What’s new for the 2013-14 skiing and riding season

The 2013-14 skiing and riding season is finally upon us, with a number of improvements and changes on tap for many New England resorts. Here’s a roundup of what’s new this season at your favorite mountain destination.

Sunday River made news during the offseason with the announcement that the Newry, Maine, resort will add 75 acres of terrain this season, making it the second-largest resort in the East. The project exposes four new glades, once only known to locals and Sunday River frequent guests, as well as the “T72,’’ a new, world-class terrain park.

Meanwhile, sister Maine resort Sugarloaf, now the largest resort in the East, continues progress on its 10-yeqar expansion plan with more glades having been cut this summer on Burnt Mountain. There will also be a new, 30-person outdoor hot tub. Time machine not applicable.

Expansion is in the works at Waterville Valley as well, as the US Forest Service granted the New Hampshire resort long-term special use permit, allowing for the biggest expansion at the mountain in over 30 years. The project, which will take place over the next few years, will feature construction of about 44 acres of ski trails, glades and a high-speed detachable quad chairlift.

Finally, the old, dilapidated gondola station at the summit of Wildcat Mountain has been removed, making the best scenery in the East even more pristine. The $55,000 removal project was in addition to a $250,000 investment in upgrading the mountain’s snowmaking pipes. Meanwhile, up the road at sister resort Attitash, there continues to be added improvement on the new Abenaki terrain park, and both resorts spent the offseason improving and cleaning its glade and tree skiing trails.

While Wildcat demolished its summit building, Killington Mountain Resort – open for the season – is putting the finishing touches on its new summit lodge, which should be completed by the end of December. The 15,000 square foot building will feature a restaurant, lounges, and some killer views of the Vermont landscape that surrounds it.

There will indeed be a big change in the Wachusett ski school, as director Bruce McDonald is stepping down after more than 40 years. Thom Norton, who brings more than 25 years of ski coaching, will replace him beginning this season. “We are so proud of our heritage as a teaching mountain that Bruce helped create introducing the sport of skiing and snowboarding to scores of residents from throughout southern New England,’’ Wachusett general manager David Crowley said.

Bretton Woods completed further expansion at its Mount Stickney area, and will boast a couple of early-season deals, including its 40th anniversary. The resort also expanded its popular zip line tour with four new lines adding another 1,000 feet.

Loon Mountain resort invested in snowmaking this offseason, increasing the Lincoln, N.H., resort’s capacity by some 40 percent. Loon already got an early start to the season, opening on Nov. 8.

Jay Peak will unveil $43 million in improvements this season, including the unveiling of the Stateside Hotel and base lodge. Sister resort Burke Mountain is also in the initial stages of its own base revamping, with the addition of two new hotels and an aquatic center in the works.

Ragged Mountain, in Danbury, N.H., installed a new tubing park — over 650 feet in length, with 10 lanes, adding to the off-piste activities in the Granite State. Ragged will also introduce two new carpet lifts this season.