Vermont Business Magazine SKI MAGIC LLC hasobtaineda permit from NRB Act 250 authorizing multiple facilities projects contained in the ski area’s 5-year capital improvement plan. Key projects include: 1) Refurbishing and placing into service a base-to-mid-mountain novice/intermediate chairlift (Green Chair); 2) installing a beginner area “magic carpet”-style conveyor surface lift for the new “Nelson Family Learning Area”; 3) upgrading the snow tubing area lighting and replacing the lighting for the main entrance sign; 4) replacing the base lodge exterior deck with a new 30’ by 80’ deck; 5) installing a 12’ x 20’ prefabricated ski patrol building at the summit of the Red Chair; 6) installing a 24’ diameter guest services yurt at mid-mountain (Sunshine Corner); 7) installing and operating an 18-hole disc golf course; and, 8) replacing/upgrading approximately 1,500 linear feet of underground snowmaking pipeline (two segments) in the base area.
“This Act 250 permit represents a good portion of our capital commitment over the next couple of years to continue revitalizing a great natural resource that is Magic Mountain to the benefit our customers and the local southern Vermont region, including our hometown of Londonderry”, said Geoff Hatheway, President of SKI MAGIC LLC. “Other commitments, like a fleet of modern low-e snowmaking guns, variable frequency drives and pumps to upgrade our snowmaking system are also critical capital expenditures we’ve made to improve the quality, energy-efficiency and output from Magic’s snowmaking system.”
Separately Magic has another permitting process underway to improve the snowmaking pond with that major project expected to commence next year. Working with the State of Vermont, the project is designed to both protect the quality of the water coming off the mountain’s streams into the tributary system while improving Magic’s access to water withdrawal for its planned future snowmaking needs.
“While not all the projects approved by Act 250 will be completed this year, our customers will see an immediate impact on a more accessible and better-quality snow experience for young families who want a mountain their kids can learn on and never outgrow”, commented Matt Cote, Operations Director for Magic. “Plus, there is now great all-season mountain recreation here with the new Magic Mountain National disc golf course.”
Magic Mountain has been working closely with Tech Environmental throughout the permitting process.
About Magic Mountain
Magic Mountain is an independent ski area in Londonderry Vermont with a unique mountain experience. Magic combines unmatched challenging ski terrain in southern Vermont; a “throwback” experience without soul-crushing crowds; and, a laid-back, welcoming ski
community culture. New capital from its SKI MAGIC LLC ownership group is targeted to fix what has held Magic back from reaching its full potential: more efficient snow-making coverage and more accessible, reliable lifts for all skier types, including beginner and learn-to-ski. SKI MAGIC has an initial 5-year plan to bring Magic to ongoing operating profitability which will help employees, local home owners, local businesses, and most importantly, its growing family of skiers and riders who want Magic to succeed and be their year-round mountain adventure for generations to come.
Source: August 21, 2017 Londonderry, VT—SKI MAGIC LLC. More information on the new, still retro, Magic Mountain can be found at www.magicmtn.com.