Gunstock plans upgrades for upcoming winter

As summer turns to autumn, Gunstock Mountain Resort’s operations team has its sights set on improvements for the winter of 2025/2026, and beyond.

Gunstock, owned by Belknap County, is planning to invest heavily in resort upgrades over the next few years. More than $3 million is earmarked for lifts, $2.5 million for snowmaking and grooming equipment, and more than $4 million for general infrastructure improvements that include electrical systems.

Refurbishing the Panorama quad lift, anticipated to be a two-year process, began in the spring with upgrades to key components starting with the communication lines that transfer critical safety information between operators at the terminals and at every tower along the line.

The computerized chair-spacing system that resulted in a disruption in lift service last spring has been replaced. These upgrades are critical elements of a larger investment in the full renovation of the Panorama lift. The lift will include further enhancements to include new lift structures to house lift components, and shelter lift attendants at the base and summit.

The haul rope has been replaced on the Ramrod lift. Gunstock’s Pistol lift gear box was newly upgraded for the season ahead. Tiger, Pistol, and Ramrod lift drive replacements are scheduled to be completed when Gunstock opens for the season in early December. In addition, resort electrical systems have been inspected and upgraded as needed to ensure reliability.

Snowmaking improvements for this winter include the installation of 24 new energy-efficient HKD Impulse tower guns that provide high production output of quality snow through a wide range of temperatures, and Klik hydrants that improve snowmaking utility and efficiency.

When it comes to managing the snow surface, Gunstock will introduce two new grooming machines — one equipped with a winch for managing the snow on Gunstock’s steepest terrain.

Winter enthusiasts who prefer to earn their turns will be happy to learn that Gunstock is extending uphill access hours this winter and has joined Uphill New England, a local nonprofit organization that has created the first ever multi-mountain pass, building a community of engaged, responsible and empowered uphill enthusiasts.

In addition to offering Gunstock-only uphill-access season passes, the resort has joined 21 resorts to offer a multi-mountain uphill season pass.