The college-owned ski area has received state approval for the project.
Friday, February 3, 2023, NewEnglandSkiIndustry.com
Vermont may soon have its second chairlift-served night skiing option, as Middlebury College received state approval for lighting at the Snow Bowl.
According to the Vermont Act 250 permit issued before this ski season, Middlebury may install LED fixtures on terrain served by the Sheehan Chair and Discovery Zone carpet. The $675,000 project has an October 2025 completion deadline.
The 451 vertical foot chairlift would serve the novice Lang, intermediate Kelton, and expert Cameron trails until 9 PM. Cameron would have 20 lux lighting for race training, adjustable to 10 lux to match the other trails when used for recreational purposes. The fixtures would be mounted to 30-foot poles and would use conduit laid on the ground adjacent to existing snowmaking lines.
Bolton Valley is the only other chairlift-served night skiing facility in Vermont. Stowe offered gondola-served night skiing until 2008.
Located off Route 125 in Hancock, Middlebury College Snow Bowl is open to the public, featuring a 1,050 foot vertical drop served by three chairlifts.
Middlebury College Snow Bowl did not respond to an inquiry about the project.
