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 What makes a resort an icon? Try a 40th anniversary, which is what New Hampshire’s Waterville Valley is celebrating this year.
In the mid-‘60s, Olympic skier Tom Corcoran scoured northern New England for just the right mountain to fulfill his vision of a year-round destination ski resort. When he saw Waterville Valley—which then had only a couple of rope tows and trails, an inn, and 500 acres of land for sale—Tom knew it was the place.
The region is a snow pocket, and the U.S. Forest Service had already mapped Mount Tecumseh as a potential ski area. With guaranteed forest around its borders, Corcoran knew he could limit development by purchasing almost all of the privately held land in the valley. His aim was to ensure that the resort would not be heavily commercialized or marred by haphazard growth–and with the help of a Colorado land-use consultant; he soon had a master plan in place. Now, 40 years later, the ski resort and the town have grown, but still there are no fast food outlets, chain stores, or unfettered sprawl. It feels like New England, and it still has a soul.
Since the first condos opened in 1969, Waterville Valley Resort has been known for its ski area, which features trails for every level of skier.
For young skiers, Kids Venture Kamps has its own ski rental facility in the base lodge, with a day including lessons, rentals, lunch and snack, and skiing on specially designed Venture Zones ranging from Kinderpark to the black diamond True Grit. For the more mature is Silver Streaks, the longest running senior skiing program in the country. The club provides special clinics for members only, a weekly après-ski party, banquets twice each season, and the opportunity to hang with some of the fittest seniors in the country.
The resort also sponsors the AbilityPLUS Adaptive program, which teams physically and mentally challenged children and adults with caring volunteers who help them enjoy the thrill of skiing, free from the encumbrance of wheelchairs or braces.
About Waterville Valley: Designed and planned specifically as a self-contained resort town, Waterville Valley Resort offers 250 skiable acres with snowmaking ability on every trail. The ski area peaks at 4,004 feet, with a vertical drop of 2,020 feet, 52 trails and 12 lifts. Waterville Valley's Nordic Center features 75 km of wide-groomed trails, with terrain for every ability level, groomed daily for both skate and classic skiing styles. In addition to its world-class ski area, Waterville Valley Resort has award-winning tennis courts, golf, hiking, biking, lodging, an indoor ice rink, boating, a skate park, and a host of outdoor activities. When it comes time for après–ski —or après–whatever activity you choose—you'll find that Waterville Valley Resort has a wide range of accommodations in which to relax, from single rooms to condo rentals suitable for large parties. Info: 1-800-GO-VALLEY, www.visitwatervillevalley.com. |
