest project was the installation of a new fixed-grip, 1207 feet (367.9 m) long quad chairlift placed near the Gunshy Double Chairlift. This chairlift now has access to the new beginner friendly complex that was constructed as part of the expansion effort. There are 4 new trails, and existing trails were lengthened and made wider. In addition, the mountain expanded their snow-making capabilities by 66% over the entire mountain.At the Pistol complex side of the mountain 2 trails gained snow-making capabilities. The Blundersmoke Terrain Park received new permanent snow guns, and the Side Arm trail was widened by over 50 feet (15.2 m). A new glades trail named "Parallax Glades" was cut between Out of Sight and Side Arm.
External links
- Gunstock Mountain Resort - Official site
- Gunstock Mountain Resort - FranklinSites.com Skiing Guide - Photos