Happy New Year
- Geoff Hatheway
- Jan 1
- 4 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Greetings from Londonderry,
Welcome to 2026! We're glad so many were able to join us for our New Year's Eve Party with plenty of dancing and toasting into the wee hours with celebratory fireworks at Midnight.
It's a great time to reflect but also to re-dedicate. Reflect on the past 9-years of Ski Magic owning and operating this legendary mountain founded originally by Hans Thorner and his family to bring a little Switzerland and its ski culture to the great state of Vermont. I think Hans would be happy that we've stayed true to maintaining the essential diversity, interest and challenge of the Magic terrain with all its twists, turns and creativity which inspires skiers on every run. It breeds a certain hearty character that is reflected in those who have been here for decades and those who more recently have discovered this gem of a mountain and its community.
And, I think Hans would understand our dedication to improvements over these years that better welcomes new-to-the-sport skiers and riders who will now be able to grow with the mountain to explore and conquer all it has to offer. From the graduated lift system of the Nelson Family Conveyor Learning Area, to our newer Abracadabra Handle Tow Area, to adding the Mid-Mountain Green Lift, and then up to the summit with both the historic and refurbished Red Chair and newly installed Black Quad. There's now something for every one, no matter where they are in their ski journey. All major investments to make Magic more accessible and enjoyable for all.
And, of course, Hans started snowmaking here back in the 70s, realizing that natural snow, which skis the best, doesn't always arrive exactly when you want it. Ski Magic has made consistent investments in electric air compressors; variable frequency drives for modulated pumping power; upsizing the water supply pond; gradual replacing of now decades old pipe; and, installation of more fixed tower guns and energy-efficient guns. All resulting in doubling the terrain from 10-years ago that is consistently covered with man-made snow for earlier openings and later season closings. We know the weather is not making it any easier, so we need to continually up our game each year!
So, our resolution this New Year is a simple re-dedication: to put you, the skier and rider here, FIRST. This is why we are here. This is why we invest in this mountain experience. This is why we always strive to improve. To try harder than any one else. Because this is a special place for you to escape. To adventure. To challenge. To belong. To simply have fun. Together.
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A little snow last weekend popped trail count with some fun conditions even in the glades. This week's early warm, wet weather followed by a deep freeze-up has meant more reliance on early season snowmaking trails, not all-natural ones. Today we added Lower Wand, Hocus Pocus and Magic Carpet "through the woods" section to our snowmaking groomed terrain! Andrew and his team just started the tower guns on Lower Magic Carpet with possible addition of that trail sometime this weekend while the guns fly. We picked up a little snow last night but we haven't had the "big one" just quite yet, although the pattern is shaping up for a good January on that front. We certainly have the base locked in, frozen, and ready across the mountain when that storm rolls in.
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Snowsports Learning
Now is the time to take advantage of our "Beginner Bundles".Our learning areas are busy this week, so it's a great time to take advantage of our learn-to-ski/ride beginner 2hr lesson, full rental gear and lift ticket package for just $200 for children 17 and under.
Start the booking process here or email lessoninfo@magicmtn.com with any questions.
New Ski/Ride Together Workshop!
Saturday’s from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Sunday’s 10:00 AM till 12:00 PM
Want to hit the slopes with your crew and actually work on your skills — not just follow the leader? This 2-hour group lesson is designed for up to four friends or family members who want to improve together. Led by one of our experienced instructors, this session focuses on building confidence, refining technique, and improving your all-mountain riding. Everyone in your group should already be comfortable riding the lift and navigating intermediate terrain. The lesson is paced to the group, with coaching and feedback throughout — so you can learn, progress, and enjoy the mountain as a team! Cost: $300 for up to 4 people (lift tickets not included)
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Black Line Tavern
Wow! What a fun time last night ringing in the New Year with fantastic NYE specials by Chef Dave, great dancing to DJ Lee Cohen, and light-up-the-sky fireworks right at midnight! Lots of new and familiar faces sharing the joy of new beginnings.
Another jam-packed weekend of fun at BLT with SINGO Friday night and then Saturday Apres party with the great Sammy Blanchette followed by The Martel Band hitting the BLT Stage from 7-10pm. Definitely starting the New Year off on the "right note"!
COMING SOON: Tickets are limited and will sell out! Our Alpine Update subscribers get first crack at our Comedy Night Special on January 31st featuring comedian Luke Thayer. Let's all laugh a little for a night with special comedy club-like seating!
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On behalf of our entire Magic staff, we wish you a happy, healthy and snow-filled New Year!
Keeping the soul in skiing,
Geoff
Magic Mountain
Where skiing still has its soul.