Wildcat Mountain Ski Resort in Pinkham Notch New Hampshire

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Fri, Dec 12, 2008
Wildcat Mountain Is Set To Welcome International Visitors This Season. Pre-booked School Groups Visiting From England And Ireland Are On The Rise.

The 2008/2009 ski season may be starting off a bit desultory due to plaguing economic concerns and early season accumulations that have been more liquid than frozen, but Wildcat Mountain is gearing up for one of its busiest seasons of international visitors seen in some time. “This is a positive aspect to the season that can help to stabilize known business volume,” said Group Sales Manager Brian Chamberlain. “Business booked for this season has increased greatly and as a portion of our resort’s totals skier visits will now contribute 4 times as many visits as has been seen in previous seasons.”

An integral point of coordinating these international groups, Chamberlain maintains communications with tour operators abroad to plan and book visits up to a year in advance helping to negotiate tickets, rentals, lessons, transportation, and working with area lodging properties to confirm reservations. To be seen as a boost to the overall Mount Washington Valley economy, large school groups will often plan extra activities nightly when not skiing or riding including shopping, movies, ice skating, and dining at area restaurants. In addition, local area ski/snowboard rental companies have been sought, including Bob & Terry’s Ski & Sports Outlet and Great American Ski Renting Company, to assist outfitting groups that Wildcat Mountain may be stretched to accommodate from its own rental department during busier periods in the season. Other residual business includes group transfers (including to and from Boston’s Logan Airport) with White Mountain Transit/Village Trolley and Bennett Transportation of Lovell, ME and in some cases, groups are encouraged to split up a weeks stay skiing and riding at Wildcat Mountain by including one or two days skiing and riding at other valley resorts.

To prepare for the groups, there have been many improvements to our base facilities including renovations to what Wildcat regulars know as the Bobcat Lodge in order to accommodate the increased number of extended international group visits. In addition, the Wildcat Mountain ski school and rental departments have been preparing for the busy season ahead and will welcome the first school group from North Manchester, UK on Saturday, December 13th.

As part of the New Hampshire Ski Group USA, a partnership of six major ski areas in the White Mountains National Forest, Wildcat Mountain is represented at many ski and travel shows in Europe, specifically the UK and Ireland, a short seven-hour flight from Boston. "We are making headway with a number of new travel partners," said International Sales and Marketing Consultant Jim Saunderson of the New Hampshire Ski Group USA in a recent email and report documenting his efforts to drive skiers and riders to New Hampshire. "The doom and gloom we are fed on a daily basis by the media about the economy is not reflected by the consumers that we met at the UK Ski Shows."

Wildcat Mountain is a year-round, family-owned business, located 100% within the White Mountain National Forest in Pinkham Notch, NH. It is home to the 75-year-old Wildcat Trail first cut by the Civilian Conservation Corp in 1933 and is renowned for its proximity to Mt. Washington and Tuckerman Ravine. For further information, please visit www.skiwildcat.com or call 1-888- SKI WILD.

Thu, Dec 11, 2008
Friday, December 12th Report: Wildcat Mountain Is Scheduled To Operate. Check The Snow Report For Updates. Interesting Weather We're Having, Eh?!

Wed, Dec 10, 2008
Thursday, December 11th Report: Wildcat Mountain's Lifts Are Not Scheduled To Operate Due To Post Significant Rain Amounts/Flash Freeze Potential/Pro-Active Snow Management. Click Here For Additional Info And Check Back Friday Morning For The Snow Report

If you've been watching the weather, and seeing the meteorologists trying to stay on top of the minute-by-minute weather changes, the operational decision has been made at Wildcat Mountain to not run the lifts Thursday. The current forecast calls for continuing rain in to Wednesday evening followed by temperature drop that will produce mixed precipitation and/or some overnite snow accumulations. Any overnite grooming this Wednesday evening in to Thursday morning could actually set-up a flash freeze situation that would be more detrimental to our base snow than the good that would be gained by opening potentially horrible conditions for Thursday. Possible significant snowfall accumulations of what could turn out to be more than a foot are being seen in collected weather information at this time (2:30pm, Wednesday afternoon) for Friday...and that would be a good thing.

Sun, Dec 07, 2008
Wildcat Mountain Will Be Open This Week With One Lift, Quad or Bobcat Depending On Weather, Wind, & Any Lift Operation Needs. See Snow Report For Early-Season Limited Terrain, But Over 2,100 Vertical Feet Available And Current Reduced Ticket Rates.

Fri, Nov 28, 2008
Wildcat Mountain Begins the 2008/2009 Season Offering Visitors a “White Friday” Alternative. Early Season Start Gives Promise for Another Legendary Season.

The 2008/2009 skiing and riding season at Wildcat Mountain began quietly under snowy skies the morning of Friday, November 28th. The day following Thanksgiving is traditionally referred to as "Black Friday", but there is white in the higher elevations of Pinkham Notch and on Mt. Washington along with cold temperatures that have been beneficial for snowmaking operations. The Wildcat Mountain faithful and early enthusiasts took advantage of the Bobcat lift servicing both the mid to lower-mountain Bobcat and Cheetah trails classic intermediate pitch. A surprise, soft, couple inches of fresh morning snow blanketed the perfectly groomed terrain allowing skiers and riders to work out early season turns and awaken certain leg muscles that may have remained dormant since the weekend of April, 27th of 2008 last spring when Wildcat Mountain had concluded its previous 50th anniversary season.

“There is a dedicated crew of mountain operations personnel who make opening day possible. They have been involved with improving our on-hill snowmaking pipe network and utilizing 36 new low-energy snowmaking guns,” said General Manager Tom Caughey. “It’s that team effort and experience that continues working to open additional terrain and to have us skiing and riding from the summit as soon as possible.” If the weather and temperatures remain consistently cold as they have, Wildcat Mountain will be closed following the post-Thanksgiving weekend to continue full snowmaking and grooming efforts and for safety reasons the public is asked to refrain from accessing all trails while the resort is not open and not patrolled. Wildcat will re-open Friday, December 5th and it is hoped that New Hampshire’s most powerful Wildcat Express high-speed summit quad servicing over 2,100' will open at that time. Also scheduled to be available soon is the Snowcat Slope novice area, our ski school services available weekends only by reservation before operating daily during and after the Christmas vacation period, and this December the new Wildcat Jib Lot, a progressive freestyle terrain area featuring the newly acquired 24' flat box, 16' flat bar, and 24' foot rainbow box elements will be ready to session. Up to date reporting and info can be found at skiwildcat.com.

“There is always a sense of anticipation leading up to opening day and you’d love to have everything with the green light on and deliver on the top ten ratings in the East for lifts, snow, terrain, challenge, value, and overall satisfaction that readers of SKI Magazine awarded Wildcat Mountain in their October issue,” said Director of Marketing Thomas Prindle. “But we keep a sense of reality that it is still early and ask that a little bit of this enthusiasm be bottled for spring when we have consistently remained open long after many resorts have closed. However, we can always promise to deliver on Wildcat’s rating of #1 scenery in North America.” Early reduced ticket prices reflected this weekend’s limited lifts and terrain, but the Wildcard remains an avenue to capitalize on vertical value at Wildcat when regular rates go in to effect. Available for purchase until December 22nd, the Wildcard can be considered a non-transferable mini-seasonpass offering 3 days of skiing or riding valid anyday all season for only $130. When combined with our next day upgrade price of only $39 anyday, the Wildcard is an easy way to become part of the legend this season even it’s just a handful of mid-season powder days sometime during the 200+ inches of season annual snowfall average.

Wildcat Mountain is a year-round, family-owned business, located 100% within the White Mountain National Forest in Pinkham Notch, NH. It is home to the 75-year-old Wildcat Trail first cut by the Civilian Conservation Corp in 1933, New England’s longest 4-season ZipRider® cable ride, and is renowned for its proximity to Mt. Washington and Tuckerman Ravine. For further information, please visit www.skiwildcat.com or call 1-888- SKI WILD.

Wed, Nov 26, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving! Opening Day This Friday, November 28th at 9am. Reduced Ticket Rates For This Weekend. View More Info And Updates On Snow Report.

Wed, Nov 12, 2008
Opening Day Now Set For Friday, November 28th & Wildcat Mountain Finishes Up Boston Ski & Snowboard Expo With News & Deals In Hand.

Just before Thanksgiving of every year, skiers and riders from all over New England converge in Boston to see or buy the latest gear, plan ski vacations, find lift ticket deals, collect bags of free swag and stickers, and to hear what’s new at all the resorts in attendance including those from the West, Canada, and Europe. Although the Bayside Expo location carries rumors of its eventual demise, Wildcat Mountain has plenty of news & deals to share this year at the Boston ski show and will be located in booths 15 & 16 among the New Hampshire resorts.

“There are other great shows and events in New England,” said Wildcat Mountain General Manager Tom Caughey. “However, the Boston show is one that our guests are most familiar with and sees such a diverse demographic over the four days of attendance. You speak directly to your dedicated regulars and can also provide those unfamiliar with the resort up-to-date information and offers.” The show begins at 4pm Thursday, November 20th and runs until 6pm Sunday, November 23rd and the schedule can be viewed online over at onthesnow.com.

Along with news of snowmaking & base lodge improvements, a newly acquired groomer, and the new Wildcat Jib Lot progressive freestyle terrain area (including new rails and boxes pictured above), Wildcat Mountain will invite attendees to become part of the legend with this season’s weekly offerings of vertical value including its classic “two-fer” that offers two lift tickets for the price of one ($65) every Wednesday during non-holiday periods and also the Sunday Afternoon Cruise where late-risers can ski or ride on the afternoon lift ticket for only $25. Also back again during non-holiday periods are “Aristocat Tuesdays” for persons age 50+ and “Ladies Thursdays” with both programs offering a lift ticket, lesson, and lunch for only $55. A highlighted value of last season that has not changed and keeps pricing low on multi-day tickets, Wildcat Mountain once again offers the flexibility of upgrading your next day ticket for only $39…every day, any age.

With other limited Boston ski show coupons, many will be happy to know that a special offer will again accompany Wildcard sales while show supplies last (SHOW BONUS SOLD OUT!). On sale now and available until the deadline of December 22nd, the Wildcard offers great value and can be considered a mini-season pass offering 3 days of skiing or riding for the low price of $130. “Last year at the Boston ski show, we had tremendous success selling the Wildcard and quickly exhausted a limited supply of bonus offers,” said Wildcat Mountain Director of Marketing Thomas Prindle. “Let’s just say that if you purchase the Wildcard at the show, you’ll be getting 4 days of skiing or riding for the price of 2 while supplies last.” Wildcat Mountain will also be able to demonstrate via wi-fi how you can purchase discount lift tickets through Liftopia.com, book ski & stay packages through ARES, and buy consecutive, multi-day tickets at a 10% savings off the normal rate through the Wildcat Mountain website. There will also be a ski & stay package to the Eastern Slope Inn raffled off and an attending representative will be able to share information on vacation ownership opportunities at both the E.S.I and Attitash Mountain Village.

Wildcat Mountain is a year-round, family-owned business, located 100% within the White Mountain National Forest in Pinkham Notch, NH. It is home to the 75-year-old Wildcat Trail; New Hampshire’s most powerful quad summit chair lift; New England’s longest 4-season ZipRider® zip-line cable ride, and is renowned for its proximity to Mt. Washington and long season. Wildcat Mountain is rated #1 Scenery in North America and Top Ten in the East for Terrain, Challenge, Value, and Overall Satisfaction (SKI Magazine, Oct. 2008). For further information, please visit www.skiwildcat.com or call 1-888- SKI WILD.

Thu, Oct 30, 2008
Opening Day Set For Saturday, November 29th, Wildcat Mountain At Boston Ski Show November 20th - 23rd, Wildcards Now On Sale, And NH College Breakout Pass Only $239 If Purchased Before Deadline.

Opening day here at Wildcat Mountain has been set for Saturday, November 29th. We'll be sure to let you know if that plan should change due to early and big snowfall forcing us to open sooner.

Before then, come to the Boston Globe Ski & Snowboard expo happening Thursday, November 20th thru Sunday, November 23rd and stop by and say hi to Wildcat Mountain at booths 15 & 16 in the Bayside Expo Center. We will again be offering a limited quantity special when you purchase 1 or more Wildcards at the show (alot of you took advantage of this offer last year) and again raffling off a ski & stay package provided by our friends over at the Eastern Slope Inn. We will also have other coupon lift ticket discounts to give away, brand new Wildcat Mountain stickers that you will definitely want to slap right on your whip, and we will also be selling this season's as-yet-to-be released Wildcat Mountain limited edition vintage poster offered by Salvatore Michaels Framed Art Superstore now located right in North Conway Village.

And speaking of Wildcards, they are now on sale with a limited supply available that must be purchased before the deadline of December 22nd. This is the perfect mini-season pass for yourself or gift for a family member or friend. For the low price of $130, you have access to 3 days of skiing or riding for the price of 2. Valid anyday, all season long. Combine this non-transferable mini-season pass offer with our next day price of only $39 and you have opened the door to Wildcat Mountain's legendary vertical value.

The NH College Breakout Pass has a new look for 2008-2009, but remains the best college season pass deal in New England. For only $239 full-time college students can enjoy unlimited skiing and riding with no date restrictions at Mount Sunapee, Gunstock and Wildcat resorts.

Wildcat has teamed up with Mount Sunapee and Gunstock, which gives the NH College Breakout Pass even more skiing and riding for 2008-2009. Wildcat offers a classic New England big mountain experience with over 2,100 feet of vertical, 47 trails and 4 lifts. Rated with the best scenery in the North America by SKI Magazine, Wildcat’s proximity to Mt. Washington and elevation contributes to an average 200 inches of natural snow annually and a long season. Gunstock offers the longest day at a big mountain in New Hampshire with night skiing and riding Tuesday through Saturday. The mountain boasts 51 trails, 7 lifts and 2 terrain parks. The views off the summit of Lake Winnipesaukee and Mt. Washington are spectacular. Mount Sunapee with 65 trails and 10 lifts is consistently ranked with the best snow surfaces in the East by SKI Magazine. Choose from three terrain parks including The SoBe Freeride Zone with a 4,000 watt sound system and its own dedicated triple chairlift. All three resorts offer over 6,000 foot long base-to-summit high-speed quad chairlifts that whisk riders to the summit in just 6 minutes. Not only does the NH College Breakout Pass offer a wide variety of skiing and riding, it offers the most accessible big mountain skiing and riding in New England. Mount Sunapee (1,510 vertical) and Gunstock (1,400 vertical) are less than two hours from Boston minimizing travel time and expense.

One low price of $239 until December 24, 2008 gives full-time college students 163 trails and 677 acres of terrain to explore at three of New Hampshire’s most popular winter resorts. The NH Breakout Pass is available to full-time college students only. A valid picture college identification and an original signed letter from the Registrar’s Office (embossed with the school seal) stating full-time status through spring 2009 must be presented before a pass will be issued. Passes can be purchased online or over the phone today.

Wed, Oct 22, 2008
Saturday, October 25th Is Last Day for Scenic Gondola, ZipRider, and Disc Golf Course! Also, Live Free or Ski & Ride: The NH College Breakout Pass Offers Skiing And Riding At Wildcat Mountain, Gunstock Resort, & Mount Sunapee For Only $239!

Saturday, October 25th will be the final day for operating the Wildcat Express scenic gondola, ZipRider, & Alpine Disc Golf Course. After that, scenic cabins come off and the quad chairs go on for the winter (only lift of it's kind like that in North America) and the ZipRider gets a breather before firing back up and flying for the winter and spring during holidays and weekends when the weather is sweet.

The NH College Breakout Pass has a new look for 2008-2009, but remains the best college season pass deal in New England. For only $239 full-time college students can enjoy unlimited skiing and riding with no date restrictions at Mount Sunapee, Gunstock and Wildcat resorts.

Wildcat has teamed up with Mount Sunapee and Gunstock, which gives the NH College Breakout Pass even more skiing and riding for 2008-2009. Wildcat offers a classic New England big mountain experience with over 2,100 feet of vertical, 47 trails and 4 lifts. Rated with the best scenery in the North America by SKI Magazine, Wildcat’s proximity to Mt. Washington and elevation contributes to an average 200 inches of natural snow annually and a long season. Gunstock offers the longest day at a big mountain in New Hampshire with night skiing and riding Tuesday through Saturday. The mountain boasts 51 trails, 7 lifts and 2 terrain parks. The views off the summit of Lake Winnipesaukee and Mt. Washington are spectacular. Mount Sunapee with 65 trails and 10 lifts is consistently ranked with the best snow surfaces in the East by SKI Magazine. Choose from three terrain parks including The SoBe Freeride Zone with a 4,000 watt sound system and its own dedicated triple chairlift. All three resorts offer over 6,000 foot long base-to-summit high-speed quad chairlifts that whisk riders to the summit in just 6 minutes. Not only does the NH College Breakout Pass offer a wide variety of skiing and riding, it offers the most accessible big mountain skiing and riding in New England. Mount Sunapee (1,510 vertical) and Gunstock (1,400 vertical) are less than two hours from Boston minimizing travel time and expense.

One low price of $239 until December 24, 2008 gives full-time college students 163 trails and 677 acres of terrain to explore at three of New Hampshire’s most popular winter resorts. The NH Breakout Pass is available to full-time college students only. A valid picture college identification and an original signed letter from the Registrar’s Office (embossed with the school seal) stating full-time status through spring 2009 must be presented before a pass will be issued. Passes can be purchased on-line or over the phone.

Sun, Oct 12, 2008
Wildcat Mountain Fall Job Fair, Saturday, October 18th 11am - 2pm. Become Part of the Legend...And Get Paid!

Imagine driving up into Pinkham Notch each morning; winding along Route 16. Every now and then you spot a moose or deer, a fox, or a raven overhead. You park and longingly peer up at the Headwall to check the snow cover in Tuckerman Ravine, but your glance broadens because you cannot help but stand in awe... of the natural beauty around you. And you're at WORK!

Welcome to Wildcat Mountain where we mix business with fun every day and get paid. Be part of a team that works together to create the best experience possible for each visitor to Wildcat Mountain all year long. Come to our job fair this Saturday, October 18th from 11am - 2pm to meet us, learn about available positions, and to complete an application. Or visit our employment page to see if you are just the person we are looking for and to print out and complete an application ahead of time.

Sat, Sep 20, 2008
Wildcat Mountain Hosts Premiere of Meathead Films Latest Ski Film Project Head For The Hills. Reaffirm Your Love of Skiing the East This Columbus Day Weekend, Saturday October 11th.

Filmed exclusively in the Eastern U.S. and Canada while following the finest regional freeskiing athletes to spectacular terrain, Meathead Films Head For The Hills features many familiar New England resorts, cat skiing in the Chic Choc Mountains, and more. Fresh backcountry footage is coupled with innovative park and urban skiing, which includes the 3rd annual Heat Harvest Superpark at Sunday River. What the East lacks in vertical drop, Meathead Films makes up for in finding tight tree skiing, deep powder, unique jump sites, creative urban terrain, and of course, die hard locals.

Boasting one of the largest movie tours in the industry, Head For The Hills will premiere at Wildcat Mountain on the Saturday evening of Columbus Day weekend, October 11th. In addition to the film scheduled to begin at 7pm that evening, Wildcat Mountain is offering everyone a one-time/one-night-only opportunity to purchase their Black Cat midweek, non-holiday pass at the early price of $249 before the film. Currently priced at $299, the Black Cat and all other available season passes will increase from the mid-price level to regular rates on the deadline of October 15th.

Filmed in High Definition, 16mm, and Super 8mm film formats, Head For The Hills is truly a unique mix of visual mediums. Last year’s offering from Meathead Films, Wanderland, was nominated for two Powder Magazine Video Awards, and Head For The Hills is sure to stir up similar excitement in the industry and get you excited for the winter season. To be shown on a 100” big screen provided by Cinemaesque Home Theatre Company located in North Conway, The Meathead Films crew and Tuckerman Brewing Company will be hanging out before the film in the newly renovated Wildcat Pub (open for the premiere) with plenty of great gear and goods to give-away. The Wildcat Express scenic gondola and ZipRider will be operating, weather permitting, as normally scheduled and the Jack Frost Ski Shop will be set-up in the base lodge for the long weekend offering last-minute “tent sale” discounts, up to 50% off, on your needed gear for the upcoming season. Wildcat staff will be available prior to the scheduled 7pm film screening for the $249 one-time/one-night-only Black Cat midweek, non-holiday season pass offer or other pass purchase needs.

There will be no admission charged to attend, but a cash donation is asked to help the Brian Lessard fund. More info on Brian’s remarkable and continuing recovery can be found at brianlessard.com. The Head For The Hills DVD will be available for purchase that evening and will also be distributed in the U.S., Canada, Japan, and the U.K. by both Ally Video and Eastern Mountain Sports. A complete list of all tour stop locations, dates, and the movie trailer can be viewed on MeatheadFilms.com, as well as the entirely new SkiTheEast.net community website.

Wildcat Mountain is a year-round recreational destination located 100% within the White Mountain National Forest. The ZipRider™, scenic gondola, and the new 9-hole alpine disc golf course remain currently open until October 19th. All information can be found at www.skiwildcat.com or by calling 1-888-SKI-WILD.

Mon, Sep 08, 2008
Readers of SNOWEAST Magazine Vote Wildcat Mountain #1 Favorite Scenic View. Voters From Virginia to Quebec Recognize #1 View and Include Wildcat Among Top 10 Favorite Classic Resorts.

SNOWEAST Magazine enters its fourth year of publication as the only magazine dedicated to covering east coast skiers and snowboarders and the resorts they visit. For their first-ever reader survey, close to 2,000 votes were cast and Wildcat Mountain was recognized above all as having the #1 favorite scenic view. This #1 distinction, in addition to SNOWEAST readers also voting Wildcat Mountain among their top 10 favorite classic resorts in the east, joins the continued recognition by readers of SKI Magazine who have consistently voted Wildcat Mountain #1 scenery in North America. “It has been a distinction for Wildcat Mountain to have surpassed other North American resorts like Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada or Heavenly, Lake Tahoe, California in previous reader surveys,” said Wildcat Mountain General Manager Tom Caughey, “but it’s nice to have readers of SNOWEAST magazine, perhaps a more connected east coast focus group, recognize the scenic beauty offered here in Pinkham Notch, New Hampshire.”

Not to be enjoyed by skiers and snowboarders only, Wildcat Mountain continues to operate the Wildcat Express scenic gondola and the ZipRider™ zip-line cable ride daily (weather permitting) affording fall foliage lovers two unique ways to experience the legendary scenery and views well in to late October. In addition, the new 9-hole disc golf course remains open for autumn disc enthusiasts and will be featured in an upcoming New Hampshire Chronicle disc golf segment slated to air on WMUR TV channel 9, September 17th at 7:30pm. More information on the segment will be available via the WMUR TV-9 website (wmur.com/chronicle).

Wildcat Mountain is a year-round recreational destination located 100% within the White Mountain National Forest. In addition to the ZipRider™, scenic gondola, the new 9-hole alpine disc golf course, hiking, and fishing, Wildcat offers a seasonal food menu in the its base lodge with fresh "Lunch & Ride" packages available for individuals, families, or groups.

Fri, Aug 29, 2008
Wildcat Mountain Alpine Disc Golf Course Featured In Upcoming NH Chronicle Segment. Scheduled To Air September 17th On WMUR TV-9 At 7:30pm.

Seen as one of the fastest growing sports in the U.S. because of its affordability and accessibility, disc golf in the state of New Hampshire will be highlighted in an upcoming New Hampshire Chronicle segment slated to air on September 17th at 7:30pm. More information on the segment will be available via the WMUR TV-9 website (wmur.com/chronicle).

Unlike traditional golf, disc golf is played using a flying disc or Frisbee® but shares the same challenge of completing each hole using the fewest number of throws (or strokes) from a starting area (or tee) to reach and have your disc land in an elevated basket (or target). Wildcat Mountain installed a 9-hole lift-serviced alpine disc golf course in June and players begin and progress down designated fairways that may be more recognizable during the winter skiing and riding season as Cheetah, Snowcat Slope, or Wild Kitten trails. Response and feedback on Wildcat’s new course has been positive from both disc golf enthusiasts and those just getting in to the sport. The alpine disc golf course at Wildcat Mountain will remain open, along with the Wildcat Express scenic summer gondola and ZipRider, through the fall foliage season in to late October. Cost to play the new course is $15 per person and that includes lift ticket to play 18 holes (two rounds of 9) and a 3-disc rental set comprised of driver, mid-range, and putter discs. Cost for players who bring their own disc(s) is only $10.

Mon, Aug 11, 2008
Results & Photos of 20th Annual Wildman Biathlon. Nice Weather Breaks For One of New England’s More Challenging Annual Multi-sport Endurance Events.

Nice Weather broke for one of New England’s more challenging annual multi-sport endurance events and the 20th Annual Wildman Biathlon was completed Saturday, August 9th under mostly clear skies.

Athletes from all over the United States and Canada competed as individuals and teams in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, challenging their endurance amid some of the most spectacular scenery in the Northeast. The Wildman Biathlon included a 10-K run in the picturesque town of Shelburne, a 22.3-mile bicycle trek through Gorham, and a 3-mile foot hillclimb up the Polecat ski trail to the finish line at the summit of Wildcat Mountain in Pinkham Notch, NH.

The fastest individual competitor, Lou Bregou, crossed the finish line with a time of 2 hours, 18 minutes, and 25 seconds. Though many individual competitors complete the entire race, others combined their abilities as two- and three-person teams. Results of race can be viewed online by clicking on or pasting the following URL in to your web browser: http://www.coolrunning.com/results/08/nh/Aug9_20thAn_set1.shtml.

Spectacular photos of the event (like the one seen above) and award ceremony taken by photographer Cappi Thompson can be seen and purchased via the online gallery available by clicking on or pasting the following URL in to your web browser: http://cappi.smugmug.com/gallery/5668388_MhNr6.

The Wildman is a fundraising event for the Coos County Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), a Tri-County Community Action Program. RSVP offers volunteer opportunities to people age 55 and older in their communities. Over 400 RSVP volunteers give 64,000 hours of volunteer time each year to over 70 volunteer sites in Coos County.

Major sponsors include: Wildcat Mountain, WPKQ 103.7, Altitude 6288 Sports, Great Glen Trails, the Royalty Inn, Munce’s Superior, Sportshoe Center, Pepsi-Cola, North Country Internet Access, NEEBCo, Delta Dental, Isaacson Enterprises, Davis & Towle Insurance Group, and Moriah Design Agency. The Friends of Shelburne Recreation, along with Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts, staff the crucial water stations along the race route. Gorham emergency personnel, New Hampshire State Troopers, and volunteer “sweepers” help with traffic control and competitor safety.

Wildman Biathlon information and information for next year’s 21st Wildman registration is available on line at http://www.ncia.net/wildman, or call RSVP at 603-752-4103

Sun, Aug 03, 2008
Wildman Annual Biathlon Celebrates 20 Year Anniversary, Saturday, August 9th. Wildcat Mountain Hosts One of New England’s More Challenging Annual Multi-sport Endurance Events.

The 20th Annual Wildman Biathlon, one of the toughest multi-sport events in New England, is scheduled for Saturday, August 9th beginning at 8:00 a.m., rain or shine.

Athletes from all over the United States and Canada come as individuals and teams to New Hampshire’s White Mountains each summer to experience this event, challenging their endurance amid some of the most spectacular scenery in the Northeast. The Wildman Biathlon includes a 10-K run in the picturesque town of Shelburne, a 22.3-mile bicycle trek through Gorham, and a 3-mile foot hillclimb up the Polecat ski trail to the finish line at the summit of Wildcat Mountain in Pinkham Notch, NH.

The winners usually cross the finish line about two hours and fifteen minutes after the start. Though many individual competitors complete the entire race, many others choose to combine their abilities as two- and three-person teams. Entry fees at this time are $55.00 for an individual, $110.00 for a two-person team, and $165.00 for a three person team.

The entry fee includes a limited edition Wildman T-shirt for all participants, a ride down from the summit on the Wildcat Gondola, and meal ticket for the “après-race” pasta feed. Additional meal tickets and spectator Gondola tickets are available for purchase.

Categories are available for all ages and team configurations. Overall and category winners receive commemorative awards, and numerous other prizes are awarded through random drawings.

The Wildman is a fundraising event for the Coos County Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), a Tri-County Community Action Program. RSVP offers volunteer opportunities to people age 55 and older in their communities. Over 400 RSVP volunteers give 64,000 hours of volunteer time each year to over 70 volunteer sites in Coos County.

Major sponsors include: Wildcat Mountain, WPKQ 103.7, Altitude 6288 Sports, Great Glen Trails, the Royalty Inn, Munce’s Superior, Sportshoe Center, Pepsi-Cola, North Country Internet Access, NEEBCo, Delta Dental, Isaacson Enterprises, Davis & Towle Insurance Group, and Moriah Design Agency. The Friends of Shelburne Recreation, along with Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts, staff the crucial water stations along the race route. Gorham emergency personnel, New Hampshire State Troopers, and volunteer “sweepers” help with traffic control and competitor safety.

Wildman Biathlon information and the Wildman registration form is available on line at http://www.ncia.net/wildman, or call RSVP at 603-752-4103

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Mon, Jun 30, 2008
New Lift-Serviced, 9-Hole Alpine Disc Golf Course Now Open & "Wednesdays At Wildcat" With Tin Mountain Conservation Center Begin July 2nd And Occur Every Wednesday Through August 27th

Along with the distinctive and thrilling sounds of people flying Wildcat Mountain on the ZipRider, the quiet breathtaking moments of scenery and summit views via the Wildcat Express scenic gondola, can now be seen and heard colored discs in flight toward a curious looking metal basket, the sound of clinking chains, and the obligatory “Nice shot!” more often reserved for the traditional golf course. Unlike traditional golf however, disc golf is played using a flying disc or Frisbee® but shares the same challenge of completing each hole using the fewest number of throws (or strokes) from a starting area (or tee) to reach and have your disc land in an elevated basket (or target). After a short chairlift ride and walk past the ZipRider start deck, players begin and progress down designated fairways that may be more recognizable during the winter skiing and riding season as Cheetah, Snowcat Slope, or Wild Kitten trails. Players make each consecutive shot from the spot where the previous throw has landed and the natural terrain, elevation changes, trees, and target locations can be challenging obstacles for the golfer.

As the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) website helps to explain, “Disc golf shares the same joys and frustrations of traditional golf, whether it's sinking a long putt or hitting a tree halfway down the fairway. It is designed to be enjoyed by people of all ages, male and female, regardless of economic status.” Cost to play the new course is $15 per person and that includes lift ticket and a 3-disc rental set comprised of driver, mid-range, and putter discs. Cost for players who bring their own disc(s) is only $10. “I did quite a bit of research trying to understand the sport and see its growth potential here in the Mount Washington Valley and was thankful to have New Hampshire P.D.G.A representative Rich Reilly visit Wildcat Mountain to provide initial feedback and suggestions early on,” said Thomas Prindle, Director of Marketing and Sales. “To see the course open as quickly as it did, thanks to the hard work of lift and snowmaking crews tapped to get it done, I believe it may evolve with time and is capable of seeing more holes added to it. It’s a great course to learn the sport and be challenged. I’ve been having fun playing it, though I need to work on controlling my fade off the tees and short game. There is definitely potential for league play, charitable tournaments, or maybe even putting a team together and challenging that ski resort on the other side of Mt. Washington to bragging rights.”

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Wildcat Mountain and Tin Mountain Conservation Center are teaming up once again to continue the “Wednesdays at Wildcat” program this summer, combining family fun and education for free. Every Wednesday throughout July and August from 10:00am to 12:00noon, Wildcat will host interpretive outdoor programs led by a naturalist from Tin Mountain Conservation Center.

Wildcat is a great summer outing for families of all ages to explore and learn about the diverse ecology of the region. Program topics change weekly and range from the flora and fauna of the forest and fresh water ecosystems to those of the higher alpine environment, including wildflowers, mosses, waterfalls, frogs, and moose to the geology of the surrounding mountains and Presidential Range.

“Wednesdays at Wildcat” begins July 2nd and runs through August 27th. Reservations are not required, and programs are geared for all ages. Meet at Guest Services in the Wildcat Base Lodge shortly before 10am. Admission is free, unless the tour requires a trip to the Summit. Round-trip Wildcat Express scenic gondola tickets can be purchased and are $15.00 for adults, $7.00 for children ages 6-12, $13.00 for seniors ages 65+, and ages 5 and under ride for free. Picnic lunches are available for purchase, including the Family Fun Pack which includes gondola skyride, lunch, and tour for two adults and two children for $64.95. In case of inclement weather, the interpretive program is held indoors using slide shows and interactive displays.

Wildcat Mountain, a year-round destination located 100% within the White Mountain National Forest, provides both exhilarating and one-of-a-kind opportunities to enjoy views and scenery that have been consistently voted #1 in North America (SKI Magazine). In addition to the ZipRider™, scenic gondola, and new 9-hole alpine disc golf course, Wildcat offers hiking, fishing, and weekly guided tours and outdoor interpretive programs with the Tin Mountain Conservation Center. A seasonal food menu, make-your-own sundae bar, and beer & wine is offered in the Wildcat base lodge with fresh "Lunch & Ride" packages available for individuals, families, or groups. All rates and information can be found at www.skiwildcat.com or by calling 1-888-SKI-WILD.

Mon, Jun 16, 2008
Wildcat Mountain ZipRider Now With FOUR Cable Lines Open 7 Days A Week Weather And Wind Permitting. Check Out News On The New Hampshire College Breakout Pass For Next Winter.

Wildcat is now operating daily weather and wind permitting and the ZipRider™, new for this summer, has been upgraded and is flying two additional cable lines allowing four riders at one time offering twice the capacity and even more vertical fun.

The NH College Breakout Pass has a new look for 2008-2009, but remains the best college season pass deal in New England. For only $239 full-time college students can enjoy unlimited skiing and riding with no date restrictions at Mount Sunapee, Gunstock and Wildcat resorts. Wildcat has teamed up with Mount Sunapee and Gunstock, which gives the NH College Breakout Pass even more skiing and riding for 2008-2009.

Wildcat offers a classic New England big mountain experience with over 2,100 feet of vertical, 47 trails and 4 lifts. Rated with the best scenery in the East by SKI Magazine, Wildcat’s proximity to Mt. Washington and elevation contributes to an average 200 inches of natural snow annually and a long season.

Gunstock offers the longest day at a big mountain in New Hampshire with night skiing and riding Tuesday through Saturday. The mountain boasts 51 trails, 7 lifts and 2 terrain parks. The views off the summit of Lake Winnipesaukee and Mt. Washington are spectacular.

Mount Sunapee with 65 trails and 10 lifts is consistently ranked with the best snow surfaces in the East by SKI Magazine. Choose from three terrain parks including The SoBe Freeride Zone with a 4,000 watt sound system and its own dedicated triple chairlift.

All three resorts offer over 6,000 foot long base-to-summit high-speed quad chairlifts that whisk riders to the summit in just 6 minutes.

Not only does the NH College Breakout Pass offer a wide variety of skiing and riding, it offers the most accessible big mountain skiing and riding in New England. Mount Sunapee (1,510 vertical) and Gunstock (1,400 vertical) are less than two hours from Boston minimizing travel time and expense.

One low price of $239 until December 24, 2008 gives full-time college students 163 trails and 677 acres of terrain to explore at three of New Hampshire’s most popular winter resorts.

The NH Breakout Pass is available to full-time college students only. A valid picture college identification and an original signed letter from the Registrar’s Office (embossed with the school seal) stating full-time status through spring 2009 must be presented before a pass will be issued. Passes can be purchased on-line or over the phone at any of the resorts: www.skiwildcat.com, 888-SKI-WILD; www.gunstock.com, 800-GUNSTOCK; www.mountsunapee.com, 603-763-3500.

Sun, Jun 08, 2008
Wildcat Mountain Offers Free Gondola Ride To Fathers. Just Like Your Dad, the Scenery at Wildcat is Voted #1!

Fathers can fly Wildcat via the Wildcat Express scenic gondola for free on Sunday, June 15th when one or more other family members purchase an adult or junior gondola ride ticket on that day. The only one of its kind in North America, the Wildcat Express has transformed from New Hampshire’s fastest and most powerful summit quad chairlift during the winter and spring skiing and riding season to the state’s highest summer and fall scenic gondola. The 6,700 foot cable line transports the enclosed 4-person scenic gondolas offering a unique guest experience and opportunity to view Mt. Washington and the Presidential Range from atop Wildcat’s 4,062 foot summit. The Wildcat Express scenic gondola is the best way for the entire family, including well-behaved canine members, to enjoy the incredible views and scenery.

Wildcat will begin operating daily on Saturday, June 14th and the weekend is set to be the re-opening of the ZipRider™ following the expansion project of adding two more cables. The ZipRider™, new for this summer with an upgraded total of four cable lines, will allow four riders at one time offering twice the capacity and even more vertical fun.

Wildcat Mountain, a year-round destination located 100% within the White Mountain National Forest, provides both exhilarating and one-of-a-kind opportunities to enjoy views and scenery that have been consistently voted #1 in North America (SKI Magazine). In addition to the ZipRider™ and scenic gondola, Wildcat offers hiking, fishing, weekly guided tours and outdoor interpretive programs with the Tin Mountain Conservation Center. A seasonal food menu, make-your-own sundae bar, and beer & wine is offered in the Wildcat base lodge with fresh "Lunch & Ride" packages available for individuals, families, or groups. All rates and information can be found at www.skiwildcat.com or by calling 1-888-SKI-WILD.

Wed, May 28, 2008
17th Annual Kids Free Fishing Day at Wildcat Pond – Saturday, June 7th, 2008 & ZipRider™ Scheduled To Re-Open Saturday, June 14th.

Freshly Stocked Pond Will Be Ready For Catch and Release Fun!

The White Mountain National Forest’s 17th Annual Kids Free Fishing Day will happen on Saturday, June 7, at the pond at Wildcat Mountain located on Route 16 between Jackson & Gorham, NH. Kids aged 15 and under are invited to fish from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00, followed by afternoon fishing for all ages. There is no charge for the day, no fishing license is necessary, and all are welcome.

U.S. Forest Service Fisheries Biologist Jay Milot will once again be on the shore to offer kids one-on-one instruction in rigging gear and all things having to do with fish and fishing. The morning will also feature a casting event, learning stations covering a variety of aquatic topics, and a small fishing pool just right for the youngest anglers. Prizes for all participants will be awarded at 12:00, along with a special raffle to be held in memory of Eric Swett, a Forest Service employee who loved fishing, kids, and the White Mountains.

The U.S. Forest Service is grateful to these local businesses and partners who have contributed in many ways toward making this a fun and informative event for everyone: New Hampshire Fish and Game, Wildcat Mountain, Wal-Mart, Gorham Hardware, and the Appalachian Mountain Club.

Kids Free Fishing Day will happen rain or shine. Kids should bring an adult and their own gear. For more information call the Forest Service at 466-2713 (TTY 603-466-2856).

New for this summer, the ZipRider™ is expanding from the current two cables to four cables that will affectively allow for four riders at one time offering twice the capacity and even more vertical fun. With work underway already, the ZipRider™ will be closed to complete the expansion work and is scheduled to re-open on Saturday, June 14th. The Wildcat Express gondola will be open weekends only as weather permits before operating daily beginning Saturday, June 14th.

Wildcat Mountain, a year-round destination located 100% within the White Mountain National Forest, provides both exhilarating and one-of-a-kind opportunities to enjoy views and scenery that have been consistently voted #1 in North America. In addition to the ZipRider™ and scenic gondola, Wildcat offers hiking, fishing, weekly guided tours and outdoor interpretive programs with the Tin Mountain Conservation Center. A seasonal food menu, make-your-own sundae bar, and beer & wine is offered in the Wildcat base lodge with fresh "Lunch & Ride" packages available for individuals, families, or groups. All rates and information can be found at www.skiwildcat.com or by calling 1-888-SKI-WILD.

Fri, May 16, 2008
Wildcat Mountain Begins Summer Operations Memorial Weekend. Fly Wildcat On the ZipRider™ or New Hampshire's Highest Scenic Gondola.

Wildcat Mountain opens for summer & fall operations beginning Saturday, May 24th offering New Hampshire's newest thrill ride the ZipRider™ and the highest scenic gondola in the state, the Wildcat Express. This summer marks 75 years since the civilian conservation corps, armed with axes and cross-cut saws in the summer of 1933, started clearing the Wildcat trail, one of the first ski racing trails built in the United States. Now, as a year-round destination located 100% within the White Mountain National Forest, Wildcat Mountain provides both exhilarating and one-of-a-kind opportunities to enjoy views and scenery that have been consistently voted #1 in North America.

Wildcat's amazing ZipRider™ zip-line cable ride brings you a whole new world combining exhilarating feelings of flight and beautiful scenery and is the only year-round attraction of its kind on the East coast. New for this summer, the ZipRider™ is expanding from the current two cables to four cables that will affectively allow for four riders at one time offering twice the capacity and even more vertical fun. With a chair lift ride to the starting deck, the ZipRider™ trolley is a device designed to brake automatically while the rider, who is strapped securely into a comfortable harness, descends close to a half-mile over trails, tree-tops, and the Peabody River at heights of up to 70 feet and speeds that can reach 45 miles per hour to a landing platform located a short distance from the main base lodge. "Knowing how many guests we can accommodate every half-hour, we sold almost every single ride available from day one, often selling out before noon" said Wildcat General Manager Tom Caughey. "We want to be able to keep up with that demand by doubling the capacity and adding two additional cables to the ZipRider™." With work underway already, the ZipRider™ is expected to operate the 2 existing cables, weather permitting, for the Memorial weekend. After Monday, May 26th, the ZipRider™ will be closed to complete the expansion work and is scheduled to re-open on Saturday, June 14th.

The only one of its kind in North America, the Wildcat Express will have once again transformed from New Hampshire's fastest and most powerful summit quad chairlift during the winter and spring skiing and riding season to the state's highest summer and fall scenic gondola. The 6,700 foot summit cable line transports the enclosed 4-person scenic gondolas creating a unique guest experience and opportunity to view Mt. Washington and the Presidential Range from atop Wildcat's 4,062 foot summit. "The Wildcat Express scenic gondola is the best way for the entire family, including well-behaved canine members, to enjoy incredible views and scenery," says Wildcat Director of Marketing Thomas Prindle. "Gondolas run continuously, so you don't wait in any lines."

The gondola will be open as weather permits weekends only from Memorial Day weekend through mid-June, then daily through the spectacular fall foliage in mid-October. In addition to the ZipRider™ and scenic gondola, Wildcat offers hiking, fishing, weekly guided tours and outdoor interpretive programs with the Tin Mountain Conservation Center. A seasonal food menu, make-your-own sundae bar, and beer & wine is offered in the Wildcat base lodge with fresh "Lunch & Ride" packages available for individuals, families, or groups. All rates and information can be found at www.skiwildcat.com or by calling 1-888-SKI-WILD.

Mon, May 12, 2008
2008/2009 Season Passes Now On Sale At Lowest Prices. Deadline To Take Advantage of The Most Vertical Value Is This Thursday, May 15th! Click For Details.

Following an incredible season celebrating 50 years of lift-serviced skiing and riding and what has been an even more unbelievable, warm, and sunny stretch of spring weather, Wildcat closed the books on the 2007/2008 season operating a final day on Sunday, April 27th, 2008. Hoping to have been able to operate a final weekend in May, an almost unseasonable stretch of beautiful, sunny, warm spring days made for an epic spring skiing and riding season, but unfortunately quickly took its toll on the snowpack. All of us at Wildcat Mountain thank you for a great winter and for being part of the legend.

Wildcat Mountain is offering its lowest prices for 2008/09 winter season passes to skiers and riders who purchase before May 15th. Currently planning to continue this spring’s skiing and riding in to May (weather/conditions permitting) Wildcat, once again, is a perennial best value for those who enjoy a long season.

Following a banner premier season, Wildcat’s newest and most popular pass is the Black Cat midweek, non holiday pass, offered at the early price of $249. Ideal for many locals and anyone who is not locked into a “weekends and school-vacation” schedule, the Black Cat is an easy decision. This year’s Black Cat pass holders have benefited from a legendary season that is not over yet.

Wildcat’s Adult, unrestricted, “any day” pass is available to purchase for $699 before May 15. The corresponding Teen (13 – 18), Junior (6 to 12) and Child (age 5 and younger) passes are early-season priced at $399, $299 and $39, respectively. New this year is a Sunday – Friday, non-holiday season pass offered at the early season rate of $499 (excludes Saturdays and holiday periods.)

Even on the busiest days of the winter, when fresh snow, school vacations and blue skies coincide to bring out recreational enthusiasts along with diehards, Wildcat’s fast and efficient lift system keeps waiting in lines to an absolute minimum. The Wildcat Express, New England’s most powerful high speed quad lift, ensures the “Vertical Value” that Wildcat is known for and makes it possible for intermediate and advanced skiers and riders to regularly log more than 50,000 vertical feet in a day.

“Wildcat is entering what many of us consider the better part of the season, with spring conditions over a deep base of natural and machine made snow” said General Manager Tom Caughey. “It has been gratifying to hear the comments of our regular skiers and meet so many new people who have tried Wildcat for the first time this year. Despite facing rising costs to provide great snow and run the lifts; Wildcat will continue to offer the best big mountain values, and skiers and riders who commit now to next year at Wildcat will be rewarded with the very best pricing.”

Wildcat and its wilder sibling, Tuckerman Ravine, will experience an influx of visitors in the coming weeks as spring skiers make their annual treks to Pinkham Notch from throughout the Northeast. Wildcat conditions are updated each day at www.skiwildcat.com. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Wildcat’s newest adventure attraction is the East Coast’s longest 4-season ZipRider® zip line cable ride. Details, including season pass order forms, are available on line or by calling 1-888- SKI WILD.