Magic Mountain Ski Area

By the time Hans Thorner established what would become known as the Magic Mountain Ski Area in the 1960s, he had built a reputation within the industry and among alpine enthusiasts. The winter venue's location in Vermont reminded him of the Swiss Alps that the instructor and filmmaker knew so well.

Motorists can access the ski resort off of Vermont State Highway 11, east of Londonderry. Interstate travel on I-91 can exit near Springfield before heading west towards the mountain. Boston's Logan is the closest International airfield, while Lebanon is the nearest municipal facility that visitors flying into the region can use.

From Bust to Must

While the Magic Mountain Ski Area enjoyed success in the 1960s and 1970s, a change in ownership coupled with economic factors eventually closed the venue's doors in the 1990s. It was the end of the decade before this ski resort was re-opened, and it has expanded operations since then.

The Lodge and the Black Line Tavern are modern facilities that contain the basics guests will need or want during their day on the slopes. That includes essential apparel, drinks, food, guest services, rentals, repairs, and lessons. Group and private lessons are available, along with a beginning session for those who have never done this before. Guests wanting to stay at the Magic Mountain Ski Area for more than a day (night skiing is not available at this venue) will find several lodging options nearby.

The Magic Mountain Ski Area has an annual average snowfall amount of 145 inches. That makes snowmaking equipment critical for a longer ski season and a consistent base for guests to ski or ride. Roughly half of the venue has snowmaking capabilities, and the resort also uses grooming equipment to keep the snow in the best possible shape after it has fallen.

Lots for Experts to Explore

The base elevation of the Magic Mountain Ski Area sits at 1,350 feet, and its summit at 2,850 feet. A 1,500-foot vertical drop proves vital when creating magical moments down the slopes. Anyone looking to up their game on the pow can sign up for uphill clinics or tours or explore features (natural and enhanced) in the same manner with experienced Magic Mountain Ski Area staff.

Guests have 39 trails and 11 glades to explore over the 135 acres. The longest trail is over 1.5 miles in length, and the steepest run sits at a 45-degree angle. It is the Alp-like terrain at the Magic Mountain Ski Area that Hans Thorner appreciated, and today's visitors agree with him. While a quarter of the mountain (24-percent) is rated green for newbies and 32-percent rated blue for intermediates, the slopes here are a dream for skilled skiers and riders.

The Magic Mountain Ski Area has 18-percent of its terrain rated as black diamond for advanced skiing. That leaves 26-percent of the mountain rated as double-diamond for experts to explore. The venue uses six lifts to move 3,000 guests around each hour. These provide access to the trails, tubing, and terrain park.