Wildcat Mountain

Wildcat Mountain: Keepin' It Natural Every Wednesday This Summer

2009-06-24T16:39:00.010-04:00

It's amazing how good that big old fireball in the sky we're spinning around can make you feel when it shines again after having been M.I.A for so long. I think no matter where it is that you might be reading this, it's safe to say that you've been waiting for summer to actually begin despite last Sunday's official equinox. We're ready too and July is all but here and that really means vacation time for most. There is plenty to do here with your friends and family on any given day during the summer including the ZipRider, scenic gondola, & the 9-hole lift-serviced alpine disc golf course, but it's specifically what's happening on Wednesdays that I want to share with you.

Wildcat Mountain and the Tin Mountain Conservation Center are once again offering the Wednesdays at Wildcat summer naturalist program. Every Wednesday in July and August from 10:00am to 12:00 noon, Wildcat will host interpretive outdoor programs led by a naturalist from the Tin Mountain Conservation Center.

Wildcat is a great summer outing for families of all ages to explore and learn about the diverse ecology of the region. Program topics change weekly and range from the flora and fauna of the forest and fresh water ecosystems to those of the higher alpine environment, including wildflowers, mosses, waterfalls, frogs, and moose to the geology of the surrounding mountains and Presidential Range.

Wednesdays at Wildcat begins July 1st and runs through August 26th. Reservations are not required, and programs are geared for all ages. Meet at Guest Services in the Wildcat Base Lodge shortly before 10am. Admission is free, unless the tour requires a trip to the Summit. Round-trip Wildcat Express scenic gondola tickets can be purchased and are $15.00 for adults, $7.00 for children ages 6-12, $13.00 for seniors ages 65+, and ages 5 and under ride for free. Picnic lunches are available for purchase, including the Family Fun Pack which includes gondola skyride, lunch, and tour for two adults and two children for $64.95. In case of inclement weather, the interpretive program is held indoors using slide shows and interactive displays.

You say you love skiing or riding here in the winter, but have never visited in the summer or fall? Well, to get a feel for what we're all about, check out the new RSN North Conway Summer Adventure segment and if any of it looks like fun, we hope to see you soon.

Wildcat Mountain: Ski Team Coaching Duo & New Radio Spot

2009-06-12T14:28:00.005-04:00

Wildcat Mountain race director Phil Ostroski recently traveled to Timberlane Regional High School located in Plaistow, New Hampshire to personally deliver a certificate of achievement to Peter & Mary Beth Torosian. The couple helped to establish a competitive alpine ski team in 1997 when their son was a student at Timberlane. In the years to follow, and often training at the not-so-near-by Wildcat Mountain, the couple continued to direct and coach both the boys and girls ski team with a passion that has shown results. “Only three members of the Timberlane Ski Team in its entire history had ever raced competitively prior to joining the team,” said Peter when he and his wife accepted the certificate of appreciation. “But from that, several athletes in the last six years have gone on to compete in the Eastern regional meets with the boys finishing top 6 in the Division I state finals over that same period.” Mary Beth, after mentioning that the girls too have an impressive record of 305 wins to 56 losses over the 12 years and helped to capture the first annual Zimmerman Cup ski trophy in 2008, commented that the ski team goes beyond stats. “A high percentage of the student alpine racers over the years have been honor students with several members having been selected to our regional newspaper’s All-Star ski team.” added Mary Beth, reflecting upon former athletes like a proud parent. “I know of two currently in med school and some others that have gone on to compete in college. One is racing in Colorado and competing nationally.”

“This is a story seen a lot within high school athletics,” said Wildcat Mountain General Manager Tom Caughey. “But it is one that we can not recognize and applaud enough.” As a licensed airline pilot and part-time officer with the New Hampshire Department of Safety and a Registered Nurse respectively, Peter & Mary Beth Torosian have essentially volunteered full-time to coaching and fundraising for the ski team, the Timberlane Boosters, and to maintaining a ski team scholarship established in 2001. “We are pleased to acknowledge Peter & Mary Beth’s dedication to the Timberlane ski team,” said Wildcat Mountain’s Phil Ostroski. “And we continue to welcome Timberlane among the collective of dedicated alpine ski teams that train at our mountain.” The Wildcat Mountain certificate of appreciation follows a previous 10-year recognition awarded to the couple by the New Hampshire Coaches Associations & New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association as well as being the Lawrence Eagle Tribune’s coaches of the year in 2004 & 2008.

And in other more light-hearted news, we are please to present another Wildcat Mountain/WMWV radio ad below (or you may have to actually to hear via our blog if you've received this as an email which is the reason why that little link before you read this long, exhaustive sentence within the parenthesis...is there). This time, we're going for the hard sell because it seems to work considering the amount of crap that we see selling on T.V. If it works for the Sham-Wow, maybe it'll work for the ZipRider, right? Finally, we begin opening daily this Saturday, June 13th, it's Laconia bike week and Rally in the Valley this week, and dads can ride the scenic gondola free next Sunday, June 21st when another family member or friend purchases a gondola ticket. More details on all of that were in the previous blog post, so check that out if you missed it.

Wildcat Mountain: Opening Daily Saturday, June 13th & Free Fathers Day

2009-06-08T16:12:00.003-04:00

It's been nice having things kind of quiet during the week, but we're ready for summer and for everyone to be enjoying the outdoors. Wildcat will begin operating daily Saturday, June 13th just in time for the legendary Laconia motorcycle week. New this year, Wildcat Mountain is taking part in the Mount Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce & MWV Hog Chapter’s 2nd annual Rally in the Valley happening June 15th – 19th. As part of that, persons who have purchased rally wristbands through the chamber (www.mtwashingtonvalley.org) or as a lodging package can take advantage of a half-price scenic gondola ride any time that week. In addition, we invite all vacationing bikers to come fly Wildcat on New England’s only 4-cable ZipRider™ or to enjoy our mountainside café with beer and wine available.

Then on Fathers Day, Sunday, June 21st, dads (and grandfathers) can enjoy the scenic gondola for free when one or more other family members purchase an adult or junior gondola ride. The only one of its kind in North America, the Wildcat Express transforms from New Hampshire’s fastest and most powerful summit quad chairlift during the winter and spring skiing and riding season to the state’s highest summer and fall scenic gondola. The 6,700 foot cable line transports the enclosed 4-person scenic gondolas offering a unique guest experience and opportunity to view Mt. Washington and the Presidential Range from atop Wildcat’s 4,062 foot summit. The Wildcat Express scenic gondola is the best way for the entire family, including well-behaved canine members, to enjoy the incredible views and scenery.

And maybe you've heard this before? Wildcat Mountain, a year-round destination located 100% within the White Mountain National Forest, provides both exhilarating and one-of-a-kind opportunities to enjoy views and scenery that have been consistently voted #1 in North America. In addition to the ZipRider™ and scenic gondola, Wildcat offers lift-serviced disc golf, hiking, weekly guided tours and outdoor interpretive programs with the Tin Mountain Conservation Center. A seasonal food menu including beer & wine is offered in the Wildcat base lodge with fresh "Lunch & Ride" packages available for individuals, families, or groups. All rates and information can be found at www.skiwildcat.com or by calling 1-888-SKI-WILD.

Wildcat Mountain: 18th Annual Kids Free Fishing Day Sat, June 6th

2009-05-27T10:41:00.005-04:00

Well, we think the Memorial weekend was a great start to the summer season ahead. Aside from the helicopter landing in Lake Winnipesaukee and a boat jumping in to the trees James Bond style in Maine, we're hoping you and yours had a safe and fun weekend and that there was a moment to recognize the reason for the holiday. The weather was quite nice and many came to Fly Wildcat on the ZipRider and soak up the the views on New Hampshire's highest scenic gondola and we want you to know that we will be open weekends only until beginning to operate daily, Saturday, June 13th. In addition to being open for the Laconia bike week, our disc golf course will be ready for play on that date as well.

Some of you may already be aware that New Hampshire's "Free Fishing Day" is coming up, but we want you to know that the White Mountain National Forest’s 18th Annual Kids Free Fishing Day will also happen on Saturday, June 6th, at the Wildcat Mountain pond located on Route 16 between Jackson & Gorham, NH. Kids aged 15 and under are invited to fish from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00, followed by afternoon fishing for all ages. There is no charge for the day, no fishing license is necessary, and all are welcome.

U.S. Forest Service Fisheries Biologist Jay Milot will once again be on the shore to offer kids one-on-one instruction in rigging gear and all things having to do with fish and fishing. The morning will also feature a casting event, learning stations covering a variety of aquatic topics, and a small fishing pool just right for the youngest anglers. Prizes for all participants will be awarded at 12:00, along with a special raffle to be held in memory of Eric Swett, a Forest Service employee who loved fishing, kids, and the White Mountains.

The U.S. Forest Service is grateful to these local businesses and partners who have contributed in many ways toward making this a fun and informative event for everyone: New Hampshire Fish and Game, Wildcat Mountain, Gorham Hardware, and the Appalachian Mountain Club.

Kids Free Fishing Day will happen rain or shine. Kids should bring an adult and their own gear. For more information call the Forest Service at 466-2713 (TTY 603-466-2856).

And this is the part in our usual press release where we could say...Wildcat Mountain, a year-round destination located 100% within the White Mountain National Forest, provides both exhilarating and one-of-a-kind opportunities to enjoy views and scenery that have been consistently voted #1 in North America. In addition to the ZipRider™ and scenic gondola, Wildcat offers lift-serviced disc golf, hiking, weekly guided tours and outdoor interpretive programs with the Tin Mountain Conservation Center. A seasonal food menu including beer & wine is offered in the Wildcat base lodge with fresh "Lunch & Ride" packages available for individuals, families, or groups. All rates and information can be found at www.skiwildcat.com or by calling 1-888-SKI-WILD.

Wildcat Mountain: Season Pass Deadline & Summer Coming

2009-05-13T12:22:00.003-04:00

Warmer, longer, sunny days, COOL! That period of time in Northern New England we call bug season, NOT SO COOL! Regardless, The lowest prices for 2009/10 winter season passes are on sale now until the early price deadline of THIS Friday, May 15th. Visit our season pass page for more information and to purchase directly online...don't miss out.

Wildcat Mountain opens for summer & fall operations beginning Saturday, May 23rd offering one of New Hampshire's most unique thrill rides the ZipRider™ along with the highest scenic gondola in the state, the Wildcat Express, and new 9-hole lift-serviced alpine disc golf course. As a year-round destination located 100% within the White Mountain National Forest, Wildcat Mountain provides both exhilarating and one-of-a-kind opportunities to enjoy views and scenery that have been consistently voted #1 in North America.

Wildcat's amazing ZipRider™ zip-line cable ride combines a one-of-a-kind experience with beautiful scenery and is the only year-round attraction of its kind in New England. The ZipRider™ expanded last summer to offer four cables that affectively allow twice the rider capacity and even more vertical fun. With a chair lift ride to the starting deck, the ZipRider™ trolley is a safe device designed to brake automatically while the rider, who is strapped securely into a comfortable harness, descends close to a half-mile over trails, tree-tops, and the Peabody River at heights of up to 70 feet and speeds that can reach 45 miles per hour to a landing platform located a short distance from the main base lodge.

The only one of its kind in North America, the Wildcat Express has once again transformed from New Hampshire's fastest and most powerful summit quad chairlift during the winter and spring skiing and riding season to the state's highest summer and fall scenic gondola. The 6,700 foot summit cable line transports the enclosed 4-person scenic gondolas creating a unique guest experience and opportunity to view Mt. Washington and the Presidential Range from atop Wildcat's 4,062 foot summit. The Wildcat Express scenic gondola is the best way for the entire family, including well-behaved canine members, to enjoy incredible views and scenery. Gondolas run continuously, so you don't wait in any lines.

The ZipRider™ & gondola will be open as weather permits for weekends beginning Saturday, May 23rd and then will begin to operate daily Saturday, June 13th, along with the scheduled opening of the lift-serviced, alpine disc golf course also on that date, through the spectacular fall foliage in mid-October. In addition to the ZipRider™, scenic gondola, and disc golf course, Wildcat Mountain offers hiking, fishing, weekly guided tours and outdoor interpretive programs with the Tin Mountain Conservation Center. A seasonal food menu, beer, & wine is offered in the Wildcat base lodge with fresh "Lunch & Ride" packages available for individuals, families, or groups. All rates and information can be found at www.skiwildcat.com or by calling 1-888-SKI-WILD.

(Photos: Top - Two, lonely Snowcat chairs book-end the scenic melt on Mt. Washington and within Tuckerman Ravine, but definitely still some turns to hike for. Below - The emerging Trillium along the start of the Thompson Falls trail is a sure sign of the coming Summer months.)

Wildcat Mountain: Season Ends & Video Finale

2009-04-20T08:18:00.010-04:00

Well...this is it. Wildcat Mountain spins its lifts one final time for the 2008/2009 season today, Patriot's Day, Monday, April 20th. Thank you for another great, long season. Here is the Wildcat Mountain Weekly Video Update Season Finale. It's a long one highlighting the entire season and...man...there were some good days. Aside from our thanks to you for another great season, we're quickly reminding you that the early price deadline for the 2009/2010 season passes is Friday, May 15th and we're hoping to see you this summer when we get the ZipRider, scenic gondola, and disc golf course going.

This post begins with a photo of four of the "Five Crazy Cats" team that participated in the first inaugural Wildcat Wildfire pentathlon event. Sorry to have not taken better photos, but I'm sure they'll have better photos or maybe even video over at the Friends of Tuckerman Ravine website. On a side note, congratulations to Pete Ostroski who defines the word athlete and won the Tuckerman Inferno race as a solo "Tuckerman" participant taking on all 5 events (run, kayak, bike, hike, and ski). Pete not only won the overall, but had the fastest time among the skiing contigent in "less-than-ideal" conditions and limited visibility in Tuckerman Ravine. Pete is the son of Wildcat Mountain's Ski School Director/Race Coordinator Phil Ostroski and Pete has been killing it on the alpine race course all season long as a member of the Plymouth State ski team having recently competed at the Collegiate Nationals in Alaska. The Inferno and Wildfire post-race awards dinner was a great time for all participants and volunteers and a very big thanks to all Wildcat Mountain staff that helped to pull that one off.

Other photos below are from last Saturday and Sunday's Yahoo weekend. Many families with children who have been seeking or have sought treatment at Boston's Dana Farber Center annually make the trip for a fun-filled weekend at Wildcat Mountain learning to ski or snowboard, flying on the ZipRider, enjoying some quality barbeque, and having fun at night at the Town & Country Inn where all the families stay. A huge acknowledgement of gratitude to Janet Langlands and Maria Rocco and the many that volunteered their time and helped to coordinate a great weekend for the kids and families.

Don't worry, we're going to keep updating this blog with spring, summer, and fall randomness, so until then...cheers indeed!

Wildcat Mountain: Is The Glass Half Full or Half Empty?

2009-04-17T14:02:00.006-04:00

I took the above photo today on the way up the lift of this guy on Panther (I thought I had a Radio Ron sighting) and I'll ask you a question. As a skier or rider, what do you see in this picture? If you answer, "I see growing patches of exposed base. This is not quality product. This is unsafe for any skier or rider and should be closed." then we think you are the proverbial glass half-empty person. But if you answer, "It's sunny, 60 degrees, snow is softening, and this is some bitching spring skiing and riding and, yes, I just had to ski over a patch of grass to get to these bumps on Panther but they're totally worth it!", then we think you view the world through a glass that is half-full and likely that glass is being enjoyed in the Wildcat Pub after another great spring day of making turns in late April.

Once again, Wildcat Mountain will be the one to turn the lights off on the 2008/2009 skiing/riding season for the state of New Hampshire. With some of our NH sister and brother resorts having pulled the plug on the Easter weekend and some even a week or two prior to that, there was only one resort left to enjoy what has become an absolutely incredible stretch of sunny, clear, warm, beautiful days. That being said, we are currently open and will be through this weekend and spinning the lifts one last day, Patriot's Day, Monday, April 20th. Spring conditions have been better than good as they say and are holding up, but have a look at the printable version of our snow report for the daily dose. Spring lift tickets are only $39 (full-day, half-day, adult, teen, junior, senior, whatever, doesn't matter) and no additional coupons/discounts/offers can be applied toward that reduced price, except the Sunday afternoon $25 tickets. So come on up because it's going to be a busy final weekend with the Yahoo Weekend events for visiting families from Boston's Dana Farber Center and the Wildcat Wildfire & Tuckerman Inferno pentathlon events.

And don't forget, Wildcat Mountain is offering its lowest prices for 2009/10 winter season passes to skiers and riders who purchase before May 15^th. Wildcat is the place for those who enjoy a long season and vertical value. Heck, renew or purchase any 2009/2010 season pass today and you can still ski or ride every day until the final day, Patriot's, Monday, April 20th for free!

The most popular Wildcat Mountain pass is the Black Cat pass, offered at the early price of $249 unchanged from last year's price, and is valid midweek Monday thru Friday with only 10 black-out dates during the Christmas and February vacation weeks. Ideal for many locals or those who do not have your average work and vacation schedule, the Black Cat is an easy decision. New this year for the Black Cat pass are fewer black-out dates and the ability to ski or ride every day, Saturdays and Sundays included, for the early 09/10 season from opening day until December 24^th, 2009 and then again for the late season beginning April of 2010.

Wildcat's Adult, unrestricted, "any day" or full pass has lowered in price $100 from last year's rate and is available to purchase for $599 before May 15^th. The corresponding Teen (13 to 18), Junior (6 to 12) and Child (age 5 and younger) passes remain unchanged from last season's early-season price of $399, $299 and $39, respectively.

New this year for the Adult 6-Day Pass is no associated black-out dates. Valid Sunday thru Friday, the 6-day Pass excludes Saturdays and is offered at the early season rate of $499. An additional bonus, and similar to the Black Cat pass, passholders can ski or ride every day, Saturdays included, for the early 09/10 season from opening day until December 24^th, 2009 and then again for the late season beginning April of 2010.

We want to thank you all for another great season and for being part of the legend and we hope you'll come visit us and say hello this summer and to perhaps enjoy our scenic gondola, ZipRider, or even play a round of disc golf. And for many of you, don't worry, we'll be writing you letters like we're at summer camp with Blog, Facebook, Twitter, or MySpace page updates. Give us a virtual friendship bracelet by making all nicey, nicey with us on one of those interweb thingies. If you've received this as just a text email, I like your style, but you'll have to visit skiwildcat.blogspot.com for videos, photos, and more frequent updates. Cheers!

Wildcat Mountain: Spring! Ski & Swim Same Day

2009-04-06T10:30:00.004-04:00

It wasn't under sunny skies as hoped for and, to accommodate several visiting school groups from the United Kingdom utilizing our learning area, we had to relocate and shorten up the overall length of our wet ditch, but Portland Maine's 94.3fm WCYY hosted another great pond skim event. In addition to the photos here, the Wildcat Mountain Weekly Video Update features some good footage to show you the hearty group of hybrid water skiers and wakeboarders that went for it. Though not included, there were a few succesful skiers and riders that did manage to make it all the way across (though more than one attempt was needed). Also mentioned in the video is the fact that we are offering $39 lift tickets every day until close and that the 2009/2010 Wildcat Mountain season passes are on sale now with fewer black-out dates, early/late season incentives, and at their early and lowest price if purchased before the deadline of Friday, May 15th. But if you buy or renew any season pass now, you can ski or ride EVERY day for the rest of the 2008/2009 season. We also tell you in the video that the Jack Frost Ski Shop is set up in the base lodge clearing out skis (some you can even demo), boots, and great jackets and pants at unbelievably low prices. And although we're intending to remain open until Monday, April 20th (Patriot's Day) and that upcoming events include Easter Sunday's Polecat Trail Easter Egg Hunt and BBQ on the base lodge deck, the Wildcat Wildfire and Yahoo Weekend on Saturday, April 18th, this will be it for weekly video updates. But stay tuned in the next week or so for a final season-end video montage featuring highlights from the 2008/2009 season.

Goodbye Mr. Wet Ditch. We'll see you again next spring. Thank you Mike & George (B&G), Ian (Ski Patrol), Reggie (Groomer), Peter (Mountain Host), and crew for helping to make the pond skim event possible.

Wildcat Mountain: Legends of American Skiing, Saturday, April 18th

2009-03-30T10:20:00.004-04:00

Toni Matt rounds the control flag to drop into History and Tuckerman Ravine's Lip in the 1939 Inferno. Photo Credit Adrian Bouchard courtesy of New England Ski Museum.

Legends of American Skiing with Rick Moulton at AMC's Pinkham Notch Visitor Center Saturday, April 18 at 8 pm.

On Saturday the 18th of April, Rick Moulton will be speaking before showing Legends of American Skiing at AMC's Pinkham Notch Camp. This lecture and film fall on the 70th Anniversary of the 1939 Inferno. The film depicts Toni Matt's legendary feat that day of Schussing the Headwall to win the race by more then a minute. On the 50th Anniversary of this race Toni Matt returned to speak to large crowd gathered to see the film. Before the show during the afternoon the Forest Service took Toni up in the Snow Cat to HoJo's. Looking up at the bowl Toni exclaimed that he had not been back in the Ravine since that day. Talking to the crowd before the show Toni laughed and repeated what he said in the film. He was a multiple National Champion. He won 19 down hill races in a row, but no one remembers any of that. What everyone remembers is "Tuckerman's Ravine"... "Its a good thing!" he concluded, "I got more mileage out of that then anything else I 've ever done."

This year also marks the 75 Anniversary of the 2nd Inferno which was held in a warm fog. The original Inferno was only staged 3 times. 1933, 1934 & '39. This was largely do to the unpredictable weather on Mt. Washington. It was big Mountain race dropping 4000 ft from the summit snow fields, through the Ravine and down the Sherburne Ski Trail to the AMC Pinkham Notch Camp. Joe Dodge staged the event and was way ahead of his time using field phones and a form of electronic timing. Several things combine to make staging the full race impossible today. Times have changed and the Sherburne Ski Trail does not meet the race standards of today. Additionally the average condition of the Little Headwall, the connection between the ravine floor and the Sherburne Trail, has often degraded into open water by April. A couple of so called "Bob Cat Infernos" have been held, (1967 & 1987). These USSA sanctioned races also began on the summit snow fields, but they ended in the bowl of the Ravine. The current Inferno Pentathlon Race staged by the Friends of Tuckerman's includes a Giant Slalom up in the Ravine. Last year it was in Left Gully, the year before it was in Hillman's Highway; the site reflecting the prevailing best conditions available in Tuck's for the race. The Pentathlon is held on or as close to the anniversary date of the Original Classic. The 1939 Inferno can be looked back upon as the last Big Mountain Downhill Race in America and certainly the last in the North East.

This program is part of our free evening program series. Join us for dinner at 6 pm before the program. For more information or for the monthly schedule please look online at www.outdoors.org Programs are free & open to the public. AMC Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, Route 16, Pinkham Notch, NH, in the White Mountain National Forest. For more information contact the AMC at (603) 466-2727. This schedule is subject to change. AMC Outdoor Explorations are sponsored in part by L.L. Bean & the William T. Morris Foundation.

Wildcat Mountain: Spring Sessions, Sunshine, & Bump Lines

2009-03-29T11:41:00.005-04:00

Aaaahhh...New England weather, this blog update is posted on a cloudy, rainy day following a classic Wildcat Mountain Spring Saturday complete with gorgeous weather, temps, sunshine, ZipRider, barbeque, soft bumps, beautiful views of all the ants hiking, skiing, and riding Tuckerman Ravine, and a bunch of friends getting together in the Wildcat Jib Lot for an impromptu session. This week's Wildcat Mountain Video Update is letting you know that lift tickets are only $39 EVERY day until we close and that the 2009/2010 season passes are on sale now...and as a bonus...you can renew or purchase now and ski or ride every day until the end of the 08/09 season for free. Find out more information on this bonus offer, fewer black-out dates, a lower price, and new early- and late-season skiing and riding privileges by visiting the Wildcat Mountain Season Pass page at skiwildcat.com today. Plan to be here next weekend, Saturday, April 4th for the WCYY Reggae Wet Ditch Skim Contest and if you're looking for some great season-end bargains on this year's ski gear, the Jack Frost Ski Shop is currently set up in the Wildcat base lodge clearing a sizable amount of their inventory out at low prices up to 50% off and will be here at least through Sunday, April 5th. Come on up and get yourself some corn snow this Spring!

Wildcat Mountain: $9 Lift Tix Again, 09/10 Season Pass Pricing & Video #16

2009-03-23T12:43:00.005-04:00

This blog update is chock full of info, so here you go...Wildcat Mountain is again offering the very popular $9 lift tickets on Friday, March 27th and its lowest prices for 2009/10 winter season passes to skiers and riders who purchase before May 15th. Currently planning to continue this spring’s skiing and riding until May 2nd (weather/conditions permitting), Wildcat once again is a perennial best value for those who enjoy a long season. As a bonus to all immediate renewing and new season pass purchases, persons will be able to ski or ride every day, 7 days a week, beginning April 1st for the remainder of the 2008/2009 season!

The most popular Wildcat Mountain pass is the Black Cat pass, offered at the early price of $249 unchanged from last year’s price, and is valid midweek Monday thru Friday with only 10 black-out dates during the Christmas and February vacation weeks. Ideal for many locals or those who do not have your average work and vacation schedule, the Black Cat is an easy decision. New this year for the Black Cat pass are fewer black-out dates and the ability to ski or ride every day, Saturdays and Sundays included, for the early 09/10 season from opening day until December 24th, 2009 and then again for the late season beginning April of 2010.

Wildcat’s Adult, unrestricted, “any day” or full pass has lowered in price $100 from last year’s rate and is available to purchase for $599 before May 15th. The corresponding Teen (13 – 18), Junior (6 to 12) and Child (age 5 and younger) passes remain unchanged from last season’s early-season price of $399, $299 and $39, respectively. New this year for the Adult 6-Day Pass is no associated black-out dates. Valid Sunday thru Friday, the 6-day Pass excludes Saturdays and is offered at the early season rate of $499. An additional bonus, and similar to the Black Cat pass, passholders can ski or ride every day, Saturdays included, for the early 09/10 season from opening day until December 24th, 2009 and then again for the late season beginning April of 2010.

“Wildcat is entering the legendary portion of its season” said General Manager Tom Caughey. “It is gratifying to have a regular returning contingent of skiers and riders that are passholders and part of the legend, but I have also met so many new people experiencing Wildcat for the first time this year. We recognize that commodities and the economy are much different than they were this time last year. As a result, we have kept prices the same, and also lowered the adult full pass. In addition, we have also reduced or eliminated black-out dates and associated both early and late season incentives for the remainder of this and next season for renewing and new passholders.”

Wildcat Mountain is a year-round, family-owned business, located 100% within the White Mountain National Forest in Pinkham Notch, NH. It is home to the 75-year-old Wildcat Trail first cut by the Civilian Conservation Corp in 1933 and is renowned for its proximity to Mt. Washington and Tuckerman Ravine. For further information, please visit www.skiwildcat.com or call 1-888- SKI WILD.

And here's the weekly Wildcat Mountain Video Update reminding you again that we will be offering $9 Lift Tickets this Friday, March 7th. Get on up here!

Wildcat Mountain: Nate Peters Photo Collection & Video Update #15

2009-03-15T09:55:00.006-04:00

One of our Ski Patrollers, Nate Peters, is also quite the photographer and every now and then will kick me his flash drive and let me know that he's got some shots that I should take a look at. Quite often his muse will be K.J. St. Gelais who also helps out around the resort and can often get the job done in front of a camera. So here's a few choice images below this week's Wildcat Mountain video update from what looks like a fun day a couple weeks ago that I reduced in size for the Wildcat Mountain litter blog. If you're a fan of Wildcat Mountain, the Presidential Range, and nature in general, take a moment to visit Nate's on-line photo site to have a look at his great collection...you might even want to purchase a print or two.

Now here's this week video and a bunch of gibberish about $30 discount lift tickets available for St. Patrick's Day that you have to pre-purchase by midnight Monday, March 16th that we're calling "the luck of Lift O'pia"; Wednesdays 2-fer 1 lift ticket with Tuckerman Brewing Company; next Friday's (3/20) $9 lift tickets; and the spring party on Saturday, March 21st that we're inviting all season passholders to come have fun at and featuring Cape Cod's the Old Silver Band.

Wildcat Mountain: 6th Annual 100,000 Vertical Challenge Participants Raise Over $20,000

2009-03-12T14:55:00.008-04:00

Twenty-two participating skiers and riders loaded the Wildcat Express Summit Quad lift at 7:45am the morning of Monday, March 9th taking on a personal challenge to ski or ride over 100,000 vertical feet in one day to benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Hampshire. Postponed from the previously scheduled first Monday in March due to lion-like weather, a rescheduled and reduced field of 22 male & female, young & old, ski, snowboard, and telemark participants were faced with a day that had its challenges. Despite flat-light conditions, light to moderate winds, unseasonably cold temps, and daytime snows that had accumulated 3 to 4 inches by day’s end, event participants once again took on the legendary Lynx trail and were able to collectively raise over $20,000 in pledge donations for their effort (photo #6).

First to complete skiing the 100,000 vertical foot challenge (48 runs down the Lynx trail) in 7 hours and 11 minutes was Michael Prindle of Arlington, MA (photo #3). Local Wildcat Mountain legend Al Toutant of Bryant Pond, ME (photo #4) finished second followed by Chris Leuci of Lynnfield, MA (photo #5) respectively. All three went on to then complete the maximum 50 runs allowed in the same order. Top fundraisers contributing to the over $20,000 raised that day were lead by Charlie Tillett of Wayland, MA (photo #1) having single handedly raised over $5,000. Chris Scannell of Marblehead, MA (photo #2) was second top fundraiser with just under $3,000 and Charlie Tillett, Jr., the son of the top fundraiser (also photo #1), was the third and highest among participants that contributed over a $1,000.

Since the first 100K challenge took place in 2004, the annual event has now seen total donations exceeding over $100,000 directly benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Hampshire in their endeavors. The annual 100K event is unique to Wildcat Mountain coupling the accessibility and speed of the Wildcat Express high-speed, summit lift and the ski area’s greater than 2,100 vertical foot drop.

Wildcat Mountain would like to thank and recognize those that helped to make the event possible providing in-kind support, participant gift bag donations, and top fundraising prizes including: Rossignol, Jack Frost Ski Shop, Samuel Adams/Boston Beer Company, Dakine, Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Northern New England, Glacéau/Vitaminwater, Boston’s WFNX 101.7fm, Metro Rock Climbing Centers, & Liftopia.com.

Many more great photos of the event taken by Gregory Orzolek can be seen online at the Picasa site he posted.

The mission of the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Hampshire (www.newhampshire.wish.org) is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. It strives to provide children with the hope for better times, the strength for the tough times and the joy to experience the present. The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Hampshire is part of the nation's largest and most recognized wish-granting organization, with chapters and volunteers throughout the United States and the world.

(photo #1)

(photo #2)

(photo #3)

(photo #4)

(photo #5)

(photo #6)

Wildcat Mountain: Vid-ja Update & Spring Party Details

2009-03-07T07:52:00.002-05:00

Wildcat Mountain Spring Season Passholder Party & Dinner

Make Your Plans Now To Be Here Saturday, March 21, 2009
Great Music...Great Food... and Good Times With Your Friends

Join us and bring a friend to the 8th Annual Pass Holder Party. Spring Barbecue dinner will be deliciously prepared by Food & Beverage manager Chris Lambert and his staff. Chris regularly brings the best catering Wildcat has to offer at all special events including parties, weddings and reunions.

2:00 - 5:00 pm – DJ Brian Sparhawk & Coors Light après in the Wildcat Pub and promo give-aways

5:00 - 6:00 pm – Hors d'oeuvres served in second floor of base lodge

5:45 - 6:00 pm – Season Passholder Raffle #1 Win some cool prizes and gift certificates. Bring your current season pass to get some raffle tickets.

6:00 - 7:00 pm – Spring Barbecue Dinner served in second floor of base lodge

6:30 - 9:30 pm – Cape Cod’s The Old Silver Band (theoldsilverband.com) play the Wildcat Pub with their own brand of “beachgrass” music. This band is fun, great vibe, proficient musicians, and a must see in the Wildcat Pub.

7:30 - 7:45 pm – Season Passholder Raffle #2 Win more cool prizes and gift certificates. Bring your current season pass to get some raffle tickets.

Reserve before March 20th - Dinner: $15.95 per person (children 5 & under free)Advance reservations and pre-payment for dinner are required. Please details below, then click here to order tickets online or call 1-888-SKI-WILD x. 217 to make your reservation.

***Not hungry for dinner and just want to rock out to the Old Silver Band? I totally understand and it’s free for passholders or $5 for non-passholders at the door.***

Early reservations assist our staff in preparation for the event. Reservations after March 20th are subject to space available!

APPETIZERS:
Assorted Cheese, Crackers and Fresh Fruit Tray
Egg Rolls Chicken Skewers Vegetable Quesadilla

SALAD & BARBECUE BUFFET:
Marinated Steak Tips Grilled Chicken Breasts Pork Ribs Hot Dogs
Rolls Salad Pasta Potato Salads Potato Chips

DESSERT:
Assorted Cookies Brownies Famous Whoopie Pies
Soda and bottled water will be available compliments of Wildcat. Cocktails, beer and wine may be purchased in the pub.

Don't Forget, $9 Lift Ticket Fridays on March 13th & 20th....and now, here's the wonderful, spectacular, emmy neglected Wildcat Mountain video update...taa daaaaaaahhhh!

Wildcat Mountain: Video Update #13 & $9 Lift Tickets Friday, March 13th & 20th!

2009-02-28T13:35:00.002-05:00

The Wildcat Mountain annual $9 lift ticket day held this past January marking 51 years of lift-serviced skiing and riding and 75 years from when the Wildcat Trail was first developed was popular enough to bring it back for two more Fridays in March. It was only $9 for 10 gondola rides back in 1958 and for that same original price on Fridays March 13th and 20th, it will offer a full-day’s access to over 2,100 vertical feet of skiing and riding aboard New Hampshire’s most powerful and arguably fastest summit quad chairlift. With guaranteed après weekend events and the option to always upgrade your ticket before 3:30pm for the next day for only $39, Wildcat offers vertical value and the opportunity to create a 3-day ski/ride weekend beginning Friday, March 13th and 20th for less than $30 a day.

A highlight of après events and other special ticket discount days happening at Wildcat Mountain during the month of March include:

•Sat, Mar 7th – WXGR 101.5fm Cabin Fever Ski Getaway sponsored by Cabin Fever Maple Liquor, Simply Green Biofuels, and Bud Lime, prizes and good times follow up a great day of skiing and riding. Visit wxgrfm.org to hear their mix of dub, downtempo, world-hop, electronica, beats & bass, acid-jazz and plan to join us as they spin beats slopeside and then in the Wildcat Pub.

•Every Sunday in March – $25 afternoon lift tickets that go on sale at noon and the Sunday Après Chill Music Series in the Wildcat Pub featuring artists Cheryl B. Engelhardt (cbemusic.com) or local favorite Bill Cameron. Visit skiwildcat.com for dates.

•Every Wednesday in March – Join Tuckerman Brewing Company on our traditional 2 for 1lift ticket Wednesdays (or just $32.50 for you soulful sliders rocking the mp3 player and ear buds) in the Wildcat Pub. Find out about their local brewery tours and receive t-shirts and pint glasses when you enjoy one of their tasty brews.

•Sat, Mar 14th – Ride & Ski New England (rideandskine.com) along with the Pat Foley Band and Miller Lite are back again to host an après party in the Wildcat Pub with well over a grand in give-aways and prizes.

•Tue, Mar 17th – The Luck of Lift O’pia. Save some green and find a pot o’ gold in savings when you pre-purchase your ticket online at www.liftopia.com. Limited Wildcat Mountain discount lift tickets available for St. Patrick’s Day and every day this season at Liftopia.

•Sat, Mar 21st – Wildcat Mountain Spring Party. Season Passholders, family, friends, and fans of Wildcat Mountain will want to join in on an afternoon and night of fun, food, raffle prizes, and music featuring après DJ Brian Sparhawk and “beachgrass” rock from Cape Cod’s the Old Silver Band (theoldsilverband.com). Visit skiwildcat.com for more info.

And here we go with this week's (or click the highlighted text and link to) Wildcat Mountain Weekly Video Update...watch for the curious feller' at the end of the video.

Wildcat Mountain: Weekly Video Update, UFO's, & Ways To Save

2009-02-21T12:04:00.004-05:00

This week's Wildcat Mountain Video Update is showing you how we look with 15 inches of freshies that fell Thursday in to Friday and is also letting you know that it looks like we may receive additional similar amounts with the winter storm warning that begins Sunday afternoon and will last in to Monday. Now is the time to be here and visit skiwildcat.com to view our wild deals including the NEW Junior and Teen 3- and 5-day multi-day discount tickets and other weekly deals. Also, our snow report will help you to stay on top of conditions; you can check the events page to know what's going on in the Wildcat Pub for après; click on the lodging page to find a great place to ski & stay; and we'll say it again that Liftopia.com can help you score discount lift tickets including available adult half-price tickets for next week 2/23 through 2/27. Also, as seen from the photo taken above while riding the ZipRider (I'm a professional...we do not allow ZipRiders to normally photograph while riding) we have been giving all the vacationers a chance to Fly Wildcat. As a bonus to your lift ticket purchase, you too can Fly Wildcat for only $10. If you don't ski or snowboard and are on vacation and just want to try out New Hampshire's most unique winter thrill ride, it's only $20.

Okay, now after you've watched the video, watch it again and at about 1:27 you may notice a little white orb kind of drop down from the upper right-hand side of the screen and almost in line with "The Chutes" trail and then make it's way off to the lower right-hand side of the screen. It's very quick and little hard to see at first, but it's there and I'm confident it's not a snow flake and think that our videographer Thom Pollard of Eyes Open Productions has pretty much documented aliens checking out the pow-dah at Wildcat. Call me crazy, but I've seen sketchier video evidence on the Discovery channel. Do what you got to do to pause it and check it out. Again, it's at about 1:27...what is that? All right, now I'm going to go form Devil's Tower out of some mashed potatos, so we'll catch up with you later, cheers!

Wildcat Mountain: Kitty Litter Cardboard Box Race Photos & Things

2009-02-18T11:01:00.009-05:00

The weather was beautiful, the conditions are just getting better and better, the ZipRider was flying overhead, and the 2009 Kitty Litter Cardboard Box Race was once again held with creative entries, questionable construction, spectacular crashes, and enthusiastic children pushing corrugated cardboard to the limits. Here are a few photos starting with the one above with all the "winners" starting from the left: Fastest entry was Lars with his red "Snow Groomer"; Best Crash was Amanda from Beverly, MA with her major tumble in the "Bath Tub"; a couple of Wildcats; Bryson in "The B Team Box"; and Grace with "Wall-E".

Above are judge's choice winner Bryson from Boxford, MA with "The B Team" box and most creative winner Grace from Framingham, MA with her "Wall-E" entry.

Above, the crowd was collectively thinking that Nicholas from Bridewater, MA and his "Mach 5" entry was going to smoke the field, but alas shortly after crossing the start line, we believe Nicholas blew his engine (or mom's pushing just wasn't enough).

Very creative "Wall-E" above.

And finally a shot of dad making final adjustments on Bryson (& co-driver/sister Eva) in "The B Team" box before sending what was definitely one of the faster entries and more creative entries sealing its win as the judge's choice. All winners received a $25 gift certificate from either the Poor Peoples Pub in Sanbornville NH, J-Town Deli in Jackson Village, The Moat Mountain Smokehouse & Brewery in North Conway, and The Frontside Grind Coffee & Espresso shop in North Conway village. Congratulations to the winners and a big thanks for all who participated.

Conditions have been improving each day (with perfect snowmaking seen above on middle Lynx, The Chute, Panther, and Wildcat sections) and night (give thanks to our groomers who toil through the night to produce excellent surfaces when you and I are in bed) Needless to say we're pretty excited for the Winter Storm Warning that goes in to affect tonight at 7pm and will last in to Thursday. At this point, forecasted total accumulations are expected to be between 10 and 15 inches of fresh snow. If you're wondering what Wildcat Mountain is like with alot of new snow, well you can watch NESN (or NESN HD) this evening at 9:30pm to watch The Mountain Report. We've been told that they are going to air the Jackson, New Hampshire edition again featuring Wildcat Mountain.

For those of you from New Hampshire waiting to take your vacation next week, you'll be excited to know that I just loaded half-price lift tickets at Liftopia.com for every day next week Monday through Friday...get one while they last. Also, we still have the incredibly low-priced consecutive, multi-day junior and teen tickets available online at skiwildcat.com. Basically, it's 3 days for the price of 2 or 5 days for the price of 3! And finally, the ZipRider has been flying this week and we will continue to operate it (weather permitting) in to the NH vacation week and will be offering a special half-price, $10 ZipRider ticket bonus if you have a valid lift ticket for that day. Snow is coming!

Wildcat Mountain: Weekly Video Update #11 and Stuff

2009-02-15T09:53:00.004-05:00

Happy Presidents' Day vacation week! We are in to it and with all the welcomed families who've got an entire week's school vacation to enjoy, we also have literally hundreds of visiting students from Great Britain & Ireland. I love the names of schools and groups visiting, for example, St Declans, Boroughmuir, GealColaiste and Colaiste Bride, St MacDaras, Malbank, and the list goes on. How incredible is it that hundreds have traveled from abroad to come learn how to ski and snowboard at Wildcat Mountain. Great stuff and I am simply blown away with the effort, planning, and coordination that our group sales, ski school, food & beverage, buildings & grounds, guest services, hosts, rental shop, lodging properties, bus companies, ski shops, and many more have put in to organizing an experience that will last a life time for these kids. Cheers to everyone involved.

So, up here in New Hamp-shah, we consider this week the Massachusetts vacation week and it tends to be the busier week, but we know that many of you reading this are fellow residents of NH and are looking forward to next week when you take a break. Well, if you're still figuring out a plan, we're going to cover again the ways for you to save and keep it pretty quick and simple:

Incredible savings when you purchase online at skiwildcat.com our **NEW** consecutive, mult-day junior and teen lift tickets. Basically 3 days for the regular price of a 2-day ticket, or 5 days for the regular price of 3. Go ahead, pick that stick up next to you there and just try to beat that.

Liftopia.com...yes, we've said it before and we'll say it again, discount lift tickets, period. Sometimes ridiculously low, discount lift tickets. Check it.

New Hampshire ski & stay packages available on our Wildcat Mountain Lodging featured listings on our "Stay & Play" page. If I didn't already live here, I would love to be a guest at the Inn at Ellis River located right in Jackson (their breakfast items trigger a pavlovian response), or maybe our newly added lodging partner, The Buttonwood Inn which gives you a unique location closer to North Conway's shopping and dining.

And last, we've got some great events and après going on this next week and we talk about that in this week's video update, so here it is and if you're reading this as an email, click here now. See you soon!

Wildcat Mountain: See Us On NESN Tonight & Feb Vey-K Ahead

2009-02-11T08:47:00.004-05:00

We love this photo of cardboard box fighter pilot "Nick" from last year's Kitty Litter Cardboard Box race, one of the traditional Wildcat Mountain February break events. More info on that and the Lunch Tray Luge below, but first things first, we're excited to get word from our friends at The Mountain Report that Wildcat Mountain will be featured on tonight's segment...check it out:

Canton MA - BCN Productions is pleased to announce the premier of The Mountain Report: Jackson New Hampshire 2009 Wildcat Mountain and Black Mountain, February 11th on NESN at 10:30 pm with repeats this week Thurs at 1:30pm / Friday at 4:30 pm....and Sat. night on Maine's WPME at 10 pm. (more times and dates to follow)

This episode is New Hampshire skiing and riding at its best...2 feet of fresh snow and sunshine...what a combination and what a great week we had in Jackson....it definitely shows in the production quality and on the faces of all involved with this episode. TMR also goes snowmobiling with Northern Extremes, and visit Whitney's Inn and The Snowflake Inn...not to mention some of Jackson's fine Après establishments.

tune in...Kevin G. Friend - Director
BCN Productions
www.themountainreport.tv
www.bcnproductions.com

So after you've watched some Wildcat Mountain visuals this evening, plan to be here some time soon, depending on when you or the kids may have a little February vacation break. If you do have kids, and you're thinking of maybe skiing or riding 3 or 5 days, be sure to check out our huge online consecutive, multi-day ticket discounts that we have just recently put together for you. You can find more information and have to purchase directly online at skiwildcat.com on the Wild Deals page.

Here's the skinny on the upcoming cardboard box race and the lunch tray luge. To see all events scheduled ahead, visit our Events page:

Tue, Feb 17th: Cardboard Kitty Litter Box Race - Whether you make it fast, fancy, or just plain fun, dont miss cheering on your favorite cardboard box bomber. Held in the afternoon, sign up in the morning at guest services desk to enter, no cost to enter with valid lift ticket for that day or season pass. Only rule is sliding surface must be cardboard. Wildcat Mountain does NOT provide cardboard or construction materials.

Wed, Feb 18th: Nine Lives Lunch Tray Luge - All those times you used to get kicked off the mountain for sliding down on a lunch tray, well, now we encourage it and make it a competitive sport. Held in the afternoon, sign up in the morning at guest services desk to enter, no cost to enter with valid lift ticket that day. Wildcat Mountain will provide lunch trays.

Prizes will be awarded for both events including generous gift certificates for Poor People's Pub (located just off Rt. 16 in Sanbornville, NH and a great place to stop along the way when making your way from points in Southern NH or Mass on your way to and from Wildcat Mountain); Moat Mountain Smokehouse & Brewing Co. located in North Conway; J-Town Deli located in Jackson Village; & Frontside Grind Coffee & Espresso located in North Conway in the Eastern Slope Inn.

Cheers folks!

Wildcat Mountain: NY Times, Video Update, Discount Junior/Teen Multi-Day Tickets, & 100K Registration

2009-02-07T07:54:00.004-05:00

The above photo was taken by local Jackson photographer Brian Post for a New York Times Wildcat Mountain article that appeared in the "Escapes" section of the recent Friday, February 6th edition. The online version of the New York Times Wildcat Mountain article appears at their website and be sure to click on the multimedia "slideshow" that appears on the left-hand side of the story to see more great photos that Brian shot for the Times.

This week's video update is talking abou our **NEW** Junior and Teen consecutive, multi-day 3- and 5-day online tickets available for purchase now. Significant value for the upcoming February vacation weeks is found in these new ticket products and basically it's 3 days for the cost of 2, or 5 days for the cost of 3. It's bananas! View more information and purchase online at our Wild Deals page. Now here is this week's video update:

Finally, the 6th Annual 100K Vertical Challenge to Benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Hampshire is scheduled For Monday, March 2nd.

Are you capable of skiing or riding over 100,000 vertical feet in one day? If you are, the bar has been set again for a potential 40 participating skiers and riders who are up for the challenge that includes also raising associated pledge donations to benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Hampshire.

Held the first Monday in March, last year’s 100K day saw 25 of the 28 participants completing at least 48 runs via the famed Lynx Trail’s 2,100 plus vertical descent from summit to base. It is hoped that even more participants in this year’s Monday, March 2nd event will help to raise donation amounts equal to or possibly exceeding last year’s total pledges of just under $30,000. Since the first 100K challenge took place in 2004, the annual event has seen total donations exceeding $81,000 directly benefiting Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Hampshire in their endeavors. The annual 100K event is unique to Wildcat Mountain coupling the accessibility and speed of the Wildcat Express high-speed, summit lift and the ski area’s greater than 2,100 vertical foot drop.

Registration for the event is only $65 ($35 for Wildcat Mountain season passholders) and includes lift access for the day, a ticket voucher valid for another day this season, exclusive lift-line privileges while completing the 48 runs (maximum 50 runs), light breakfast/lunch items, snacks, and refreshments during the event, and prizes awarded for the top fundraisers and participants during an awards pasta dinner held following the event. All ages and disciplines are welcome to participate, but a limit of 40 participants and a minimum $250 in pledge donations to the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Hampshire must be acquired and provided the morning of the event, Monday, March 2nd. For more information and to register, visit skiwildcat.com/100Kday.html.

The mission of the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Hampshire is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. It strives to provide children with the hope for better times, the strength for the tough times and the joy to experience the present. The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of New Hampshire is part of the nation's largest and most recognized wish-granting organization, with chapters and volunteers throughout the United States and the world.

Wildcat Mountain: Photos & Weekly Video Update #9

2009-02-01T12:13:00.005-05:00

Wow, we haven't posted a blog update since the last video and here we are with the next video update not having posted one thing in between. Huh...we're going to blame time spent enjoying the current great conditions at Wildcat Mountain for occupying the usual time it takes to post blog updates. If you've been "busy" too skiing and riding here, then you'll probably agree that conditions are as good as they were during last year's excellent season and to validate that point, this morning, I compared season-to-date snow totals up to January 31st of last season and can you believe that we're exactly a half-inch more total accumulation for this season at 127.5 inches (10+ feet) compared to last season's 127? I thought that to be an interesting fact. So here's this week's video update and we're again telling you that Wildcat Mountain discount lift tickets available at Liftopia.com is our economic "ski-for-less" plan that you and families can approve. Limited, deep, discount tickets are available every day including the fast approaching New England school's February vacation weeks. For those who may be planning more than a day trip or two this month, check out the ski & stay packages that you can book directly with our lodging partners or search the ski & stay packages available through our online lodging search engine for other area properties. We've also included a few extra photos from the past few days that we hope will give you a sense of the snow we have.

Having met last season when both were working out at Heavenly Resort in Lake Tahoe, the recent newlyweds Matt (above) & Maxine (below) Madden made it up from their home now in the area of Portsmouth, NH for Sunday, February 1st's excellent conditions at Wildcat.

Jillian Moulton (self-portrait below) of Jackson was given the marketing camera on Thursday, January 29th after the recent storm that brought another foot of snow to Wildcat. You can tell she's majoring in art with the scenic photos she took that day above and below and by the way she's smearing the fresh powder around the canvas of Lower Wildcat when we took the photo of her during the dump on Wednesday, January 28th.

Wildcat Mountain: Weekly Video Update #8

2009-01-20T07:45:00.002-05:00

This week's Wildcat Mountain video update documents the recent dump of over 15 inches of freshie snow that fell Sunday in to Monday during the Martin Luther King weekend. Conditions are incredible right now and we're talking about your chance to come up on Friday, January 23rd and ski or ride for only $9. Make it a 3-day weekend, take advantage of our next day ticket for only $39 when you upgrade before 3:30pm for the following days ticket and you could end up skiing or riding for 3 days straight for less than $30 a day. That's vertical value! More info on this upcoming weekend's events in the previous blog post.

Wildcat Mountain: $9 Lift Tickets Friday, January 23rd & New Jib Lot

2009-01-18T11:00:00.005-05:00

What a difference a day can make. Above we have Nick on the morning of Sunday, January 18th ripping blower snow during another dump at Wildcat Mountain that at the time this is written is projected to be just under a foot of new freshie. Below we have Tony on the morning of Saturday, January 17th on a sunny, but very cold day hanging a backside boardslide on the 24' flat box in the new Wildcat Jib Lot. In the background you can also see the 24' rainbow box and a little bit further down the slope is the 16' flat rail.

Wildcat Mountain’s annual $9 lift ticket day is set for Friday, January 23rd and will mark an anniversary weekend recognizing 51 years of lift-serviced skiing and riding and 75 years from when the Wildcat Trail was first developed. It was only $9 for 10 gondola rides back in 1958 and for that same original price, it will offer a full-day’s access to over 2,100 vertical feet aboard New Hampshire’s most powerful and arguably fastest summit quad chairlift. The weekend’s events include good times in the Wildcat Pub with a DJ Friday afternoon, the return of Portland’s 94.3fm WCYY and their always good time event on Saturday, and the Sunday Après Chill featuring guitarist/singer Bill Cameron. With guaranteed après events and the option to always upgrade your ticket before 3:30pm for the next day for only $39, Wildcat offers vertical value and the opportunity to create a 3-day ski/ride weekend beginning Friday, January 23rd for less than $30 a day.

Long known for its challenging natural terrain elements, it has been quite a few years since Wildcat Mountain was able to say that it had a “terrain park” available to new school skiers and riders who have grown up in the sports era of skateboard inspired progression and twin-tips. And now, thanks to a new sponsorship commitment from Coca-Cola Bottling of Northern New England that helped it to acquire 3 new box and rail elements manufactured by Maine-based park feature fabricators Snow Grind, Wildcat Mountain is now offering The Wildcat Jib Lot progressive freestyle terrain area.

Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Northern New England, looking to further expand their brand at the resort, sought to sponsor the Wildcat Jib Lot consisting of three new elements including a 24 foot flat box, 24 foot rainbow box, and 16 foot wide, flat rail. “Recognizing this season that it’s been 75 years since the Civilian Conservation Corp first cut the Wildcat Trail, Wildcat Mountain is a legend among classic New England ski resorts,” said Wildcat Mountain Director of Marketing & Sales Thomas Prindle. “But with Coca-Cola Bottling of Northern New England as a sponsor of The Wildcat Jib Lot, Wildcat Mountain now has some additional appeal among an important and often younger skier and snowboarder set that are less interested in the words ‘history and lore’ than they are in using a newer vocabulary that include ‘switch, nosepress, 50-50, lipslide’ and various quarter, half, full, and multiples of a 360 degree spin to describe their experience.”

Wildcat Mountain hopes that time and resources will allow it to build upon The Wildcat Jib Lot and is considering additional snow features for this season to compliment the availability of progressive freestyle terrain.

Wildcat Mountain is a year-round, family-owned business, located 100% within the White Mountain National Forest in Pinkham Notch, NH. It is home to the 75-year-old Wildcat Trail first cut by the Civilian Conservation Corp in 1933 and is renowned for its proximity to Mt. Washington and Tuckerman Ravine. For further information, please visit www.skiwildcat.com or call 1-888- SKI WILD.

And finally, one of Portland/Seacost NH's hipper radio stations WXGR 101.5fm is really working up something special for their Cabin Fever Ski Getaway event at Wildcat Mountain come Saturday, March 7th and there are many opportunities for you to win tickets to this. I'm really looking forward to this one because there is talk of Cabin Fever maple whiskey, Simply Green (New Hampshire's only biofuel service station), DJ's spinning slopeside during the day, and an excellent apres party planned in the Wildcat Pub. Give a listen to the WXGR radio promo below and then stream WXGR and have a listen to some of what you can expect at their Wildcat event.

Wildcat Mountain: Weekly Video Update #7

2009-01-13T20:14:00.002-05:00

This week we're talking about lots of new snow and giving you the heads up that our annual $9 lift ticket day is scheduled for Friday, January 23rd...make plans now to make a 3-day weekend out of it. Think about it...you get a $9 lift ticket on Friday, then on that Friday you upgrade your ticket before 3:30pm to ski or ride again the next day, Saturday, for only $39. You upgrade again Saturday before 3:30pm to come on back and do it again Sunday again for only $39. What've you got...well, you've got a whole lot of vertical value and 3 days of skiing or riding for less than $30 a day. How do you like them apples!

Wildcat Mountain: Weekly Video Update #6

2009-01-04T13:41:00.004-05:00

It's something we like to call the Wildcat weekly video update and here is #6 in the 2008/2009 series. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and this month's issue of Vanity Fair didn't have anything at all to say about it. But it's talking about next Saturday's demo day, WFNX, Sunday Apres Chill with Bill Cameron, and the great tuning and repair services we offer, so maybe you want to have a gander...