In a major consolidation of power in the Mt. Washington Valley and New England skiing, Peak Resorts, owner of Attitash, Mount Snow, and Crotched Mountain, has entered into a purchase agreement to acquire all of the assets of Wildcat Mountain.

This is a major purchase for several reasons, and has the potential to provide major benefits for skiers.  First, Peak has a well-deserved reputation for their snowmaking; they introduced mountain-wide fan guns at Crotched in 2002, effectively starting a “snow war” that has benefitted skiers across the region.  They followed that with a huge refit of the snowmaking system at Attitash; we’re among the skiers who have seen a profound difference in the quality of the snow and skiing at that resort since the changeover.  They did the same with Mount Snow, and have proven that they aren’t “one note Johnnys” by continuing with other renovations; a half million put into Mount Snow’s Snow Lake Lodge this year, for instance.  Over the past decade, Peak has been one of the most innovative and stable of the ski area owners in New England; their purchase of Wildcat indicates a continued committment to the region.

What does this mean for you?  Simple…more, better skiing, and more options.  For starters, expect combined season’s passes for Wildcat and Attitash.  Wildcat, in the shadow of Mt. Washington, is probably the coldest ski area in New England.  So, on a brutally cold day, ski Attitash (or have Wildcat virtually to yourself).  Spring skiing?  When things turn to slush at other  mountains, head for Wildcat; or, ski Attitash in the morning, have lunch in Jackson, and head up to the ‘Cat for the afternoon.  Options, option, options…

And, of course, Peak won’t leave Wildcat alone.  Expect updated snowmaking, which will mean better conditions all winter PLUS an extended season.  More snow, greater snow depths, wicked cold mountain…April skiing?  Obviously.  May skiing?  Don’t bet against it and put your skis away early.  Some of the changes are planned for this ski season, so the benefit will be felt immediately.

More to come as more information comes to us, but for now, we’re excited by the potential improvements to Wildcat, and by the fact that a major player sees the New England ski industry as alive, vibrant, and worth greater investment!