To the Massanutten Community:
I’ve got a bit of a “spring roundup” for you this time.
First: I’d like to thank area residents and County officials who attended MPSC’s “listening sessions” recently. My understanding is that the meetings were largely cordial and respectful – but also successful in undermining MPSC’s attempts to raise doubts among Rockingham County residents about who would foot the bill for the acquisition. Those costs will be borne by MPSC customers – residents and resort alike.
Speaking of public meetings: we recently had our second round of visioning sessions regarding our planning for future residential developments at Massanutten. We thank all attendees! We described adjustments to Resort Drive to make it safer and improve sight line distances between Saddle Trail and Silverstone Lane, and were able to satisfy previous questions about density and traffic patterns (and our traffic study is now being considered by VDOT).
Now, on to some cooler stuff. First, we’ve tentatively scheduled next Thursday (4/20) to fly concrete to the upper mountain footings for towers for the new summit detachable quad chairlift. It’ll be back later this summer to fly the towers themselves – and that’s quite a process to watch. So if you hear a helicopter in the Kettle next week, that’s what’s going on. Obviously, crews will keep spectators well clear of the active areas, but if you want to watch, the Mid Mountain Grill is probably the best place to do so from. Park along Ranier and walk to the MMG – and make sure where you park isn’t impacting traffic flow. You can see some pictures of lift construction below.
The construction schedule for the lift is amazing: we expect it to be ready to run by the end of July. To remove an old lift and build a new one in the in roughly five months is a real rarity. Kudos to our Mountain Ops staff and the crews from Doppelmayr, the lift’s manufacturer. Gradework and snowmaking installation on the upper part of that liftline – previously unskiable – will begin soon. Oh, and one fun activity you should be able to enjoy before the snow flies: crews are working on a new “blue square” mountain bike run from the summit, which should be ready to use once the new lift is tested and approved for operation.
On the sustainability front, we’re now hard at work on the solar installation adjacent to the WaterPark. The area between the site and the building has been trenched, and you’ll see pilings for the solar panels being installed beginning late this week or early next.
The new Farmer’s Market, which will feature local produce and craft items, will open in late May. It will be located adjacent to the Woodstone building.
Lots of fun stuff this summer, too. We’re expanding our selection of Camps: NBA legend and local resident Ralph Sampson returns for several Basketball Camps; we’ll offer several Culinary Camps featuring smoking, baking and cooking; there will be Pickleball Camps coached by professional players, and Intro to the Outdoors Family Camps centering on hiking, mountain biking and other outdoor activities. Golf camps are back, too. We’ll also offer winery and brewery tours, using Massanutten Shuttles to transport attendees in comfort and safety while they enjoy the excellent local producers.
We’re also re-doing the area around the Base Camp (near the Ski Lodge) to support adult outdoor games and a concert series (details TBA).
It all adds up to a great summer, and I hope you’ll join us to enjoy!
Cordially,
Matthias Smith, VP/General Manager, Massanutten Resort
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