McIntyre Ski Area is a city-owned ski area adjacent to Derryfield Park in Manchester, New Hampshire, United States. It opened in 1971 with two chairlifts and a rope tow, and was operated by the city until 2009, when they leased the area and management rights to McIntyre Ski School, Inc. (now McIntyre Ski Area, LLC) for a 25-year period.[1] The area has a ski school, snow tubing, skiing and snowboarding, and a shop, which opened in 1992.[2]
The hill has 180 feet (50 m) of vertical elevation. Like many New England ski areas, it is open outside the ski season to host conferences, weddings and other events.
History
Manchester began seeking a ski facility as early as 1962, when discussions began with the New Hampshire State Parks. Plans for a facility on the nearby Mt. Uncanoonuc fell through, and the city went forward with a development of its own, opening McIntyre a few years later with three runs, two Hall double chairlifts, a handle tow and a brand new lodge. In 1978 McIntyre Ski School, Inc. was formed, to cater to the beginner skier.[3][4] The area was named after T. Edward McIntyre, the first superintendent of the Parks & Recreation Department, and the main force behind starting the Manchester Babe Ruth League.[5]
Since taking over management, McIntyre Ski School has installed Magic Carpet lifts and snowmaking equipment. A new base lodge was built for the 2010–2011 season.
The opening sequence of In Your Eyes (2014) was filmed at McIntyre on 5 March 2012.[6]
For the 2014–2015 season McIntyre upgraded their snowmaking system, by upgrading the water lines and purchased an additional snow gun. They also added a secondary motor in each ski lift, making them capable of running at a lower speed when necessary. Energy efficient lighting was also installed in some areas.[7]
References
- ^ Beland, Amanda. "McIntyre's general manager touts ski area's benefits". New Hampshire Union Leader. Retrieved 19 February 2015.
- ^ McIntyre Ski Area - About Us
- ^ New England Ski History
- ^ McIntyre Ski Area - About Us
- ^ Dunn, Bob (February 2010). "42 budding Rye skiers learn ropes on Manchester slope". Rye Reflections. Retrieved 10 April 2015.
- ^ Hayward, Mark (5 March 2012). "Manchester ski area goes Hollywood with 'In Your Eyes'". New Hampshire Union Leader. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
- ^ Cousineau, Michael. "McIntyre Ski Area tickets prices on rise". New Hampshire Union Leader. No. 10-2-2014.