LOCALadk Magazine

60 Winter 2017 LOCALadk Magazine LOCALadk With a solid reputation for incredible panoramic vistas and signature steeps, the top of Gore Mountain is home to clas- sic Adirondack skiing at its best. However, the summit was not necessarily known as place for indoor comforts – at least until this winter. The once abandoned unloading barn of the historic 1967 gondola ( yes, the same building you had to circle around to access your favorite trails) is breathing life once again: it has been transformed into the stylish Straight Brook Lodge. And what a stunning difference! This lodge offers a few mountaintop amenities and is the best new hangout spot for adventurous skiers and riders. There are restrooms, vending machines for snacks, and coffee and hot chocolate machines – all conveniences that Gore's summit skiers have never had before. As you soak up the sun on the new deck located di- rectly under the historic gondola lift, look up – the old ma- chiner y is interestingly intertwined within the architecture of the new structure. That won't be the only time you'll be impressed with Gore's recent improvements, as the mid-mountain Saddle Lodge has doubled in size and now presents a sophisticated, mod- ernized appearance. No longer an overcrowded warming hut with a simple snack bar, the new Saddle Lodge offers a nice touch of luxur y amid Gore Mountain's down-to-earth vibe. The updated and expanded kitchen will introduce several new food options. Tr y a variety of pulled-meat or fish tacos ser ved with black beans, slaw, and guacamole, or treat your- self to a hearty plate of ribs prepared in Gore's new smoker. The new Saddle Lodge is accented with Adirondack-style fur- nishings and surrounded by views of the high peaks. Meanwhile, at the base area, the Northwoods Lodge fea- tures large additions to the rental shop, snow sports school, and slope-side entr yway. These expansions allow Gore to accommodate more children in lesson programs, provide an improved experience for guests who are renting equipment, and create a more comfortable arrival for families. When developing architectural designs for the buildings, Gore chose plans that would reduce the environmental im- pact of the construction and preser ve historical significance by using existing materials within the lodges. All three ren- ovations have kept components of the original structures and foundations intact while repurposing suitable materials where possible. For example, the Straight Brook Lodge pays due homage to the historic gondola, while the Saddle Lodge nods to its original layout with its repurposed cement arch- ways and massive wooden beams. Gore has been steadily modernizing its snowmaking in- frastructure over the last several winters, and this year has added 136 new guns equipped with the latest energy-saving technology. More guns, improved pumphouse efficiencies, and updated snow distribution methods will all contribute to snow being made more quickly this winter. To get guests to and from these new amenities more con- veniently, Gore also added parking for approximately 190 more cars. This means more guests parked in closer proxim- ity to the base area, which improves the speed of ser vice of the resort's shuttle system. For those who have a long-standing relationship with Gore Mountain and are concerned about changes, set aside any apprehensions. Gore Mountain still delivers the best and most authentic Adirondack winter experience! There is a polished and clean look with new conveniences to make your day better, but Gore has not lost any of its welcoming atmo- sphere and friendly ambience. This winter the staff at Gore Mountain invites you to "Make Gore Yours" as you car ve up the trails and have a grand old time! Value-added tip: Most of Gore's season passes, all fre- quent skier cards, and multi-day tickets are also accepted at its Adirondack sister mountain, Whiteface. Gore Keeps Growing Three Major Lodge Improvements Enhance an Authentic Adirondack Ski and Snowboard Experience By Julia K. Johnson & Emily A. Stanton

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