$2.6 million attraction was originally projected for July 4 debut.
Thursday, August 11, 2016, NewEnglandSkiIndustry.com
The long awaited Gunstock Mountain Coaster is set to debut on Saturday, August 13, adding to the resorts summertime attractions.
The Belknap County Commissioners originally approved a $2.6 million county bond for the project in July 2015, with a projected opening date of July 4, 2016. Construction started in February and was advertised as being 2 weeks ahead of schedule this spring, when Gunstock went before the Belknap County Commissioners again to obtain a $950,000 bridge loan.
The new attraction is located at the foot of Mt. Rowe, running from near the main ski lodge to an area adjacent to the historic ski jumps. The ride is about 4,200 feet in length and is the third installed in New Hampshire.
Other off season attractions at Gunstock include zip lines, an aerial obstacle course, segway tours, summer tubing, a bungee jump, a climbing wall, and scenic chairlift rides.
Gunstock is owned and operated by New Hampshire's Belknap County, and pays the county some $175,000 per year in an agreement stemming from taxpayer funds being used to pay down debt.
According to the fiscal year 2013 Melanson Heath audit, Gunstock had $6.25 million of long term debt, which was expected to be reduced to $5 million by 2015, prior to the issuance of the new bonds.
