Pats Peak, NH
Day Trip!
The Math: A Patriots victory on Saturday = a day trip Sunday.
The Destination: Pats Peak in Henniker, NH
Drive Time: 1.5 hours
Why: The name says it all
What you get: I can not really write enough positive points to justify my experience at Pats Peak on Sunday. So here are a few…
It actually feels like a ski area, not a resort. The operation is well organized. No parking lot chaos, clean facilities, well thought out base area.
My favorite thing about Pats Peak: Fixed grip lifts!
Extreme-or-e: Kristen Ulmer (skied in jeans)
Pats Peak snow tubing area
PATS PEAK TRIVIA
Q: What was the first ski area in New Hampshire to make snow?
A: Pats Peak was the first to make snow in the 1960’s. Today, snowmaking takes place on 100 percent of the mountain.
S.G.: Good coverage, no ice. They are still building a base.
At the summit
Q: What year did Pats Peak open?
A: Pats Peak opened the first week of January in 1963. The four Patenaude brothers bought the original 200-acre plot of land for the Peak from their father Merle Patenaude.
S.G.: Must be nice…
Q: When was the original Pats Peak lodge moved downhill?
A: In 1969, the lodge was moved from a site about 300 feet up the hill where a large tree now grows. The original lodge is incorporated as part of the second floor in the current lodge.
S.G.: The tree = large spruce in the foreground of the above photo.
Did you know?
During its first season in 1963, Pats Peak offered an “After 1pm” lift ticket for just $3.50 and an “All-Lift, All-Day” lift ticket for $5.00.
S.G.: Now that gets you a beer at the pub…
Q: What year did the United States Ski Team compete at Pats Peak?
A: 1977. One hundred fifty skiers came from several countries to compete in a FIS sanctioned ski race at Pats Peak. The slalom race was held on an F.I.S. Race Trail at the Peak.
S.G.: Inspired research.
‘steeps’
Verdict is that Pats Peak is a great family area and an easy drive from Boston. It also will offer up all the challenge any advanced intermediate needs. Pats Peak is a wonderful place to learn the basics and foster skills on the snow. There is more pitched terrain on the front, but gentle runs around the sides of the mountain allowing beginners to ski/ride from the summit.
They have night skiing.
The Most difficult slopes can light a spark, but it may be tough to break a sweat by the time you are back at the lift.
It is well worth the ride ~ Perfect day trip destination.
Go Pats!
S.G.
