Gunstock Ski Area Profile

When you stand at the summit of Belknap Mountain, home to the trails of Gunstock, and survey the magnificent views of Lake Winnipesaukee below, you can thank a remarkable bit of foresight during the Great Depression.

When the Works Progress Administration was created to help deal with massive unemployment during the 1930s, the Belknap County Legislative Delegation sought support from the state"s Congressional delegation for an ambitious recreation project. The project entailed campsites and a modern comfort station, an emphasis on protecting the environment, and most importantly for skiers, a ski area with a single chairlift, four rope tows, and about 4 miles of trails. The project included a main lodge and other structures built from native timber and quarry stone from nearby Cobble Mountain. Gunstock has kept pace ever since. With the recent installation of a high-speed quad to the summit (which replaced a triple, now doing duty in the Pistol area of the mountain), a new and larger terrain park, and a thorough overhaul of the snowmaking system, the mountain seems to be well set for the future.

Intermediates will have a ball at Gunstock, with some long cruising combinations possible. Upper/Middle/Lower Gunsmoke is a classic run which can be varied by taking Gunpowder to Shotgun (notice a theme to the trail names?) or drop off Upper Gunsmoke to Middle/Lower Recoil. Flintlock to The Flats to Stonebar is another worthy combination and a long run to boot.

Beginners start with the Learning Center Training Area and graduate to the trails served by the Gunshy Double. Or they can enjoy a longer trail, Sidearm, in the Pistol area.

Advanced skiers and riders head to Tiger Steeps and Tiger, Hotshot, Redhat, and half a dozen other black diamond choices. The terrain park on Blundersmoke is 75% larger than the old on Phelps, but like the old one it"s lighted for nighttime fun. The tubing hill, ½ pipe, Learning Center area and more than a dozen other trails are also lighted for night skiing.

By no means does the Lakes Region close down when the snow flies. More than a dozen lodging facilities nearby offer ski-and-stay packages, and the city of Laconia (pop. 12,000) is a mere 15 minutes away. Both here and in towns like Meredith you"ll find many lodging choices.