Forest Service accepts Waterville Valley’s master plan
Proposals include new gondola, trails, buildings for events and dining
The U.S. Forest Service has accepted Waterville Valley Resort’s 2020 10-Year Master Development Plan – a major step in continuing its development, according to resort officials.
The plan, known as an MDP, was developed in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service over the past three years. The result, according to Waterville Valley officials is “a visionary plan that will build on the success of the past and outline the resort’s future.”
They said the MDP “provides the foundation for subsequent planning, design and implementation of numerous capital improvements and expansion over the coming decade.”
The last MDP accepted by the Forest Service was completed in 1999.
The plan includes a boundary extension, allowing for a 140-acre terrain expansion with 15 new trails, additional parking, new buildings for events and dining, as well as four new Nordic trails. The plan also anticipates the replacement of the White Peaks Quad Chair and the Sunnyside Triple Chair.
“We’re thrilled to continue Waterville Valley’s development and look forward to fulfilling our team’s vision,” said Waterville Valley’s president and general manager, Tim Smith. “This is just the first step in a long process, but it marks an exciting milestone towards progressing Waterville Valley into the future.”
According to Waterville CEO John H. Sununu – former governor of the New Hampshire and father of the current governor – “the most remarkable element of the plan is that it includes the eventual installation of a gondola that will start in the town of Waterville Valley near Town Square and transport guests to the summit of Green Peak. Connecting our pedestrian village to the ski resort will be incredibly exciting for our resort and community.”
The resort will begin the process of submitting specific project proposals in the MDP “in the near future,” said officials.
