NHPR: State Approaching Decision on Mount Sunapee Ski Area Expansion

by Sam Evans-Brown

The Mount Sunapee Ski Resort is asking the state for permission to build new lifts and new trails. It’s a proposal that was stymied by political resistance in Concord for ten years. Now with a change of governors, a court victory, and growing local support for the expansion, the lay of the land for the expansion has shifted dramatically.

When it comes to expanding a ski area, the arguments for and against aren’t going to surprise anyone. Proponents say the change will create jobs, increase tax revenue for towns and the state, and bring more tourist dollars to the region. Opponents say expansion will be environmentally destructive, increase traffic, and drive up property taxes.