Gunstock Mountain Resort opened for the 2025/2026 ski and snowboard season, as scheduled, on Friday, December 5, with more open terrain than ever before. “We opened for our 89th season with more runs than we’ve ever had on opening day and this was the first time we’ve ever had a black-diamond trail on day one,” said Gunstock President and General Manager Robert Drake. “With early season snowfall and favorable snowmaking temperatures in store for an extended period, we expect to increase our open trail count significantly in the week ahead,” Drake added.
Gunstock opened to hundreds of eager skiers and snowboarders with 47 acres of skiable terrain on 13 trails serviced by three lifts. There were two runs from the summit and beginner terrain accessed by the wonder carpet and Penny Pitou Silver Medal chairlift. Gunstock’s Nordic Center and cross country trails began the season with 100 percent of its 26 kilometers open and 12 kilometers groomed.
Gunstock team members spent the summer preparing for a successful winter season by refurbishing the Panorama quad lift – a two-year process that began with upgrades to communication lines that transfer critical safety information between operators at the terminals and at every tower along the line. The computerized chair-spacing system that resulted in a disruption in lift service last season has been replaced. These upgrades are critical elements of a larger investment in the full renovation of the Panorama lift. Further enhancements include new lift structures to house lift components and shelter lift attendants at the base and summit. The haul rope has been replaced on the Ramrod lift, and Gunstock’s Pistol lift gear box was upgraded. Tiger, Pistol, and Ramrod lift drive replacements were also completed. In addition, resort electrical systems have been inspected and upgraded as needed to ensure reliability.
Snowmaking improvements for this winter include the installation of 24 new energy-efficient HKD Impulse tower guns that provide high production output of quality snow through a wide range of temperatures and Klik hydrants that improve snowmaking utility and efficiency. When it comes to managing the snow surface, Gunstock has reinforced its reputation for superlative conditions with the help of two new Prinoth grooming machines – one equipped with a winch for managing the snow on Gunstock’s steepest terrain.
Winter enthusiasts who prefer to earn their turns will be happy to learn that Gunstock has extended uphill access hours this winter and has joined Uphill New England, a local non-profit organization that has created the first ever multi-mountain pass, building a community of engaged, responsible, and empowered uphill enthusiasts. In addition to offering Gunstock-only uphill-access season passes, the resort has joined 21 resorts to offer a multi-mountain uphill season pass.
Gunstock season passes are still available for purchase, including a very affordable four-mountain college pass that makes an ideal holiday gift for young skiers and riders pursuing higher learning. To ensure the best on-mountain experience for all guests, Gunstock limits the number of day tickets sold each day and limits the number of season passes sold each year. Season pass sales end when the maximum number of passes are sold. More information is available at gunstock.com.