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The Past
2000-2001
For the 2000-2001 season, Berkshire East added and improved numerous things. On the top of the investment list was a $300,000 snowmaking expansion. In addition, a brand new snowboard rental inventory was purchased. Finally, two trails were added to the map - Avalanche and Hayfield. While Hayfield would not end up reopening, Avalanche was cleared and remained an official trail for a few seasons.
While this expansion was in progress, something big was happening near Exhibition - the Wilderness Peak complex was being cut.
Beyond skiing, Berkshire East briefly became a school in 2001, as Hawlemont Regional Elementary School students moved to the Main Lodge while the school underwent renovations.
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Wilderness Peak in August of 2000
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The Top Notch Double, November 2001
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One of the largest expansions in Berkshire East's history was planned for 2001-2002. With the recent logging on Wilderness Peak, five new trails were graded and 'opened,' including Roundabout (originally cut with the Outback complex), Hemlock, Little Spruce (the lower part following an abandoned housing complex road), and Wilderness Peak (the middle part of a proposed lift line). Due to one of the worst winters in modern history, none of these trails would open.
In addition to the Wilderness Peak trails, Upper Exhibition was cut to facilitate a planned double chairlift. The plans for this lift were placed on hold, however, two lifts would be installed. A brand new O'Connor handle tow replaced the never-opened Bobcat Rope Tow and a Hall double chairlift from Mt. Tom replaced the vintage Hall J-Bar lift on Top Notch.
Beyond the trails and lifts, Berkshire East purchased hundreds of new rental skis from Temple Mountain ski area and seven brand new fan guns from SMI. The snow guns would come in handy in particular, as the cold weather and snow never really stuck. In fact, Berkshire East and many other areas closed in early March, cancelling the Cardboard Classic for the first time in recent memory due to lack of snow.
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Continue to 2002-2003
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