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Gunstock as seen from Bald Knob (2010)
Gunstock Mountain Resort
Gilford, New Hampshire
Status: Open
First Season:1936-37
Vertical Drop:1400 feet
Standing Lifts:1 high speed quad, 2 quads, 2 triples
Past Lifts:1 triple, 4 doubles, 1 single, surface lifts
Left: Gunstock as seen from Bald Knob (2010)
Recent NewEnglandSkiIndustry.com News:
1/19/2024: Gunstock General Manager Tom Day to Reti...
9/4/2023: Gunstock Construction Projects Progressi...
8/6/2023: New Hampshire Construction Projects Prog...
10/22/2022: Gunstock Financial Audit Finds No Materi...
SkiNewEngland.net Profile
Located in the Belknap Mountains south of Lake Winnipesaukee, Gunstock Mountain has a long, rich skiing history. Initially developed in large part by the Federal government, Gunstock is the only county owned and operated ski area in New England.

Early Skiing in the Belknap Mountains

Early downhill skiing trails on Gunstock Mountain were developed by members of the Winnipesaukee Ski Club (now known as the Gunstock Ski Club), which was reportedly established in 1918. Snow trains carried skiers and spectators up from urban areas to the popular town of Laconia, located just west of the Belknaps Mountain Range. While early ski trails were developed on Gunstock Mountain, Belknap Mountain, and Piper Mountain, skiing on Gunstock in particular was popular, as it was the location of many races, including the 1932 United States Eastern Amateur Ski Association championship.

The former Gunstock Ski Hoist lift line (2022)
The former Gunstock Ski Hoist lift line (2022)

A unique, long rope tow was installed on the west slope of Gunstock Mountain for the winter of 1934-35. Known as the Gunstock Ski Hoist, the lift was one of the first in New England. Initially a popular development, the ski hoist was eventually overshadowed by a nearby government development.

Ski jumping was an increasingly popular winter sport in New England in the 1930s. Using Federal Emergency Relief Administration funds, a ski jump was planned for the northern slope of Mt. Rowe in the spring of 1935. The scope of the project soon grew to become a massive year round recreational facility involving the Works Progress Administration. The initial plans for the $300,000 Belknap Mountains Recreation Area included the 60 meter ski jump, a slalom course, and two new ski trails. The multi-sport facility plan was so large that it was even suggested as a location for the 1940 Winter Olympics.

The Belknap Mountains Recreation Area was officially opened on February 28, 1937 when it hosted the United States Eastern Amateur Ski Association ski jumping event. Due to subpar snowfall, an ice chipping operation was put into place to allow the event to go on as planned. A last minute snowfall helped as well.

Belknap Mountains Recreation Area Chairlift Development

The Mt. Rowe single chairlift
The Mt. Rowe single chairlift

Work on the development continued throughout 1937, with Hussey Manufacturing Company leading the way. A novice slope was cleared on Cobble Mountain while the main work effort was taking place on Mt. Rowe: the installation of the East's first chairlift.

The single chairlift, climbing from Gunstock's present base area to the top of Mt. Rowe, was operational later in the winter of 1937-38. The controversial installation was described by the Lewiston Evening Journal as making the ski area "a rendezvous for lazy skiers." The lazy skiers flocked to the Belknaps and eventually made chairlifts the primary form of uphill travel for alpine skiers.

Belknap's second lift, an 800 foot rope tow serving the Phelps slope, was added for the 1938-39 season.

The Phelps slope circa the 1940s
The Phelps slope circa the 1940s

A 1,750 foot long rope tow was likely installed on Cobble Mountain in either 1939 or 1940, providing a large novice area with a little more challenge than the Phelps slope. The combination of poor snow retention and distance from the main base area put a quick end to this complex in 1941.

Big changes took place for the 1940-41 season at Belknap Mountains Recreation Area. A $100,000 building was opened at the bottom of the chairlift, constructed from local timber, as well as stone quarried from Cobble Mountain. Other projects included trail improvements, as well as the addition of 11 chairs on the Mt. Rowe lift.

For 1941-42, the Cobble Mountain rope tow was relocated to the new Viking slope, thus consolidating all lift operations to the main base area. At this point, the trail network consisted of the Phelps slope, the Viking slope, the Try-Me Trail, the Fletcher Hale Slalom, the Gunstock Trail, the Ridge Trail, and the Stone Bar Trail.

As was the case across the United States, expansion at Belknap Mountain was slowed by World War II. For 1946-47, a novice rope tow was installed.

During the summer of 1949, Belknap made headlines when shaved ice and hay were used to open the 40 meter jump for an August competition. Some 8,000 spectators were on hand for what would become an annual event.

More Than Just A Chairlift

The slopes of Gunstock Mountain
The slopes of Gunstock Mountain

In hopes of reducing skier traffic on the Phelps slope and Try-Me Trail, the Tiger slope was cleared for the 1949-50 season. A rope tow serving the slope was likely added that season. Unfortunately, the single chairlift would not operate.

In April of 1950, Frank "Fritzie" Baer took over as manager, sporting his signature red hat. A Massachusetts native, Baer had quit school in the 8th grade in order to work at a mill. Later becoming an employee for Indian Chief motorcycles, Baer started a club called Fritzie's Roamers. In 1938, he organized a motorcycle rally at the Belknap Mountains Recreation Area, drawing an estimated 10,000 people. The event became an annual tradition which helped to put Laconia Bike Week on the map. Baer's local celebrity status helped him to land the job as manager of the ski area, despite not being a skier.

Gunstock in the 1960s
Gunstock in the 1960s

For his first ski season, Baer oversaw the installation of new chairs plus sheave liners on the single chairlift. In addition, a new beginners area was created adjacent to the chairlift. Dealing with several poor snow years, Baer also oversaw significant reshaping of many of Belknap's trails.

In trying to keep up with other developing areas in the market, Belknap's first T-Bar was installed for the 1954-55 season. The $50,000, 2,300 foot long lift served Tiger and a new trail called Red Hat.

Tragedy struck in July of 1956 when the single chairlift cable snapped, killing one person and injurying many others. As a result of the accident, which was caused by a concealed area of corrosion, the New Hampshire Passenger Tramway Saftey Board was established.

While the late 1950s didn't bring much in way of changes to the ski area, many financial records were broken. As a result, plans were being drawn up to greatly expand the area. Prior to the expansion becoming reality, Fritzie Baer was replaced as General Manager in 1959, as Warren Warner was recruited from Smugglers Notch. The Joe Smith slope would debut that season.

Corresponding with the extension of Interstate 93 up to Northfield, as well as the hiring of hometown hero Penny Pitou and Egon Zimmermann, a second T-Bar was installed for the 1960-61 season, serving the Smith and Phelps slopes. The Olympic ski racing duo was married that February in Gilford.

Belknap Becomes Gunstock

The twin summit double chairlifts (1960s)
The twin summit double chairlifts (1960s)

The Belknap Mountains area was revolutionized in 1962, a new Mueller double chairlift was built to the summit of Gunstock Mountain. Not only did the expansion significantly increase the operation's vertical drop, but it was meant the renaming of the ski area to coincide with its new mountain. The quarter million dollar project also resulted in four new trails.

The expansion proved to be a great success. Two years later, a second double chairlift was installed as a twin, to help cut down on lines. One year later, a separate ski area opened on Mt. Rowe, which would later become Alpine Ridge.

As the decade came to a close a third T-Bar was installed, serving the Phelps slope. Lacking snowmaking, Gunstock struggled in the fickle winter of 1969-70. A $334,000 federal grant was procured that year, funding the installation of snowmaking on 55 acres of lower mountain terrain, which Gunstock dubbed "space-age snowmaking." In addition, the Pistol complex debuted, featuring four new trails and a new double chairlift.

Ernest Hegi was named General Manager circa 1975. The outdated single chairlift was taken out of service following the 1976-77 season. It was likely fully removed following the 1979-80 season, when the Gunshy platter pull lift was installed near the bottom of the original Mt. Rowe area and around when Dick Tapply became General Manager. Despite the investments, bad seasons continued to take their toll, with skier visits dropping to 34,000 in 1980. By the time the 1981 off season arrived, Gunstock needed $150,000 in bridge loans just to stay in business.

A 1987 Gunstock advertisement
A 1987 Gunstock advertisement

A $10 million modernization effort took place in the mid-1980s, starting with a significant change in the lift network in 1986. The aging twin summit double chairlifts were removed, replaced with a Doppelmayr triple chairlift. The original T-Bar was also replaced with the longer Tiger triple chairlift. Nearby, a double chairlift was installed, serving the Gunshy complex. Sel Hannah also oversaw the widening and reworking of many trails, including Gunsmoke and Recoil.

The rest of the T-Bars were removed from the operation by the time 1988-89 rolled around, as the Ramrod fixed grip quad chairlift was installed on the lower slopes.

John Vorel of Cannon and Mt. Sunapee took over as general manager in 1991, following the departure of Dick Taply to Sno Engineering. Improvement projects during the 1990s were generally focused around improving snowmaking and night skiing (reintroduced for the 1992-93 season). Tubing was added for the 1997-98 season, Vorel's last as general manager (Greg Goddard became the next general manager). Nevertheless, as was the case when it was operating with single and double chairs, Gunstock was finding itself falling behind the pack with its long summit triple chairlift ride.

The Panorama Quad (2011)
The Panorama Quad (2011)

For the 2003-2004 season, the summit triple chairlift was replaced with a new Doppelmayr CTEC high speed detachable quad. The triple was then reinstalled in the Pistol area, replacing the aging Mueller double chairlift.

The beginner experience was significantly enhanced in 2009, when the Penny Pitou Silver Medal Quad was installed. Located adjacent to the Gunshy double chairlift, the new Doppelmayr CTEC fixed grip quad served an enlarged beginner area. Once night skiing was added to the new terrain the following year, the Gunshy double chairlift was deemed redundant and subsequently removed.

Four Season Activities

The mountain coaster (2016)
The mountain coaster (2016)

In 2011, Gunstock started a $2.1 million off season activity project that added a treetop obstacle course, high speed zip lines, and off-road Segway tours. The three new attractions were all in operation by mid-fall 2011.

Gunstock made regional headlines in spring 2014, when the General Manager Greg Goddard told Senator Kelly Ayotte that Gunstock may be forced to scale back both summer and winter operations to 120 days each due to the Affordable Care Act.

Political Battles

Gunstock unveils its Master Development Plan (December 2021)
Gunstock unveils its Master Development Plan (December 2021)

Gunstock doubled down on summer operations in 2016, when a $2.6 million mountain coaster was installed on the lower slope of Mt. Rowe. Despite the boost to off-season revenue, Gunstock still found itself in perennial debates with the county delegation over annual off-season bridge loans. The conflict intensified in 2017 when Gunstock refused to issue its annual $175,000 payment to the county. Gunstock eventually agreed to make the payment, in exchange for receiving another bridge loan from the county. One year later, Gunstock posted its second loss in three years, losing $470,931 during the 2017-18 season.

Late in the summer of 2019, Greg Goddard announced that he would be retiring following the 2019-20 season. However, his tenure ended in January 2020, as former Waterville Valley general manager Tom Day was hired. Though Gunstock was one of the last ski areas in the country to remain open before the COVID-19 shutdowns in March 2020, it significantly curtailed its subsequent summer operations.

Gunstock capitalized on the COVID-19 bump in skiing popularity during the winter of 2020-21, recording record revenue and skier visits. Some summer activities were restored, however operations were limited to Fridays through Mondays. Segway tours were offered for the final summer. Meanwhile, Ford announced in July that it had chosen Gunstock as a venue for its Bronco Off-Roadeo.

In December of 2021, management presented a new Master Development Plan, which quickly became a source of controversy. Though it had familiar components such as the East Side expansion and reopening Alpine Ridge, it also included a proposed summit auto-road, a mid-mountain hotel, and a "Back Side" expansion onto conservation land not held by the county.

Soon, Gunstock was engulfed in a four-way war of sorts, with management, the Gunstock Area Commission, the Belknap County Delegation, and county residents exchanging allegations, and in some cases, lawsuits. In less than one year, the entire five-person Gunstock Area Commission turned over amidst a series of resignations and removals. The situation reached a breaking point on July 20, 2022, when the Gunstock management team resigned after not being seated at the commission table. One day later, the commission had the county sheriff oversee management's immediate depature, while staff voted to shut down the summer attractions. Management remained in engaged, demanding the removal of two commissioners. After a tense two-week period, the demands were met, management returned, and Gunstock resumed operations. Subsequently, multiple members of the Belknap County Delegation involved in the drama lost their bids for re-election.

Improvements for the 2022-23 season included snowmaking upgrades, relocation of a Magic Carpet lift, installation of LED fixtures, and new summit water and sewer infrastructure.

NewEnglandSkiConditions.com Reports
Month Average Percent of Terrain Open
December32%    (4 reports)32 Open
January66%    (14 reports)66 Open
February89%    (6 reports)89 Open
March92%    (5 reports)92 Open
Recent Conditions Reports
Jan. 3, 2024 by snowphoenix
Loose Granular, Variable Conditions
Feb. 11, 2023 by snowphoenix
Loose Granular, Variable Conditions
Jan. 19, 2023 by nordicgal
Loose Granular, Frozen Granular
Jan. 19, 2023 by brianna
Loose Granular, Frozen Granular
Jan. 19, 2023 by rocket21
Loose Granular, Frozen Granular
Gunstock Mountain Resort on NewEnglandSkiConditions.com


NewEnglandSkiIndustry.com News
Recent Articles
Gunstock General Manager Tom Day to Retire - Jan. 19, 2024
Gunstock Construction Projects Progressing - Sep. 4, 2023
New Hampshire Construction Projects Progressing - Aug. 6, 2023
Gunstock Financial Audit Finds No Material Weaknesses - Oct. 22, 2022
Gunstock Reopens Adventure Park, But Questions Remain - Aug. 8, 2022
Gunstock Management Rehired - Aug. 2, 2022
Gunstock Drama Continues - Jul. 27, 2022
Gunstock Suspends Operations Following Management Resignation - Jul. 21, 2022
Gunstock Management, Commission Member Resign - Jul. 20, 2022
Gunstock Master Plan Placed On Hold - Mar. 2, 2022
Gunstock Mountain Resort NewEnglandSkiIndustry.com News Page


Expansion History
Project
Season
Cobble Mountain
Abandoned
1938-39
Tiger Area
Open
Gunstock Mountain
Open
1962-63
Pistol Area
Open
1970-71
Gunshy Area
Open
1980-81
Backside
Proposed
Alpine Ridge
Proposed
2020s
Eastside
Proposed
2024-25


Image Gallery
1953-54 Eastern Ski Map1954-55 Eastern Ski Map1955-56 Eastern Ski Map1956-57 Eastern Ski Map1957-58 Eastern Ski Map1959-60 Eastern Ski Map
View All Images in Gunstock Mountain Resort Image Gallery


Lifts
Click on lift name for information and photos
Standing Lifts
Installed
The Panorama Quad in 2004
Panorama Quad
Doppelmayr-CTEC
Chairlift - Quad - Detachable
2003-04
The Penny Pitou Quad in 2011
Penny Pitou Quad
Doppelmayr-CTEC
Chairlift - Quad - Fixed
2009-10
The Pistol Triple in 2004
Pistol Triple
Doppelmayr
Chairlift - Triple - Fixed
2003-04
The Ramrod Quad in 2004
Ramrod Quad
Doppelmayr
Chairlift - Quad - Fixed
1988-89
The upper Tiger Triple in 2004
Tiger Triple
Doppelmayr
Chairlift - Triple - Fixed
1986-87

Past Lifts
Seasons
The Gunshy Double top terminal in 2004
Gunshy Double
Doppelmayr
Chairlift - Double - Fixed
1986-87
-
2010-11
Gunshy Poma
Doppelmayr
Platter
1980-81
-
The Mt. Rowe Single circa the 1950s
Mt. Rowe Single
American Steel & Wire Company
Chairlift - Single - Fixed
1937-38
-
1979-80
Phelps T-Bar
Alpine Lift
T-Bar
1969-70
-
The remains of the Pistol Double in 2011
Pistol Double
Mueller
Chairlift - Double - Fixed
1970-71
-
2002-03
Red Hat T-Bar
Constam
T-Bar
1954-55
-
1985-86
The Smith T-Bar circa the 1970s
Smith T-Bar
Doppelmayr
T-Bar
1960-61
-
The Summit Doubles circa the 1970s
Summit Double
Mueller
Chairlift - Double - Fixed
1962-63
-
1985-86
Summit Double #2 circa the 1970s
Summit Double #2
Mueller
Chairlift - Double - Fixed
1964-65
-
1985-86
Summit Triple
Doppelmayr
Chairlift - Triple - Fixed
1986-87
-
2002-03


Maps
2022-23 Gunstock Trail Map
1962-63 Gunstock Trail Map1964-65 Gunstock Trail Map1967-68 Gunstock Trail Map1968-69 Gunstock Trail Map1969-70 Gunstock trail mapEarly 1970s Gunstock Trail Map
View All Gunstock Mountain Resort Trail Maps

Year by Year History
Adult Weekend Full Day Lift Ticket; Adult Full Price Unlimited Season Pass
2020s Ticket Price Season Pass Price
Pass Payback
Opening Day
Closing Day
Skier Visits
2023-24$104.002023-24 Ticket Price Graph$899.002023-24 Season Pass Price Graph8.6 daysDecember 82023-24 Skier Visit Graph
2022-23$99.002022-23 Ticket Price Graph$899.002022-23 Season Pass Price Graph9.1 daysDecember 10April 22022-23 Skier Visit Graph
2021-22$96.002021-22 Ticket Price Graph$899.002021-22 Season Pass Price Graph9.4 daysDecember 10April 3198,0002021-22 Skier Visit Graph
2020-21$96.002020-21 Ticket Price Graph$899.002020-21 Season Pass Price Graph9.4 daysDecember 11April 4203,0002020-21 Skier Visit Graph
2019-20$96.002019-20 Ticket Price Graph$749.002019-20 Season Pass Price Graph7.8 daysNovember 29March 18147,7472019-20 Skier Visit Graph
2010s Ticket Price Season Pass Price
Pass Payback
Opening Day
Closing Day
Skier Visits
2018-19$92.002018-19 Ticket Price Graph$659.002018-19 Season Pass Price Graph7.2 daysNovember 30April 7162,3392018-19 Skier Visit Graph
2017-18$88.002017-18 Ticket Price Graph$649.002017-18 Season Pass Price Graph7.4 daysDecember 1April 1150,3202017-18 Skier Visit Graph
2016-17$86.002016-17 Ticket Price Graph$679.002016-17 Season Pass Price Graph7.9 daysDecember 3April 2165,5752016-17 Skier Visit Graph
2015-16$82.002015-16 Ticket Price Graph$659.002015-16 Season Pass Price Graph8.0 daysDecember 4March 27117,6482015-16 Skier Visit Graph
2014-15$78.002014-15 Ticket Price Graph$639.002014-15 Season Pass Price Graph8.2 daysDecember 5April 5181,0902014-15 Skier Visit Graph
2013-14$75.002013-14 Ticket Price Graph$599.002013-14 Season Pass Price Graph8.0 daysDecember 6April 6185,0002013-14 Skier Visit Graph
2012-13$72.002012-13 Ticket Price Graph$575.002012-13 Season Pass Price Graph8.0 daysNovember 30April 72012-13 Skier Visit Graph
2011-12$72.002011-12 Ticket Price Graph$579.002011-12 Season Pass Price Graph8.0 daysDecember 18March 21125,0002011-12 Skier Visit Graph
2010-11$69.002010-11 Ticket Price Graph$539.002010-11 Season Pass Price Graph7.8 daysDecember 10April 3188,0002010-11 Skier Visit Graph
2009-10$66.002009-10 Ticket Price Graph$519.002009-10 Season Pass Price Graph7.9 daysDecember 11April 42009-10 Skier Visit Graph
2000s Ticket Price Season Pass Price
Pass Payback
Opening Day
Closing Day
Skier Visits
2008-09$64.002008-09 Ticket Price Graph$499.002008-09 Season Pass Price Graph7.8 daysDecember 5April 5169,4612008-09 Skier Visit Graph
2007-08$59.002007-08 Ticket Price Graph$499.002007-08 Season Pass Price Graph8.5 days179,9052007-08 Skier Visit Graph
2006-07$56.002006-07 Ticket Price Graph$549.002006-07 Season Pass Price Graph9.8 days139,6122006-07 Skier Visit Graph
2005-06$52.002005-06 Ticket Price Graph$549.002005-06 Season Pass Price Graph10.6 daysMarch 26151,5522005-06 Skier Visit Graph
2004-052004-05 Ticket Price Graph2004-05 Season Pass Price GraphApril 3178,2612004-05 Skier Visit Graph
2003-04$49.002003-04 Ticket Price Graph$479.002003-04 Season Pass Price Graph9.8 daysDecember 6165,4732003-04 Skier Visit Graph
2002-03$46.002002-03 Ticket Price Graph$449.002002-03 Season Pass Price Graph9.8 daysApril 6191,1552002-03 Skier Visit Graph
2001-02$45.002001-02 Ticket Price Graph$449.002001-02 Season Pass Price Graph10.0 days153,5092001-02 Skier Visit Graph
2000-01$42.002000-01 Ticket Price Graph$399.002000-01 Season Pass Price Graph9.5 daysApril 8206,1202000-01 Skier Visit Graph
1999-00$42.001999-00 Ticket Price Graph$650.001999-00 Season Pass Price Graph15.5 daysApril 2172,3061999-00 Skier Visit Graph
1990s Ticket Price Season Pass Price
Pass Payback
Opening Day
Closing Day
Skier Visits
1998-991998-99 Ticket Price Graph$900.001998-99 Season Pass Price GraphApril 3175,8631998-99 Skier Visit Graph
1997-98$39.001997-98 Ticket Price Graph$785.001997-98 Season Pass Price Graph20.1 daysNovember 281997-98 Skier Visit Graph
1996-97$39.001996-97 Ticket Price Graph$785.001996-97 Season Pass Price Graph20.1 daysApril 6213,2861996-97 Skier Visit Graph
1995-961995-96 Ticket Price Graph1995-96 Season Pass Price GraphNovember 25239,0001995-96 Skier Visit Graph
1994-95$35.001994-95 Ticket Price Graph1994-95 Season Pass Price Graph202,5451994-95 Skier Visit Graph
1993-941993-94 Ticket Price Graph1993-94 Season Pass Price GraphApril 3239,0001993-94 Skier Visit Graph
1992-93$31.001992-93 Ticket Price Graph1992-93 Season Pass Price Graph204,0001992-93 Skier Visit Graph
1991-92$31.001991-92 Ticket Price Graph1991-92 Season Pass Price Graph145,0001991-92 Skier Visit Graph
1990-91$31.001990-91 Ticket Price Graph1990-91 Season Pass Price Graph1990-91 Skier Visit Graph
1989-90$32.001989-90 Ticket Price Graph1989-90 Season Pass Price Graph221,0001989-90 Skier Visit Graph
1980s Ticket Price Season Pass Price
Pass Payback
Opening Day
Closing Day
Skier Visits
1988-89$30.001988-89 Ticket Price Graph1988-89 Season Pass Price Graph150,0001988-89 Skier Visit Graph
1987-88$26.001987-88 Ticket Price Graph1987-88 Season Pass Price GraphDecember 191987-88 Skier Visit Graph
1986-87$23.001986-87 Ticket Price Graph1986-87 Season Pass Price Graph191,0001986-87 Skier Visit Graph
1984-85$18.001984-85 Ticket Price Graph$305.001984-85 Season Pass Price Graph16.9 days1984-85 Skier Visit Graph
1983-84$18.001983-84 Ticket Price Graph$395.001983-84 Season Pass Price Graph21.9 days1983-84 Skier Visit Graph
1982-83$17.001982-83 Ticket Price Graph$285.001982-83 Season Pass Price Graph16.8 days1982-83 Skier Visit Graph
1981-82$17.001981-82 Ticket Price Graph1981-82 Season Pass Price GraphDecember 111981-82 Skier Visit Graph
1980-81$17.001980-81 Ticket Price Graph1980-81 Season Pass Price Graph49,0001980-81 Skier Visit Graph
1979-80$14.001979-80 Ticket Price Graph1979-80 Season Pass Price Graph34,0001979-80 Skier Visit Graph
1970s Ticket Price Season Pass Price
Pass Payback
Opening Day
Closing Day
Skier Visits
1978-79$12.001978-79 Ticket Price Graph1978-79 Season Pass Price Graph1978-79 Skier Visit Graph
1977-78$10.001977-78 Ticket Price Graph1977-78 Season Pass Price Graph1977-78 Skier Visit Graph
1976-77$10.001976-77 Ticket Price Graph$165.001976-77 Season Pass Price Graph16.5 days1976-77 Skier Visit Graph
1975-76$10.001975-76 Ticket Price Graph1975-76 Season Pass Price Graph1975-76 Skier Visit Graph
1974-75$9.001974-75 Ticket Price Graph1974-75 Season Pass Price Graph1974-75 Skier Visit Graph
1973-74$9.001973-74 Ticket Price Graph1973-74 Season Pass Price Graph1973-74 Skier Visit Graph
1971-72$8.001971-72 Ticket Price Graph1971-72 Season Pass Price GraphDecember 41971-72 Skier Visit Graph
1970-71$8.001970-71 Ticket Price Graph1970-71 Season Pass Price Graph1970-71 Skier Visit Graph
1969-70$8.001969-70 Ticket Price Graph1969-70 Season Pass Price Graph1969-70 Skier Visit Graph
1960s Ticket Price Season Pass Price
Pass Payback
Opening Day
Closing Day
Skier Visits
1968-69$6.001968-69 Ticket Price Graph$80.001968-69 Season Pass Price Graph13.3 daysNovember 161968-69 Skier Visit Graph
1967-68$6.001967-68 Ticket Price Graph1967-68 Season Pass Price GraphNovember 181967-68 Skier Visit Graph
1964-65$5.501964-65 Ticket Price Graph1964-65 Season Pass Price GraphJanuary 201964-65 Skier Visit Graph
1963-64$5.501963-64 Ticket Price Graph1963-64 Season Pass Price Graph1963-64 Skier Visit Graph
1962-63$5.501962-63 Ticket Price Graph1962-63 Season Pass Price Graph1962-63 Skier Visit Graph
1961-621961-62 Ticket Price Graph1961-62 Season Pass Price GraphNovember 24March 311961-62 Skier Visit Graph
1959-60$4.001959-60 Ticket Price Graph1959-60 Season Pass Price Graph1959-60 Skier Visit Graph
1950s Ticket Price Season Pass Price
Pass Payback
Opening Day
Closing Day
Skier Visits
1958-59$4.001958-59 Ticket Price Graph1958-59 Season Pass Price Graph1958-59 Skier Visit Graph
1952-53$3.001952-53 Ticket Price Graph1952-53 Season Pass Price GraphDecember 131952-53 Skier Visit Graph
1940s Ticket Price Season Pass Price
Pass Payback
Opening Day
Closing Day
Skier Visits
1940-411940-41 Ticket Price Graph1940-41 Season Pass Price Graph28,0001940-41 Skier Visit Graph


Visitor Memories
"Gunstock Mountain and Fritzi Baer had a huge impact on my life. My father Howard Kiedaisch taught skiing on Gunstock before WWII. After the war he worked in the retail ski shop business and ran the ski school and operations at Frontenac Ski Area in Plymouth. In the early 1950's my father took me skiing at Gunstock. At the end of the day he took me to the second floor of the base lodge to meet Fritzi Baer. His office overlooked the parking lot and the mountain. I though he had the best job in the world and dreamed of one day doing the same. Fritzi gave me one of his signature red hats and I wore it until it was in tatters. Thirty five years later when I was named President and General Manager of Stowe Mtn Resort , my father came to my office with a red hat in his hand and we both cried. Today I'm a Gunstock Area Commissioner paying back and forward for future generations. Thank you Gunstock and Fritzi Baer. My life has been blessed because of your influence. "
Gary Kiedaisch, Jan. 24, 2022
"It's been years since I skied here. When our family did it was very enjoyable. Hope to get back on the slopes again in the future. "
Kathleen Maura Donovan, Sep. 8, 2020
"We moved to Portsmouth in 1960 and my father immediately bought us skis & took us to Gunstock. He started us on the rope tow that was on a little slope to the right of the lodge. The lodge was beautiful! We spent many years there taking lessons and skiing every weekend. I was able to take my husband there in 2003 & he was just as impressed. I certainly have very fond memories of that time. My favorite ski area at the time."
PATTI KARCHER, Mar. 6, 2015
"Our family learned to ski here in the 60's . Then transferred to the west coast and Utah . Learned that if you can ski New England you can ski anywhere and with great form. Thanks"
Phyllis Rogler, Jan. 14, 2014
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External Links
  • Gunstock - official site
  • Alpine Ridge - New England Lost Ski Areas Project
  • Gunstock Ski Hoist - New England Lost Ski Areas Project
  • Gunstock Mountain Historic Preservation Society - Ski Jump Restoration Project
  • Mt. Belknap Chairlift - WeirsBeach.com
  • Gunstock Mountain - FranklinSites.com Hiking Guide
  • Mt. Rowe - FranklinSites.com Hiking Guide
  • Last updated: January 1, 2023

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