Wednesday, August 12, 2015

New Terrain Park Project

We have been strategizing and planning this project for several months now.  The noticeable work started this week on our latest significant improvement to Welch Village Ski and Snowboard Area.  Operations have begun with a terrain park expansion project which we hope will generate a new sense of excitement in our free style and terrain park community.

We are working on a long-term Terrain Park Improvement Plan which will span over several seasons.  This coming 2015/16 season will serve as the first year in that plan.  Most of the investment in this first year will be spent in site preparation, erosion control, and overall infrastructure of the expansion.

Below is a brief list of what you can expect this year and the years to come with this project.  Again, our plan is to incrementally invest into this project every year for several years to come.  We will post updates on this project this fall as the new area begins to take shape.  We will keep you updated on this blog, email, and social media.

Terrain Park Plans for this year will include:

  • Construction of the new terrain park site by expanding the former site of the terrain park. The new terrain park will have increased width, length, and a more appropriate pitch.
  • Site expansion will include tree clearing, grading, excavation, and a significant investment in erosion control and the overall environmental sustainability of the area.  Our goal for the new site will include a suitable pitch for free style terrain & features with a consistent grade from top to bottom.  
  • New state-of-the-art Rope Tow lift dedicated to terrain park users.
  • Expansion of our snowmaking system into the new terrain park area which will include new pipe, hydrants, and electrical. 
  • New features for most ability levels - To be determined....stay tuned.
Plans for the years ahead:  
  • Installation of additional snowmaking units in the terrain park area. 
  • Partnership with a terrain park design & consulting company.
  • Purchase of a new terrain park specific grooming machine. 
  •  Youth free-style learning and competition programs including a free-style team, youth camps and clinics. 
  • Free-style events and competitions...and more! 
We are dedicated to improving our free-style terrain at Welch Village in the coming years.  It's a good bet that our Terrain Park Plan will evolve over the next few years in order to stay current with the ever-changing free-syle side of the ski & snowboard industry.  We are excited about what this means for the future of Welch Village and we hope that you share that excitement.  

Here are a few pictures of the work that is being done with this week...enjoy the rest of your summer, winter is just around the corner!