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New England ski resorts report loss of power, closures, chairlift holds due to high winds
"You know the wind is legit when the whole resort loses power."
Ski resorts across New England reported chairlift and gondola holds, loss of power, and closures due to high winds on Tuesday morning during a busy school vacation week.
Sugarloaf in Carrabassett Valley, Maine lost power for four hours on Tuesday morning and reported that all lifts were on hold.
“You know the wind is legit when the whole resort loses power,” wrote resort officials. “Thankfully, it was restored before 6:30am, but please note that the loss of electricity for about 4 hours this morning may result in some operational delays.”
By 10 a.m. the lifts were still not operating.
“As you can imagine, the chairlifts are not living their best lives this morning,” officials wrote. “Skyline is getting its socks knocked off with 90 mph gusts, even Snubber and Sawduster are reporting 55 mph gusts. Sending thoughts and prayers to Timberline.”
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Berkshire East in Charlemont, Mass., lost power and closed down operations completely on Tuesday.
“Berkshire East, along with most of Charlemont and over 2,000 residents, are still without power due to the high winds,” wrote mountain officials on the resort’s website. “Due to the power outage, we will remain CLOSED today.”
At Sunday River in Newry, Maine, four of 14 lifts were operating on Tuesday morning, reported mountain officials.
“What would life in New England be without the occasional weather curve ball?” officials wrote.
There were 11 of 13 lifts operating at Loon Mountain in Lincoln, N.H. on Tuesday morning, but the White Mountain Express Gondola was on hold “due to high winds,” officials reported.
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At Attitash Mountain Resort in Bartlett, N.H. three lifts were placed on wind hold Tuesday morning, reported mountain officials, and the Flying Bear is still not operating after a man fell 20 feet after a chair fell to the ground earlier this month.
“Strong wind is forecasted today, [Feb. 18], which may impact operations,” warned officials at Attitash.
Skiers and riders at Jay Peak in Jay, Vermont should “expect definite upper mountain lift holds” on Tuesday as the resort was dealing with gusts of up to 75 mph at the summit, officials reported.
“If your idea of fun involves chasing your hat across the parking lot, then what a day you’re going to have,” wrote Jay Peak officials, adding that patience is required and a sense of humor is recommended on days like this.
Visitors should wear extra layers and take frequent breaks, as high temperatures won’t break zero at Jay Peak on Tuesday, noted officials.
Over at Vermont’s Stratton Mountain, which closed down completely on Monday due to high winds, four out of 14 lifts were open Tuesday morning and officials announced a delayed opening for the Sun Bowl, its easternmost trails and lifts. Uphill travel was closed “due to low visibility, hazardous conditions, and operations vehicles on the mountain” wrote officials.
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Stratton customers may also get refunded for lessons, officials wrote.
“With this extreme weather, we would like to inform everyone that cancelations and/or refunds for Ski and Ride School will be available,” wrote Stratton officials.
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