You Could Bring This Abandoned New Hampshire Ski Area Back To Life

Each day, tens of thousands of people pass through the intersection of Route 16 and Route 25 in the small town of Ossipee, New Hampshire.  Most, however, are completely unaware that they are driving right past an abandoned ski area.

If you have ever stopped at the Ossipee McDonald's restaurant, you may have noticed the remains of an aerial tramway (gondolas) in the neighboring building.  And, if you looked across Route 16, you would have seen what looks like trails cut into a nearby mountain.

That, my friends, is what remains of Mount Whittier!

Now, if you have the cash or the backers, you could be the person to resurrect this classic New England ski mountain.

Mount Whittier Ski Resort

According to the Snow Brains website, Mount Whittier, which is actually located on Nickerson Mountain, first opened sometime just after World War 2.  In the beginning, it was just a series of tow ropes taking skiers to the top of the mountain.

As the White Mountains became a more popular winter destination, the resort got busier and, as a result, was able to expand.  In the 1960s, a tramway was installed on the opposite side of Route 16.  This allowed skiers (and summertime sightseers) easier access to the summit of the mountain.

Like many properties in the area, the mountain also had offerings for summer visitors, too.

Check out this video from the late 1960s showing a family having fun at the resort.

Sadly, for several reasons, including a few warmer than normal winters and the construction of two interstate highways through the area, the mountain closed down sometime around 1985.

Mount Madness

According to Unofficial Networks, for a few years in the early 00s, the area was home to a year round adventure park.  The park featured everything from a summer camp, to motorsports, to places to mountain bike, to snow tubing.  It only lasted a few years, though.

The Property

According to a listing on the NAI Norwood Group website, the property encompasses about 797 acres that are adjacent to Route 16 and Route 25.

Currently, the property is a mostly overgrown hill.  The sale does not include the remains of the tram station (currently used as a gift shop).  Basically, the buyer gets a piece of land (well, several pieces of land) that can be developed into almost anything.

As a guy who spent several years living in this area, I'd love to see it turned into something that caters to the tourist trade.  Ski resort, outdoor adventure park, disc golf course, etc.

Another tourist attraction would only add to the other activities in the area.  Nearby attractions include the Castle In The Clouds, a semi-pro racecar track, several lakes, and great shopping.  Not to mention that the resort is located only a few minutes from all that North Conway has to offer.

The current list price is $3,200,000.

What would you do with the property?  Let us know by sending us a message inside our app.