- Details
- Written by: Jim Walker
- Last Updated: 20 Aug 2012
Gunstock operates a detachable high-speed quad to the summit from where there are panoramic views over Lake Winnipesaukee. With everything from snowboarding to snowtubing, Gunstock has been a family favourite for generations. Gunstock's recently expanded ski terrain is backed by aggressive grooming techniques tending the slopes day and night to give it that perfect corduroy finish. For freestyling boarders and skiers the mountain offers a new enhanced terrain park and half-pipe. The Thrill Hill Tubing Park provides fun for the whole family Tuesday-Sunday and the floodlit mountain allows skiing and boarding by night too (Tuesday-Saturday). Famed for its award-winning unique "Mountain Magic" beginners' courses, the ski school has an excellent reputation, whether you're taking your first lesson or enjoying a spot of race training. Gunstock is one of the longest established ski areas in the US, opening in 1937 when it operated one of only three single chairlifts in the Eastern US. Today the resort's uplift and other amenities are rather more hi-tec (and in terms of the main access quad, high-speed), but the resort is still a family favourite as it has been for generations. Gunstock's recently expanded ski terrain is backed by aggressive grooming techniques tending the slopes day and night to give it that perfect corduroy finish. There are wonderful views of Lake Winnipesaukee as you glide on down. Gunstock wasn't always about snow, lights, lifts and action. It took the vision of the Belknap County Legislators in 1935 to propose the "Belknap Mountain Recreation Area." On the heels of the Great Depression, Belknap Mountain was born of the WPA's (Works Progress Administration) New Deal program created during President Roosevelt's administration. The project took three years to complete and employed 300 local workers. Amenities included ski trails, a single chairlift, rope tows, cross country trails, toboggan runs, sliding hills and a ski jumping complex. The resort is still under the ownership of Belknap County to this day
Operates the only 'noon groom' in the North American ski industry.
Mountain
Gunstock offers 50 trails accessed directly by high speed quad from base to summit. There's night skiing on 17 trails and 80% snowmaking coverage. Beginners will particularly enjoy the attentive staff, relaxed atmosphere and special ski school programmes to get them started including the award winning Mountain Magic first-timers program. The Learning Center Beginner Area is serviced by a handle tow surface lift. More than likely your first chairlift ride will be up Gunshy - a double chair serving a small area of easy terrain away from the main mountain skiing. The vast majority of the mountain terrain is graded intermediate level however, with plenty of long blues to choose from sweeping down through the trees from the top of the Summit quad. Experts have only three and a half percent of the terrain graded to them, but that includes more than half a dozen black diamond trails including Hotshot down below the upper section of the summit chair and Cannonball, over to the right. There are double black diamond glades next to Hotshot. If you fancy adding to your skiing talents then there are race camps and Telemark ski courses. You can stop by the Fischer Adventure Demo Center housed in a yurt to try out gear before you buy. There's also a free ski and snowboard check to keep your equipment safe. The Cross Country & Snowshoe Center is a full service retail, rental and lesson facility. Gunstock's 50 kilometers of trail network offers a variety for all skate, track set or backcountry skiing or snowshoeing abilities.
Families
Gunstock has a full range of care and fun for children aged six months and up, starting with daily day care for children aged three months and up. All facilities are based at the Gunstock Buckaroo Children's Center. Located just beyond the Guest Services Lodge, use the designated drop off area located beyond the Welcome Center entrance on the right hand side of the entrance road. Reservations are required to ensure your child's place. Children aged three can, if they wish, join the youngest ski school class, Cubs. This is a full day ski program that introduces or enhance skiing skills through the use of games and skill building activities. From aged four to five Polar Bears gives the option of ski lessons in the morning, day care in the afternoon; whilst Belknap Bears (ages four to eight) offers half or full day skiing. Belknap Rangers for eight to thirteen year olds includes groups formed by age and ability to provide the best learning experience.
Eating Out
Gunstock has several food service areas catered by The Kieley Corporation of Hampstead, New Hampshire. The cafeteria is to be found in the Main Lodge. There is also food service in the Stockade Lodge as well as in the Panorama Pub located at the summit of Gunstock which offers spectacular views. The Powder Keg Lounge offers a sit down menu as well as full bar service and on sunny days opens an outside deck area. A second lounge, the Cantina, is located on the balcony of the Main Lodge.
Apres
Apres ski at Gunstock is centred on The Powder Keg Lounge and the Cantina in the Main Lodge. Once the ski area is quiet there are dozens of bars and night spots within a 10 mile radius to explore. Of course there's still tubing, night skiing and snow shoeing available most evenings. For example The Margate on Winnipesaukee, seven miles away, has a lounge and Courtyard Bistro.
Boarding
For freestyling boarders and skiers the mountain offers an enhanced terrain park and half-pipe. The Gunstock Freestyle Academy offers Freestyle Ski or Snowboard camp sessions where you can learn to ride the Park and the Pipe with some of the best freestyle riders in the Lakes Region. These coaches design, build, and maintain the Gunstock Park, giving them home court advantage.
