New $30 million lodge, 'rail zipline' planned for North Creek Ski Bowl

NORTH CREEK | Governor Hochul's recent Executive Budget revealed a project that is expected to boost year-round tourism and economic development in northern Warren County, creating new jobs for area residents. Plans are underway for the North Creek Ski Bowl to host a new $30 million lodge that will be open year-round and offer a variety of amenities — and for an innovative, all-season "rail zipline" to be constructed. Olympic Regional Development Authority officials unveiled the pending projects Jan. 18 to the Johnsburg town board. ORDA President Mike Pratt and Gore Mountain General Manager James "Bone" Bayse presented the Ski Bowl's redevelopment plans in a meeting held via videoconference. The proposed new lodge, 18,300-square-feet in size, is to include a restaurant and tavern, ski and mountain biking equipment shops, ski patrol headquarters, and two levels of patios offering stunning views of Gore Mountain. The upper level of the restaurant is planned to have a looming front-facing wall built with glass panels that retract and open up the vast eatery for open-air dining, providing unobstructed views of the scenery. Bayse said the new lodge would be a major new "year-round destination" in Warren County. The proposed "rail zipline" isn't like those existing at most resorts, Bayse said, noting that it would be a hybrid between a zipline and a chairlift, similar to an Alpine coaster. He said people of all ages would enjoy the self-propelled, electric-powered recreational rides, year-round, in a zig-zag suspended course up the mountain. "You won't see this type of attraction anywhere else in the country," Bayse said, noting that traditional ziplines and chairlifts can only be enjoyed by people of particular ages, shapes and abilities, while the rail zipline would accommodate nearly anyone. Pratt predicted that the zipline and lodge would be open as soon as fall 2023. He said that ORDA and Gore Mountain officials are now seeking environmental permits from the state Department of Environmental Conservation. The new lodge and rail zipline already have full approval of the ORDA Board of Directors, he said. Johnsburg Supervisor Andrea Hogan said the lodge was "absolutely beautiful" and the zipline was "terrific" — and both would boost Johnsburg's year-round economy. The lodge's exterior features both natural wood siding and stonework. "The town of Johnsburg looks forward to being a full partner in this project," she said. "We're very excited about this." Board members Justin Gonyo and Arnold Stevens both praised the plans, calling them "fantastic." These two new developments are part of a variety of new developments at North Creek Ski Bowl including new trails for skiing, hiking and mountain biking as well as new sports fields — all intended to boost year-round tourism as they provide new recreational opportunities. Pratt said the permitting process would include the aspect of wastewater disposal, and he added that septic discharge from the lodge could either be handled by a self-contained treatment device or an inground septic system if the pending North Creek sewer system isn't operational before the new lodge is finished. Pratt said the timing of constructing the new lodge and rail zipline as well as developing new ski trails were opportune. "This timing is tremendous for the region," he said, mentioning the upcoming 90th anniversary of skiing at the North Creek ski bowl. He added that the opening of the lodge would "honor the pioneers of skiing" in North Creek and Gore Mountain. Resident Bob Dillon offered his thoughts. "This is amazing — I'm blown away," he said. "I'm thrilled to see this, and I hope it happens soon."

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New $30 million lodge, 'rail zipline' planned for North Creek Ski Bowl

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