The Notch Grand Opening December 9, 2023. Pictured are some of the first skiers and riders on the new lift.
Whiteface Mountain Improvements
Our mountain operations crew has been hard at work on the installation of our new quad, The Notch. This lift will better connect Bear Den Mountain to Legacy Lodge, bringing skiers and riders to more beginner and intermediate terrain, while also providing access to upper mountain lifts and advanced terrain.
At Whiteface, we’re committed to creating an unmatched experience that immerses you in our Olympic legacy…and we’ve been busy doing just that, come see what we’ve been up to!
Snowmaking is currently our most significant improvement project. Our three-phase snowmaking improvement project began with the goal of increasing the pressure going up the mountain, utilizing more efficient LowE guns, and substantially increasing the amount of water we move up the three peaks of Whiteface.
Upgrades began in 2020 with the upgrade and expansion of Pump House One. Pump House One is where everything starts. New pumps were installed in the expanded Ausable River Pump House, and on-mountain pipe and gun modifications helped to improve the system’s efficiency.
Phase II, competed in 2021, upgraded the remaining pump houses with new or rebuilt pumps, motors and supporting electrical infrastructure. This included 14 brand new water pumps and motors that were engineered to support an increase in water pressure. Phase II also included the replacement of approximately 30,000 feet of pipe.
Summer 2022, the snowmaking improvements will continue as we begin the 3rd & final phase of our upgrades. With approximately 35,000 more feet of new snowmaking pipe, 160 new low-energy snow guns, and over 250 new semi-automatic snowmaking hydrants that will allow our staff to start, stop, or react to changing conditions much faster.
Built in summer 2021, this quad starts at our base area and offloads at the base of the Freeway lift. With no more laboring uphill, racing events more easily accessible to both athletes and spectators. The Warhorse lift was named for Andrew Weibrecht, a three-time Olympian and Lake Placid native.
During our two-phase upgrade project, summer 2020 & 2021, our high speed, 8-person Doppelmayr Gondola was given 60 brand new cabins. In addition to new cabins, the gondola also has a new drive, motors, tower switches, communication and fiber lines. Phase two of the project involved replacing the low voltage system.
The new SkyTrac carpet assist conveyor load quad, the Falcon Flyer, was installed in the summer of 2020. This lift makes loading and unloading easier for beginners and our youngest guests . The Falcon is perfect for the beginner and families and is located adjacent to the Bear Den Lodge.
The Face Lift was upgraded summer 2021 with a new motor, drive, low voltage system and communication lines. These upgrades help support a smooth and reliable ride.
We are in the home stretch of the two-phase Legacy Lodge project. The lower-level heated patio is poured and ready to host you for some mid-mountain respite. The kitchen equipment is in, and we are working on final tie-ins and finishes.
Concrete is being pumped at Legacy lodge from a pumper truck to pour the 2,000 square-foot patios with an electric radiant ice melt system.
The patio at Legacy Lodge will be a 2,000 square foot heated stone deck when completed. We can’t wait to join you on the patio this winter!
The fishing touches are in the works! Legacy Lodge, fixtures, and finishes are being installed in preparation for the lodge’s full completion for the 2021/22 winter season.
The Legacy Lodge construction entered phase two this spring. Work has started on both kitchens and the cafe area, installing all the finishes and fixtures.
Finalizing the downstairs level, complete with patio and fire pit. Legacy Lodge will be fully operational for the 2021/22 winter season.
A legacy is something that defines us and gives us our sense of purpose. We are excited to introduce you to the Legacy Lodge, our newest addition at Whiteface!
The 10,000 sq. ft. Midstation lodge, at 2,100 ft. of elevation, will be a respite for skiers and riders seeking an amazing resort experience.
Offering food and beverage service, large dining area, multiple seating spaces, full restroom amenities and an expansive viewing deck offering spectacular vistas of the High Peaks.
Offering food and beverage service, large dining area, multiple seating spaces, full restroom amenities and an expansive viewing deck offering spectacular vistas of the High Peaks.
The lodge will be accented by many natural elements such as Adirondack timber and custom stonework. Large insulated windows will allow for maximum light while framing picturesque views of the resort.
Construction of the new Midstation Lodge at Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort, replacing the structure that was destroyed by fire on November 30, 2019, commenced this spring.
The majority of skiers will be able to access the lodge from the mountain’s upper trails.
Several of the new lodge’s amenities will be ready for use during the next ski season in November of 2020. The second phase of construction will complete the Midstation Lodge project by October 2021.
Initial renderings of the new lodge show an architectural style reminiscent of an Adirondack great-lodge featuring long sloping rooflines, sweeping decks and a massive interior with vaulted ceilings.