New England Ski Resorts Face Power Outages Amidst High Winds
Ski enthusiasts were met with unexpected challenges this week as New England ski resorts struggled to combat power outages due to relentless high winds. The bustling school vacation week was disrupted as chairlifts and gondolas were put on hold, leaving visitors and officials alike scrambling to address the unforeseen circumstances.
In Carrabassett Valley, Maine, Sugarloaf resort found itself in the dark for a staggering four hours on Tuesday morning. The entire resort lost power, prompting officials to humorously note, “You know the wind is legit when the whole resort loses power.” The restoration of electricity just before 6:30 a.m. brought a sigh of relief, but operational delays were anticipated following the outage. By 10 a.m., lifts remained non-operational, with officials lamenting the impact of 90 mph gusts on the Skyline lift and 55 mph gusts on the Snubber and Sawduster lifts. The Timberline lift was particularly affected, prompting thoughts and prayers from the resort.
Meanwhile, Berkshire East in Charlemont, Mass., was forced to close its operations entirely as power outages continued to plague the area, affecting over 2,000 residents. The resort joined the ranks of Charlemont residents in enduring the blackout, leading to a complete shutdown for the day. Sugarloaf and Sunday River in Newry, Maine, faced similar challenges, with Sugarloaf closing all lifts and Sunday River operating only four out of 14 lifts due to the high winds.
The erratic weather conditions left officials at various resorts grappling with the whims of Mother Nature. Loon Mountain in Lincoln, N.H. reported 11 out of 13 lifts operational, while Attitash Mountain Resort in Bartlett, N.H. placed three lifts on hold due to the strong winds. The Flying Bear lift, still recovering from a recent incident, remained out of service, serving as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by the elements. At Jay Peak in Jay, Vermont, visitors were advised to brace for upper mountain lift holds as gusts reached up to 75 mph at the summit. A touch of humor and patience was suggested by officials, recognizing the need for resilience in the face of adversity.
As the day progressed, Stratton Mountain in Vermont emerged from a complete shutdown the previous day due to high winds. Four lifts out of 14 were operational, and a delayed opening was announced for the Sun Bowl area. Uphill travel was restricted due to low visibility and hazardous conditions, with officials emphasizing safety measures for visitors. Refunds for lessons were made available, signaling the resort’s commitment to customer satisfaction amidst challenging circumstances.
Kristi Palma, a dedicated culture writer for Boston.com, has been closely monitoring the developments in New England travel. Her insightful coverage of the region’s top destinations and activities offers travelers valuable insights and tips for exploring the area.
The unpredictability of weather in New England serves as a stark reminder of the resilience required to navigate the great outdoors. As ski enthusiasts and resort officials band together to overcome power outages and high winds, the spirit of camaraderie and determination shines through, underscoring the unwavering passion for adventure that defines the region.
