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The Past
2006-2007
Many projects were underway during the 2006 off-season. In addition to significant snowmaking infrastructure work, a new trail was cut from the top of the Summit Triple to the top of the Diamond Express Double, allowing for an easier way down with better conditions. Finally, significant work was done on the Main Lodge, including painting, carpeting, and cafeteria renovations.
Snowmaking started on December 4th and, despite seasonably warm temperatures, Berkshire East was able to open on December 8th with the West Quad. The top of the mountain opened the following day.
Spring and summer like weather soon arrived, and the mountain was closed for an extended period at the beginning of January - temperatures reached 70 on the 7th! All was not lost, however, as the modern snowmaking system allowed for a quick recovery, as well as continuous skiing through the end of March.
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Big Chief on a 70 degree January day
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The tubing slope prior to the installation of the Magic Carpet
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In July of 2007, word came through that Berkshire East had been sold by its parent corporation - Roy Schaefer and his oldest son Jim had purchased the ski area.
Significant work was done in the offseason, including even more snowmaking expansion. The old ski patrol building (formerly the ski shop) was torn down and replaced. A tubing area, served by a Magic Carpet, was built on the bottom of the former Running Brook ski trail. A barn was built for the tubing area.
Apparently Mother Nature approved of this work, as she provided the best winter in recent memory. As a result, nearly all of the terrain was open for nearly all of the season.
The 2008-2009 season featured decent early and mid-season snowfall. Opening day was December 6th and closing day was March 22nd. At the end of the season, a new business named Berkshire East Canopy Tours was announced, with a May 2009 planned opening.
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