Wildcat Mountain: Keepin' It Natural Every Wednesday This Summer

It's amazing how good that big old fireball in the sky we're spinning around can make you feel when it shines again after having been M.I.A for so long. I think no matter where it is that you might be reading this, it's safe to say that you've been waiting for summer to actually begin despite last Sunday's official equinox. We're ready too and July is all but here and that really means vacation time for most. There is plenty to do here with your friends and family on any given day during the summer including the ZipRider, scenic gondola, & the 9-hole lift-serviced alpine disc golf course, but it's specifically what's happening on Wednesdays that I want to share with you.

Wildcat Mountain and the Tin Mountain Conservation Center are once again offering the Wednesdays at Wildcat summer naturalist program. Every Wednesday in July and August from 10:00am to 12:00 noon, Wildcat will host interpretive outdoor programs led by a naturalist from the 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 1st and runs through August 26th. 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.

You say you love skiing or riding here in the winter, but have never visited in the summer or fall? Well, to get a feel for what we're all about, check out the new RSN North Conway Summer Adventure segment and if any of it looks like fun, we hope to see you soon.

Wildcat Mountain: Ski Team Coaching Duo & New Radio Spot

Wildcat Mountain race director Phil Ostroski recently traveled to Timberlane Regional High School located in Plaistow, New Hampshire to personally deliver a certificate of achievement to Peter & Mary Beth Torosian. The couple helped to establish a competitive alpine ski team in 1997 when their son was a student at Timberlane. In the years to follow, and often training at the not-so-near-by Wildcat Mountain, the couple continued to direct and coach both the boys and girls ski team with a passion that has shown results. “Only three members of the Timberlane Ski Team in its entire history had ever raced competitively prior to joining the team,” said Peter when he and his wife accepted the certificate of appreciation. “But from that, several athletes in the last six years have gone on to compete in the Eastern regional meets with the boys finishing top 6 in the Division I state finals over that same period.” Mary Beth, after mentioning that the girls too have an impressive record of 305 wins to 56 losses over the 12 years and helped to capture the first annual Zimmerman Cup ski trophy in 2008, commented that the ski team goes beyond stats. “A high percentage of the student alpine racers over the years have been honor students with several members having been selected to our regional newspaper’s All-Star ski team.” added Mary Beth, reflecting upon former athletes like a proud parent. “I know of two currently in med school and some others that have gone on to compete in college. One is racing in Colorado and competing nationally.”

“This is a story seen a lot within high school athletics,” said Wildcat Mountain General Manager Tom Caughey. “But it is one that we can not recognize and applaud enough.” As a licensed airline pilot and part-time officer with the New Hampshire Department of Safety and a Registered Nurse respectively, Peter & Mary Beth Torosian have essentially volunteered full-time to coaching and fundraising for the ski team, the Timberlane Boosters, and to maintaining a ski team scholarship established in 2001. “We are pleased to acknowledge Peter & Mary Beth’s dedication to the Timberlane ski team,” said Wildcat Mountain’s Phil Ostroski. “And we continue to welcome Timberlane among the collective of dedicated alpine ski teams that train at our mountain.” The Wildcat Mountain certificate of appreciation follows a previous 10-year recognition awarded to the couple by the New Hampshire Coaches Associations & New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association as well as being the Lawrence Eagle Tribune’s coaches of the year in 2004 & 2008.

And in other more light-hearted news, we are please to present another Wildcat Mountain/WMWV radio ad below (or you may have to actually to hear via our blog if you've received this as an email which is the reason why that little link before you read this long, exhaustive sentence within the parenthesis...is there). This time, we're going for the hard sell because it seems to work considering the amount of crap that we see selling on T.V. If it works for the Sham-Wow, maybe it'll work for the ZipRider, right? Finally, we begin opening daily this Saturday, June 13th, it's Laconia bike week and Rally in the Valley this week, and dads can ride the scenic gondola free next Sunday, June 21st when another family member or friend purchases a gondola ticket. More details on all of that were in the previous blog post, so check that out if you missed it.

Wildcat Mountain: Opening Daily Saturday, June 13th & Free Fathers Day

It's been nice having things kind of quiet during the week, but we're ready for summer and for everyone to be enjoying the outdoors. Wildcat will begin operating daily Saturday, June 13th just in time for the legendary Laconia motorcycle week. New this year, Wildcat Mountain is taking part in the Mount Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce & MWV Hog Chapter’s 2nd annual Rally in the Valley happening June 15th – 19th. As part of that, persons who have purchased rally wristbands through the chamber (www.mtwashingtonvalley.org) or as a lodging package can take advantage of a half-price scenic gondola ride any time that week. In addition, we invite all vacationing bikers to come fly Wildcat on New England’s only 4-cable ZipRider™ or to enjoy our mountainside café with beer and wine available.

Then on Fathers Day, Sunday, June 21st, dads (and grandfathers) can enjoy the scenic gondola for free when one or more other family members purchase an adult or junior gondola ride. The only one of its kind in North America, the Wildcat Express transforms 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.

And maybe you've heard this before? 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 lift-serviced disc golf, hiking, weekly guided tours and outdoor interpretive programs with the Tin Mountain Conservation Center. A seasonal food menu including 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.

Wildcat Mountain: 18th Annual Kids Free Fishing Day Sat, June 6th

Well, we think the Memorial weekend was a great start to the summer season ahead. Aside from the helicopter landing in Lake Winnipesaukee and a boat jumping in to the trees James Bond style in Maine, we're hoping you and yours had a safe and fun weekend and that there was a moment to recognize the reason for the holiday. The weather was quite nice and many came to Fly Wildcat on the ZipRider and soak up the the views on New Hampshire's highest scenic gondola and we want you to know that we will be open weekends only until beginning to operate daily, Saturday, June 13th. In addition to being open for the Laconia bike week, our disc golf course will be ready for play on that date as well.

Some of you may already be aware that New Hampshire's "Free Fishing Day" is coming up, but we want you to know that the White Mountain National Forest’s 18th Annual Kids Free Fishing Day will also happen on Saturday, June 6th, at the Wildcat Mountain pond 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, 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).

And this is the part in our usual press release where we could say...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 lift-serviced disc golf, hiking, weekly guided tours and outdoor interpretive programs with the Tin Mountain Conservation Center. A seasonal food menu including 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.

Wildcat Mountain: Season Pass Deadline & Summer Coming

Warmer, longer, sunny days, COOL! That period of time in Northern New England we call bug season, NOT SO COOL! Regardless, The lowest prices for 2009/10 winter season passes are on sale now until the early price deadline of THIS Friday, May 15th. Visit our season pass page for more information and to purchase directly online...don't miss out.

Wildcat Mountain opens for summer & fall operations beginning Saturday, May 23rd offering one of New Hampshire's most unique thrill rides the ZipRider™ along with the highest scenic gondola in the state, the Wildcat Express, and new 9-hole lift-serviced alpine disc golf course. 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 combines a one-of-a-kind experience with beautiful scenery and is the only year-round attraction of its kind in New England. The ZipRider™ expanded last summer to offer four cables that affectively allow twice the rider capacity and even more vertical fun. With a chair lift ride to the starting deck, the ZipRider™ trolley is a safe 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.

The only one of its kind in North America, the Wildcat Express has 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. Gondolas run continuously, so you don't wait in any lines.

The ZipRider™ & gondola will be open as weather permits for weekends beginning Saturday, May 23rd and then will begin to operate daily Saturday, June 13th, along with the scheduled opening of the lift-serviced, alpine disc golf course also on that date, through the spectacular fall foliage in mid-October. In addition to the ZipRider™, scenic gondola, and disc golf course, Wildcat Mountain offers hiking, fishing, weekly guided tours and outdoor interpretive programs with the Tin Mountain Conservation Center. A seasonal food menu, 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.

(Photos: Top - Two, lonely Snowcat chairs book-end the scenic melt on Mt. Washington and within Tuckerman Ravine, but definitely still some turns to hike for. Below - The emerging Trillium along the start of the Thompson Falls trail is a sure sign of the coming Summer months.)

Wildcat Mountain: Season Ends & Video Finale

Well...this is it. Wildcat Mountain spins its lifts one final time for the 2008/2009 season today, Patriot's Day, Monday, April 20th. Thank you for another great, long season. Here is the Wildcat Mountain Weekly Video Update Season Finale. It's a long one highlighting the entire season and...man...there were some good days. Aside from our thanks to you for another great season, we're quickly reminding you that the early price deadline for the 2009/2010 season passes is Friday, May 15th and we're hoping to see you this summer when we get the ZipRider, scenic gondola, and disc golf course going.

This post begins with a photo of four of the "Five Crazy Cats" team that participated in the first inaugural Wildcat Wildfire pentathlon event. Sorry to have not taken better photos, but I'm sure they'll have better photos or maybe even video over at the Friends of Tuckerman Ravine website. On a side note, congratulations to Pete Ostroski who defines the word athlete and won the Tuckerman Inferno race as a solo "Tuckerman" participant taking on all 5 events (run, kayak, bike, hike, and ski). Pete not only won the overall, but had the fastest time among the skiing contigent in "less-than-ideal" conditions and limited visibility in Tuckerman Ravine. Pete is the son of Wildcat Mountain's Ski School Director/Race Coordinator Phil Ostroski and Pete has been killing it on the alpine race course all season long as a member of the Plymouth State ski team having recently competed at the Collegiate Nationals in Alaska. The Inferno and Wildfire post-race awards dinner was a great time for all participants and volunteers and a very big thanks to all Wildcat Mountain staff that helped to pull that one off.

Other photos below are from last Saturday and Sunday's Yahoo weekend. Many families with children who have been seeking or have sought treatment at Boston's Dana Farber Center annually make the trip for a fun-filled weekend at Wildcat Mountain learning to ski or snowboard, flying on the ZipRider, enjoying some quality barbeque, and having fun at night at the Town & Country Inn where all the families stay. A huge acknowledgement of gratitude to Janet Langlands and Maria Rocco and the many that volunteered their time and helped to coordinate a great weekend for the kids and families.

Don't worry, we're going to keep updating this blog with spring, summer, and fall randomness, so until then...cheers indeed!

Wildcat Mountain: Is The Glass Half Full or Half Empty?

I took the above photo today on the way up the lift of this guy on Panther (I thought I had a Radio Ron sighting) and I'll ask you a question. As a skier or rider, what do you see in this picture? If you answer, "I see growing patches of exposed base. This is not quality product. This is unsafe for any skier or rider and should be closed." then we think you are the proverbial glass half-empty person. But if you answer, "It's sunny, 60 degrees, snow is softening, and this is some bitching spring skiing and riding and, yes, I just had to ski over a patch of grass to get to these bumps on Panther but they're totally worth it!", then we think you view the world through a glass that is half-full and likely that glass is being enjoyed in the Wildcat Pub after another great spring day of making turns in late April.

Once again, Wildcat Mountain will be the one to turn the lights off on the 2008/2009 skiing/riding season for the state of New Hampshire. With some of our NH sister and brother resorts having pulled the plug on the Easter weekend and some even a week or two prior to that, there was only one resort left to enjoy what has become an absolutely incredible stretch of sunny, clear, warm, beautiful days. That being said, we are currently open and will be through this weekend and spinning the lifts one last day, Patriot's Day, Monday, April 20th. Spring conditions have been better than good as they say and are holding up, but have a look at the printable version of our snow report for the daily dose. Spring lift tickets are only $39 (full-day, half-day, adult, teen, junior, senior, whatever, doesn't matter) and no additional coupons/discounts/offers can be applied toward that reduced price, except the Sunday afternoon $25 tickets. So come on up because it's going to be a busy final weekend with the Yahoo Weekend events for visiting families from Boston's Dana Farber Center and the Wildcat Wildfire & Tuckerman Inferno pentathlon events.

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And don't forget, Wildcat Mountain is offering its lowest prices for 2009/10 winter season passes to skiers and riders who purchase before May 15^th. Wildcat is the place for those who enjoy a long season and vertical value. Heck, renew or purchase any 2009/2010 season pass today and you can still ski or ride every day until the final day, Patriot's, Monday, April 20th for free!

• The most popular Wildcat Mountain pass is the Black Cat pass, offered at the early price of $249 unchanged from last year's price, and is valid midweek Monday thru Friday with only 10 black-out dates during the Christmas and February vacation weeks. Ideal for many locals or those who do not have your average work and vacation schedule, the Black Cat is an easy decision. New this year for the Black Cat pass are fewer black-out dates and the ability to ski or ride every day, Saturdays and Sundays included, for the early 09/10 season from opening day until December 24^th, 2009 and then again for the late season beginning April of 2010.


• Wildcat's Adult, unrestricted, "any day" or full pass has lowered in price $100 from last year's rate and is available to purchase for $599 before May 15^th. The corresponding Teen (13 to 18), Junior (6 to 12) and Child (age 5 and younger) passes remain unchanged from last season's early-season price of $399, $299 and $39, respectively.


• New this year for the Adult 6-Day Pass is no associated black-out dates. Valid Sunday thru Friday, the 6-day Pass excludes Saturdays and is offered at the early season rate of $499. An additional bonus, and similar to the Black Cat pass, passholders can ski or ride every day, Saturdays included, for the early 09/10 season from opening day until December 24^th, 2009 and then again for the late season beginning April of 2010.

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We want to thank you all for another great season and for being part of the legend and we hope you'll come visit us and say hello this summer and to perhaps enjoy our scenic gondola, ZipRider, or even play a round of disc golf. And for many of you, don't worry, we'll be writing you letters like we're at summer camp with Blog, Facebook, Twitter, or MySpace page updates. Give us a virtual friendship bracelet by making all nicey, nicey with us on one of those interweb thingies. If you've received this as just a text email, I like your style, but you'll have to visit skiwildcat.blogspot.com for videos, photos, and more frequent updates. Cheers!

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