Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Yesterday I toured West Mountain with Spencer Montgomery. Spencer and his wife Sarah are putting their all into West. This is a report on their progress.
First a commentary: West Mountain is a community treasure. What would so many young people do during the winter months without West? Its close vicinity, affordability and flexible hours allow students through the school year a winter playground. Sure beats sitting on the couch playing video games.
I’m rooting hard for West Mountain. Spencer and Sarah slug it out in the private sector without state assistance. But you won’t find them complaining. They are too busy for that. Take a look at what is going on.
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For a video of Spencer talkng about the plans, please visit my Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/100007077195460/videos/1678581365721087/?pnref=story
For pictures, please go to:
For more information and tickets please go to:
www.westmtn.net/mountain
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The Mountain – 370 acres
Spencer pointed out “Albany has more skiers per capita than anywhere in the U.S.” He repeatedly said “it is about the mountain, the ski center and getting it right.” They are working on this.
West is embarking on a $2 million project. The centerpiece is a new chairlift. With the help of Rozell Construction the new Drive Terminal – all 58,000 pounds of it – was lifted and placed into position yesterday. Soon to come will be erecting the new lift towers and putting into place the 44,000 pounds of cable for the chairs. New lights will be installed for this coming season.
It will now take just 7 minutes to get to the top of West, which is 25% faster than before and much more comfortable. Next year a new lift is planned for the Triple Chair.
New snowmaking equipment, piping and valves will allow 3 times the pressure and volume of water meaning more of the mountain covered with manmade snow. In the past West concentrated on the Frolic (green) trail and the Face. Now the 1.2 mile Holy Mackerel (intermediate) trail will receive snow making along with a new trail the Montgomery children named the “Gnarl-Wall”.
West is one of the premiere ski training facilities in the East. New facilities and staff is headed by David Wenn who is the former Woman’s coach at Vail. With the extension of the Face and the new Gnarl-Wall trail, West will now offer competitive skiers one of the best Giant Slalom tracks anywhere.
The restaurant will be headed by Mickey Hopkins formerly of George’s Restaurant. The lodges have been painted and spruced up. West is right off of Exit 18 offering flexible pricing and hours. It can’t be beat.
It’s where I’ll be skiing this winter. Hope to see you on the slopes.
Mark Westcott