Industry News
In a world where everything is becoming more expensive, people search for ways to save money. The ski industry is no different. Lift ticket prices are approaching $300 a day at some resorts around the United States. Plenty of ski resorts offer lift tickets for under $100, but those are usually smaller independent resorts. Those mountains represent the heart and soul of the ski industry, which is still geared towards family and community. One of those ski resorts offers something almost too hard to believe—free skiing and riding for the whole season.
Storrs Hill Ski Area, New Hampshire, announced it was launching a new Free Community Skiing program throughout the 2024-25 season. This program allows guests to hit the slopes at no cost. It was made possible by a generous gift from the Jack and Dorothy Byrne Foundation, which is named for Jack Byrne, who passed away in 2013, and his wife, Dorothy Byrne, who still lives in the Upper Valley.
Storrs Hill, located in Lebanon, New Hampshire, is a hidden gem that offers its community plenty of great activities.“This project embodies the spirit of our community, providing an opportunity for everyone to enjoy the outdoors and experience the magic of winter sports,” Cory Grant, President of the Lebanon Outing Club and Hill Manager, said in a press release. “We hope this initiative brings neighbors together and inspires a love of skiing in a fun and accessible way.”
- Related: Purgatory Resort, CO, Announces its 2024-25 Winter Operating Schedule Including $9 Lift Tickets
The Lebanon Outing Club (LOC) is a non-profit organization that manages and funds operations at Storrs Hill and is dedicated to providing affordable, family-friendly winter recreation opportunities. With its rich history and commitment to fostering community engagement, according to the press release. “Thanks to our land use agreements with Tomapo Farm and the City of Lebanon, the Byrne Foundation’s grant will jumpstart a community sponsorship campaign to continue free skiing in the coming seasons,” the press release stated.
Quick Facts and Stats:
- Vertical Drop: 300’
- Trails: 7: 1 Green, 4 Blue, 1 Black (The Glades), 1 Double Black (Terrain Park)
- Acres: 20
- Ski Jumps: 50 Meter “Heistad Hill”
- Terrain Park: Yes
- Lift: Poma Platter, 1500’
- Uphill Capacity: 600/hour
- Snowmaking: Yes; 4 state-of-the art Demaclenko fan guns, 1 Demac Stick
- Grooming: Always; 2 groomers (incl. one winch cat)
- Night Skiing: Since 1939! Upper and Lower Founders Way (main slope) – 10 acres
- Low acreage and great snow management produce consistently excellent surfaces
- Annual Skier Visits: >5,000
Storrs Hill was the first public ski resort in the Eastern U.S. and opened in 1923. The ski area initially operated as a ski club for the local high school, but later, in 1925, the resort had a ski jump built on the hill, bringing more popularity. The resort built its first lodge in 1935 and installed its first tow rope in the same year. In 1986, Lebanon, New Hampshire, decided they no longer had enough money to sponsor the ski area. The hill nearly closed as a result, but a Storrs Hill local donated a large amount of money to fund the resort. The resort is recognized as the second oldest in the country after being opened in 1923.
The ski area will offer free access to the public for skiing on Fridays from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. The local ski hill has courses in ski jumping, telemark, alpine ski racing, and an introduction to backcountry skiing. Beginners are welcome, and volunteers are often present to provide tips and support for those new to skiing or snowboarding. Instructional program descriptions and registration links are available on Storrs Hill’s website. No registration is required. Guests can arrive at Storrs Hill during public skiing hours, pick up a lift ticket at the window, and hit the slopes.
