Haystack Mountain Ski Area | |
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The upper base area |
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Location | Wilmington, Vermont, US |
Nearest city | Albany, New York |
Vertical | 1,550 |
Runs | 45 |
Longest run | Outcast |
Lift system | 6 |
Snowmaking | 100% Non-Gladed Trails |
Web site | Haystack Club |
Haystack Mountain Ski Area was a mid sized alpine ski area located northeast of Haystack Mountain in Wilmington, Vermont.
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The ski area featured two unique areas, complete with lodges and chairlifts. Haystack opened in the early 1960s as an alternative to crowded resorts. The upper mountain, serviced originally by the Oh No double chairlift (a Mueller installed in 1965), featured over one thousand vertical feet of trails for intermediates and experts. The lower mountain, serviced by multiple lifts (including a Mueller double chairlift), featured shorter trails for beginners. For many years, a transfer chairlift connected the lower and upper areas.
In the mid 1980s a significant expansion took place, resulting in the installation of three new triple chairlifts, including a CTEC chairlift serving a new expert complex called "The Witches." The "Witches" is known for its tough terrain that even challenges experts.
In 1991, S-K-I Ltd., owners of nearby Mount Snow, purchased Haystack and soon began promoting the two ski areas as one. Though they were never connected by alpine ski trails or lifts, (there is a Nordic trail along the ridge between the two), trail counts and snow reports were often combined.
In 1996 S-K-I Ltd. merged with LBO Resort Enterprises, forming the American Skiing Company. The American Skiing Company (ASC) would soon hit financial troubles, resulting in the scaling back of operations at Haystack. By the end of its ownership of Haystack, ASC limited operations to weekend and holiday periods.
On March 30, 2005, the American Skiing Company announced it had sold Haystack Mountain Ski Area for $5,000,000 to a group of local businessmen.[1] The Haystack Club concept was created as a result, with the plans to open an upscale private ski area. The Club will include Town House Villas as well as a new Hybrid "chondola" (A lift with chairs and gondola cabins) to the summit. The "oh-no" Double will be removed. Barnstormer will also now service as a beginner area lift and transfer lift. The Haystack Club has been open since the sale. The club was open for two days of groomed uncrowded skiing for the members. Although they were open only two days because they got sued by Mount Snow for water rights.
The Haystack Club has started renovations. Four town houses were torn down. Additionally, the Upper Base Lodge is being renovated to be turned into the "Hay Loft." The Club will sell 900 family memberships. Benefits include exclusive skiing, uncrowded, as well as access to a golf club and Equestrian Center. Also, along with the 900 memberships, everyday 450 Tickets will be sold to Wilmington Residents for the day. As of Winter 2010 the area will not operate for skiing this year. The old Upper Base Lodge has been completeley demolished.