February 29, 2020
Day 24
Skiers: Carla

Note: Today is April 20, 2020 and I am just now writing about my visit to Campton Mountain Ski Area. I lost focus to finish this series of articles for my NH Talls & Smalls due to COVID-19 and the rapid transition to social distancing, working from home, and other changes in daily life that has impacted all of us. I hope by completing this series, it will inspire others to maintain hope for a healthful & snow filled 2020/2021 ski season.

Campton Mountain Ski Hill is small club house style ski area nestled in the heart of Waterville Estates, a large 700-unit housing and condo development in Campton NH. Established in 1969 as a second home community, Waterville Estates includes a large recreation center, restaurants, and its very own private ski area with base lodge. Guests are always welcome to visit, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming.

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Looking uphill from the base area


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Hand painted train sign mounted at the base of the double chair.

I arrived around 6pm, and was excited for round two of skiing after previously skiing at Mt. Prospect earlier in the day. It was chilly with a starless night sky. As I entered the base lodge, it was quickly apparent to me that I was not entering a lodge as most skiers envision, but rather a full-service pub/restaurant with a live band that just happened to have a few ski trails in the backyard. I purchased a lift ticket for $25 from the bartender and made my way over lift.

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View from the chairlift looking uphill

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Chairlift, top view

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Top view looking down the lift line Glade Path Trail (left), and Lazy 8 (right)

While the bar was busy, the slopes were not. There was just a handful of skiers, mostly teens, and both the rope tow and double chair were running. Vertical drop is just over 300’ and I would describe the terrain as mostly green to a light intermediate blue. Snow was groomed, but very firm with large paths of boilerplate ice due to the thraw/freeze cycles that occurred previously in the week. The ski area does not have snowmaking services. I took about 10 runs down the Lazy 8 path as it was the only trail open this evening, which skied firm and fast. I was thankful I brought my Kastles and for sharp edges.

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Loading area of the double chair & base lodge/pub

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View from the deck looking up trail. Rope tow to the left, double chair to the right

Back inside the lodge, the house was packed and I was lucky to find a single seat open at the bar. I enjoyed a pint and an amazing BLT sandwich before calling it a night and heading home to Lincoln.

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Inside the Tail Spin Lounge. As you can see, they had a full house this Saturday night

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Fireplace & upcycled ski sconce lighting & coatrack

Overall impression: Fun vibe! I wish I had visited with friends vs. solo as it is definitely more of place to gather with others after a long day of skiing, vs. a skiing destination in itself. Totally cool place to hang out and the best housing community amenity I have ever visited. I’ll take a ski hill over an indoor pool or tennis court any day! Food and service were excellent. Now that I have discovered this little hill, I will be certain to visit for après ski in the future.

Snowy Wishes,
Carla Frontfive
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