Skiing into the 60th : Attitash Mountain Resort Celebrates 60th Anniversary

On Attitash’s grand opening in January 1965, the 2,350-foot Bartlett mountain opened with just two lifts and four trails. Since opening day, what was once known as the “Red Carpet Ski Area,” has exploded into the 68-trail twin-peak resort that skiers and boarders today pilgrim to every season. 

Attitash’s founding team, which included Phil Robertson, president of the Attitash Mt. Lift Corp, and Thad Thorne, a veteran of the 10th Mountain Division and Wildcat Mountain, envisioned that the ski resort they created would be innovative and top-notch. 

In the 60 years since opening, innovation has been the name of the game. Attitash has expanded in size by purchasing neighboring Bear Peak and adding four more lifts and three terrain parks. 

Vail Resorts added Attitash to its stable in 2019 when the Colorado company acquired 17 ski areas from Peak Resorts in a $264 million deal that also included Wildcat and Crotched Mountain in New Hampshire. The company also operates Mount Sunapee.

Ski and Ride School pauses at the summit during Women’s Weekend. Courtesy/ Attitash Mountain Resort

Attitash now boasts more than 300 acres of skiable terrain, making it one of Mount Washington Valley’s largest ski resorts. As the 60th season begins, Attitash will be celebrating all season long by unveiling new advancements to the resort, while celebrating how far it’s come. 

“(Attitash) transforms strangers into community,” says Brandon Swartz, the mountain’s general manager. “It’s always been more than just a ski resort in our community — it’s a place filled with history and passion, and the kind of joy that only comes from skiing or riding with friends and family from first chair to last call.”

Located in the heart of the Mount Washington Valley, Attitash has become an integral part of the local community, and celebrates the region’s, and mountain’s, history through its trails.

“Our trail names aren’t just labels, but windows into unique stories. Thad’s Choice, a local favorite, is named after one of the original trail designers, Thad Thorne, whose vision shaped the trail’s unique features,” Swartz says. 

“Wilfred’s Gwam, another beloved trail, is named after a bulldozer operator who was one of the original trail builders, adding a unique twist to the history of our trails,” he says. “The name of our Mountaineer lift that was installed last winter pays homage to the historic Mountaineer scenic rail tour that once ran through the Mount Washington Valley, passing by the Attitash base area.”

The Mountaineer lift, which takes guests to the mountain’s summit, was recently updated. Courtesy/ Attitash Mountain Resort

Attitash’s tight-knit community is apparent through the number of employees and skiers who come back season after season.

Nate Jones, Attitash’s ski patrol manager, has worked ski patrol for the past 16 years.

“I needed a winter job so I came to the job fair, thinking I could be a shuttle driver or something,” Jones says. “I walked into the job fair and someone said, ‘You look like a ski patroller.’ It was the patrol director. He asked if I could ski. I said ‘yes.’ And the rest was history. I went and got a medical certificate, and then off I went.”

Managing his team is among his job’s greatest rewards, Jones says.

“Managing an amazing group of people is so rewarding — I like to think my job is to serve my team. I provide my team with what they need to do their job,” he says. “Also, a full-time year-round job in the Mount Washington Valley, working outside at a mountain that you love is a win… and they pay me to go skiing.”

Kyle Poirier has served as Attitash’s lift operations manager for 22 years.

“I take a lot of pride in reimagining the experiences we get to provide for our staff and guests,” he says. “The hands-on projects, from building ramps and mazes, to connecting with different team members and guests from all over the world, is an incredible experience. What makes Attitash special for me is the people and a love for the outdoors.” 

Attitash’s ski patrol cabin is perched atop the summit. Courtesy/ Attitash Mountain Resort

Nate Waterhouse, senior manager of skier services at Attitash and Wildcat, who has spent 28 years at the mountain, started by teaching children’s programs.

“My favorite part of teaching is helping people reach a goal and sharing my love for the sport. We get the opportunity to give someone a sport that they can enjoy for the rest of their life,” Waterhouse says. “I have made a lot of connections with staff and customers over the years. It’s cool to see the families grow and new generations coming through to learn to ski or ride.”

Attitash has prospered through economic and seasonal changes over the years, Waterhouse says.

 “I have seen the mountain go through ups and downs of business and tough winters, but the people that I have had the chance to work with are what make it a special place,” he says. “New lifts, better snowmaking technology, and other improvements are fun and exciting, but without those people it wouldn’t be the same.”

Lifelong skier Moira McCarthy has been skiing at Attitash since she was 12, back in 1972. McCarthy and her friends, armed with their five-mountain “All Valley” ski passes, grew up on the slopes of the mountain. 

“While I was a regular at Tyrol, I remember growing up as an Attitash skier as well, with my mom or another friend’s mom dropping us off and picking us up for ski days there. Once we were legal, we knew Après ski, particularly in the spring, meant the deck at the base of Attitash,” McCarthy says. “To this day, it’s the same fun, casual, friendly vibe. My local friends knew the nooks and crannies of Attitash, and we would often pop out of trees in spots that …. surprised other skiers out there.”

Celebrating the 60th

In celebration of Attitash’s diamond jubilee, visitors have a season full of mountain updates and events to look forward to.

Snapshots of the early days of Attitash. Courtesy/ Bartlett Historical Society

“The first thing guests will notice is, we revamped our Attitash base area lodges. These spaces are sporting a fresh and modern look,” Swartz says. “Back by popular demand, we are welcoming back the legendary all-natural Hunky Dory trail, a signature run on Attitash peak, as well as the return of Attitash After Dark, which will feature live music and vibrant après scene in the pubs and around the Bear Peak Firepit.”

Along with a rotating schedule of weekly events, and the return of beloved classic events (like Women’s Weekend and the community Attitash Race League) Attitash’s main anniversary event, the 60th Birthday Bash, will be held from Jan. 25-26.

There will even be “limited edition 60th anniversary gear, like T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, mugs and more,” Swartz says. “Every detail has been carefully planned with one goal in mind: to make this celebration as unforgettable as the last 60 years.”