Exciting news in Magic land.
Hot off the presses, check out our latest press release:
MAGIC GAINS VT STATE ACT 250 APPROVAL FOR SNOWMAKING POND EXPANSION PROJECT
- New Dam Construction and Stream Alteration Work Begins This Summer-
June 25, 2019, Londonderry, VT--Long a key element of SKI MAGIC LLC's 5-year strategic plan, Magic Mountain Ski Area has gained Vermont state permitting approval for doubling the size of its snowmaking pond to approximately 9 million gallons while taking the pond "off stream" to help create a better aquatic environment for downstream fish. The permit also allows the in-take of water from the Thompsonburg Brook along Route 11 for pond replenishment.
“Expanding Magic's snowmaking capability is critical to the long-term success of our ski area in order to provide skiers more trails with more snow coverage” said Geoff Hatheway President of Magic Mountain. ”No matter what mother-nature decides to bring us in the winter, the doubling of our water resources allows us to cover over 60% of the mountain on both the East and West Sides, so our customers have a great mix of the East's most interesting and challenging terrain to ski and ride over a longer season."
The snowmaking pond and stream work will begin later this summer and will be completed before the season begins.
This is the second Act 250 project approved this year for Magic. The installation of a Poma fixed-grip quad lift purchased from Stratton last year will also be done this summer and fall for the new ski season which will effectively double Magic's uphill capacity. The two projects together represent an investment of $2 million by SKI MAGIC LLC who purchased Magic two and half years ago and has overseen record skier visits each year. Magic has been awarded the #1 ski area in North America each of those seasons by Liftopia's "Best in Snow" survey.
- End press release -
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So that's great news as it's been 3-years in the making to get this permitting process complete with over $150K spent on engineering and permitting for the Act 250 sign off working with a multitude of state agencies along the way. While we wish it could have been done more quickly and at a lower cost for our small business, we developed a strong partnership with the state and demonstrated that the "new" Magic was willing to put the time, effort and money behind accomplishing our goals the right way. Special thanks to Tim Jones and DuBois & King for shepherding this process. Now we work with local contractor P&L as well to execute the pond expansion and stream alteration this summer/fall!
Combined with our Quad Lift project (new upper trail has now been cut--and it's going to be another heart-pounding double black!), the snowmaking pond build out will make the 2019-20 season a special one and secure Magic's unique place in the East's ski culture for generations to come!
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We hold our first wedding this summer at the new Sunshine Corner venue with the Green Lift shuttling guests up to the ceremony and then back down to the Black Line Tavern for the reception Saturday June 29th. Best wishes to the Healy family--a wonderful long-time Magic family!
It's never too early (or late) to make Magic your soulful wedding venue, just give Kerry a call here at the mountain 802-824-5645 x102.
The Black Line Tavern officially re-opens July 3rd for the holiday week for dinner (fresh new menu by Chef Chris!) and drinks and, once again, we will host Londonderry's American Independence Day celebration on July 6th with a live band (Road Trash 7:30-11)), great food and a huge fireworks show starting at 6pm-midnight. There's even a fun parade downtown at 11am. Go USA!
The 18-hole Disc Golf course is open and starting to get a good deal of play. It's a fun way to walk the mountain and get a little competition in. Thursdays starting July 4th are our family twilight 9-hole outings and Saturdays at 2pm are our highly social 18-hole League competitions But on any day, you can play holes that run by our brooks, in our woods and out on our wide open trails with great downhill views. It's a pretty inexpensive way to get some exercise and enjoy the great outdoors! We also have individual and family disc golf
season passes for sale.
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Skiing in July?
Earlier than ever before, 2019/20 Day Lift Tickets are now on SALE with limited quantities just for the summer. It's never too early to "think snow" and lock in the lowest prices for your fun winter trips to Magic.
SUMMER TICKET SALE
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Hope to see you soon in Vermont. The Quad Lift and Snowmaking Pond projects will be keeping us super busy, but we'd love to see you at the BLT for dinner on the deck or just drop in to the office to say "hi".
Think Sun and fun,
- Geoff
Magic Mountain
Where skiing still has its soul