”We’re adding a lift and 400 acres of new terrain…it’s one of the biggest announcements we’ve ever made,” they said. The Boomerang chairlift into MacKay Lake opened with the season in early December, opening up the Outback: one-third more terrain than the resort had last year. And it’s all double-black diamond runs for the expert skiers.
”People that have been skiing here for 25 years, they needed it. Their skill sets have progressed,” they said. ”I’ve been hearing from people ‘now I don’t have to go to Whistler’.” The Boomerang has a steeper incline than the peak chair at Whistler, they noted.
Opening up the Outback terrain means Mount Washington now has extreme skiing and snowboarding at the Resort, says Dave Hampshire, Resort Public Relations. As such, the Resort will hold its first-ever Extreme Skiing event in March. “Basically, that’s people leaping off cliffs with skis on, in front of judges,” he said.
The other thing the Resort is doing this year is a “Guys’ Week”. “We’ve had the Women’s Week for the last four years and that’s been successful; why not one for the guys?” Hampshire said. The week will feature discounted activities, catered lunches, group lessons and aprés excitement.
Resort personnel are predicting more business at Raven Lodge this winter, now that the road has been paved all the way into the lodge. The lodge is open for dinner between 5-9 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays.
The Friday night ”fondue and snowshoe” event is also gaining in popularity, Resort President Peter Gibson said.
Also available this winter will be a pair of new adventures; dog sledding and back country snow camping. The high Arctic has made its way to Mount Washington with an authentic dog sled ride courtesy of Arctic Light Kennels. A guide will lead his team of dogs on a thrilling, one-hour ride through winding trails in Paradise Meadows. Dog sledding is available Wednesday through Sunday; pre-booking is required. Cost is $69 per adult with a two-adult minimum (children 12 and under cost $59).
A company called Outer Limits is offering back country day excursions and snow camping. A one-day tour into the back country includes a trip to the summit of little Washington for 360-degree views.
These trips include requisite avalanche gear, a guide, trail pass and bag lunch. The snow camping includes a day of touring and back country navigation coupled with an overnight stay at a base camp.
The Outback is a long waited dream come true for the more advanced skiers and boarders.