Magic Mountain Ski Area

Magic Mountain Ski Area
The base lodge at Magic Mountain, ca. 2008
Location	Londonderry, Vermont
Nearest city	Brattleboro, VT
Coordinates	43°11′34″N 72°45′36″W / 43.19278°N 72.76000°W / 43.19278; -72.76000Coordinates: 43°11′34″N 72°45′36″W / 43.19278°N 72.76000°W / 43.19278; -72.76000
Vertical	1,700 ft (520 m)
Top elevation	2,850 ft (870 m)
Base elevation	1,150 ft (350 m)
Skiable area	135 acres (55 ha)
Runs	40
Longest run	1.6 mi (2.6 km)
Lift system	4 lifts: 1 double,1 triple, 2 surface lifts
Snowmaking	30%
Night skiing	no
Website	www.magicmtn.com

Magic Mountain is a ski resort located on Glebe Mountain in Londonderry, Vermont. It features a 1,700-foot vertical drop. The summit is at 2,850 feet and the base at 1,150 feet. Magic and its base area have a long history, dating from the 1960s. Having experienced a multi-year closure in the 1990s, multiple owners, and existing in the shadows of Bromley Mountain and Stratton Mountain,^[1] Magic has struggled in recent years to remain in operation.

In 1985, Magic Mountain dramatically increased its skiable terrain, by purchasing and connecting the former Timber Ridge ski area. Located on the eastern slope of Glebe Mountain, the area became known as Timberside at Magic.

In 1987, Magic Mountain added a new Poma triple chairlift, serving novice and intermediate terrain.

Magic Mountain and Timberside ceased operations due to bankruptcy in 1991. With the exception of the summit Heron-Poma double chairlift and the Pohlig-Yan triple chairlift, all lifts were removed during liquidation. While Magic Mountain would later reopen for the 1997/1998 ski season,

In 2003, construction was started on a proposed Borvig double chairlift that would follow the same line as the former Poma triple chairlift. To date, the installation has not been completed.

In March 2009, Magic Mountain's management announced that it was looking into a cooperative ownership structure to ensure the future operation, maintenance, and development of the ski area. The proposed structure was similar to that of Mad River Glen. This plan did not work out, and the mountain was subsequently sold to Tom Barker.

New ownership has announced plans to open the mountain for the 2016/2017 winter season.

Update: Ski Magic, LLC purchased the property in November 2016, shortly after Thanksgiving. The operations crew got to work immediately by upgrading their entire snowmaking system and repairing/replacing the pipes. They also successfully got the Black Chair triple certified to run as a double (after a long closure with thoughts of it never opening again) just before the February break in 2017. This was needed as on the Sunday of the holiday week, they actually stopped selling tickets in order to keep lift line waits to a minimum. They ended the season on a high note with eager hands ready to dive into off season projects. One of these projects include getting the Green Chair running. This was a lift that was planned, but never completed. It is essential to the mountain as it offers a mid station off load. If you have been to Magic, you know their easy way down from the top isn't exactly easy for beginners. It is also very long. The Green Chair will offer more access to easier terrain, and also be used in the early season when all mountains are competing to open. The historic and beautiful Red Chair has always been taken care of, is the main lift, and is still a way to go back in time, when skiing still has soul. They also plan on adding more snowmaking as well as repairing and extending pipes. New construction and face lifts are going on in all aspects. Magic Mountain looks forward with great joy, to the 2017-2018 season.

Skiing

The mountain, although not as high as its neighbor's 2,850', has comparable vertical feet of skiing (1,700'), and it can boast of steep trails (up to 45° at the top of Master Magician).

References

External links

• Magic Mountain Ski Area - Official site
• Inn at Magic Mountain
• Hostel at Magic Mountain
• skiengine.com review