Mountain Info

Excellent Snow, Spectacular Views & Elevation

The decision to develop a modern ski area on Wildcat Mountain was influenced by a few factors. Tremendous annual snowfall, high elevation, and northern exposure assuring a long ski season. Then there was the possibility of year-round recreational development. Of course, the spectacular scenery that surrounds Wildcat, including eye-level views of Tuckerman Ravine and Mt. Washington directly across Pinkham Notch, played a role as well!

Among the group that dreamed, planned, and finally built the ski area were Brooks Dodge and George Macomber, both of whom had raced many times on the famous old Wildcat Trail. These two men, each of whom had raced on two U.S. Olympic teams, were joined by Malcolm McLane and William Beal in shaping the first plans for the development of Wildcat Mountain Ski Area. A corporation was formed, capital obtained, and before you knew it the first T-bar was ready to roll. Only a few weeks later, and with appropriate ceremonies and fanfare, the first Gondola passengers were carried all the way to the top of the Mountain. Wildcat had entered the "Big Time" as one of the major ski areas in the United States.

The Wildcat Express

Taking the Gondola's place for base to summit transportation is the Wildcat Express, a high-speed detachable quad chairlift, which was installed in 1997. The Wildcat Express is the fastest and longest detachable quad chair lift in New Hampshire and possibly the fastest in the Northeast. At full operating speed, it can carry skiers and riders from the base to the summit in just over 6 minutes! Today, Wildcat does not operate a Gondola or enclosed lift during the winter season. During the summer and fall, the Quad lift line is transformed, chairs are removed and enclosed Gondola cabins are put on the line and it operates as a scenic skyride for sightseers and is New Hampshire's highest 4-person Gondola!

 

The Kitty Is For All Abilities

There lingers the misconception that Wildcat is a mountain for experts only. While the old-timers remember with nostalgia the s-turns and narrowness of Wildcat's first trails, these trails have been tamed over the years. Although the grade remains, the trails have been widened, snowmaking has improved and grooming machines provide Wildcat with meticulously groomed terrain.

In fact, the award-winning Polecat Trail, a green beginner trail descending from the summit to the base, has been described as "two and three quarter miles of sheer pleasure", "a masterpiece of construction", and "the most scenic trail in the U.S."

The Polecat, which keeps a special place in many a skier's heart, is New Hampshire's longest ski trail! Anyone who can complete a basic turn can ski the Polecat and experience the satisfaction of having skied a big mountain from top to bottom. Those of us who grew up skiing at Wildcat know it's the best place to learn!