Powder Ridge

Powder Ridge premiers exciting new model for “new normal”

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MIDDLEFIELD, Conn., April 28, 2020 – Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort has made exciting changes and added services to address COVID-19 head-on. With upgrades and redesigns to Fire at The Ridge restaurant, sporting activities, entertainment and wedding services the mountain has a distinct advantage in offering unique experiences with its wide-open spaces, 225 acres and the 10,000 sq. ft. lodge and restaurant.

Powder Ridge“Moving forward we will all be very conscious of social distancing. The changes we’ve made across the mountain will allow people to get back out and gather in a safe environment,” said Sean Hayes, CEO of Powder Ridge. “You’ve added services like micro-weddings for smaller more intimate weddings and upgrades to others such as providing more private space to special events.

The restaurant and other public spaces are being redesigned to create private seating spaces for individual parties with much more open space. Inside seating capacity has been reduced by over 40% and single club chairs have replaced couches around the newly installed fire pit. In addition, we are expanding our outdoor dining spaces beyond the large deck to base mountain and includes wait staff service.

We look forward to our guests getting out and enjoying all the open spaces this summer at Powder Ridge. For opening day information and a full list of policy and procedures visit our website. Our sales staff is available to take group and private event reservations for the summer and fall. We thank our loyal customers for your continued confidence and trust, we can’t wait to see you back on The Ridge.

About Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort

Powder Ridge is the first full service year-round urban mountain sports park and resort, featuring skiing, snowboarding, tubing, mountain biking and synthetic snow adventures for all ages. The 225-acre facility is centrally located in the heart of Connecticut at the junction of all the major throughways, providing easy access to the over 23 million people within a 90-mile radius. The renovated lodge houses the Marketplace for casual dining and large events. On the second floor of the lodge is Fire at The Ridge Restaurant & Tavern, plus 10 hotel rooms.

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If you would like more information on this topic or Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort, call Laura Loffredo at (860) 894-2205.

 

Powder Ridge opens Spring and Summer seasons May 21

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Powder Ridge Park and Fire at the Ridge restaurant will re-open May 21, 2020, with new social distancing guidelines in-place for staff and guests.

Chandler Brill forms Ski Academy of Connecticut

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Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort is proud to announce the joining of Chandler Brill and the formation of the Ski Academy of Connecticut to Powder Ridge. Chandler, a three-time US Ski Team member and finalist at the Junior World Championships has joined with Powder Ridge to create and lead the Academy.

Chandler is a Level 3 PSIA Alpine Instructor and a Level 300 U.S. Ski Association Coach and is now accepting registrations to the Academy for the 2020 race season.

Ski Academy of Connecticut

Overnight event-based camping is coming to Powder Ridge this summer

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Middlefield, CT. (January 18, 2019) Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort announced today it has received town approval for event-based camping. Powder Ridge Park is a full service year-round urban mountain sports park and resort, features skiing, snowboarding, tubing, mountain biking and synthetic snow adventures for all ages. The park also hosts cultural and sporting events throughout year that will benefit from the addition of camping.

“We would like to thank the town of Middlefield’s residents for all their support,” said Sean Hayes, CEO of Powder Ridge. “It’s a critical element to ensure Powder Ridge is a viable asset to the community for the long term and will bring a whole new level of experience to our events.”

The approved scope of the project includes 500 campsites for tents and RVs. Each campsite would be limited to six people for a maximum stay of three nights.

Campsites will be located on about 20 acres of already-developed land, and largely overlap existing parking areas, so no construction is needed.

“We’re not utilizing green space, we’re utilizing already developed property for these sites,” Hayes said. “It’s either grass based that’s utilized for tents, or parking spaces that are utilized for RV campers.”

The resort’s main lodge will remain open overnight to allow access to restrooms. Hayes said they also plan to set up portable toilets. Quiet hours will be mandated for campers after 11 p.m. and at least one security guard will also be on duty overnight.

Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort is the first full service year-round urban mountain sports park and resort, featuring skiing, snowboarding, tubing, mountain biking and synthetic snow adventures for all ages. The 225-acre facility is centrally located in the heart of Connecticut at the junction of all the major throughways, providing easy access to the over 23 million people within a 90-mile radius.  The newly renovated lodge houses the Marketplace for casual dining and large events.  On the second floor of the lodge is Fire at The Ridge Restaurant & Tavern, plus 10 hotel rooms.  The mountain has been upgraded with new snow making equipment, snow grooming vehicles, and updated aerial and surface lifts.  The training center is the only Terrain Based Learning Facility in CT, which utilizes sculpted snow to give beginners high level skiing and riding sensations without the fear or risks of falling and stopping.

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If you would like more information about this topic, call Laura Loffredo at (860) 894-2205 or contact Powder Ridge by email.

Powder Ridge Park to offer new mountain experiences this Summer

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Middlefield, CT. (March 31, 2018) Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort is excited to announce the addition of new sport adventures to their Spring, Summer & Fall season.  Skiing, bordering and tubing became available year-round on The Ridge with the opening of the 365 Synthetic Snow park.  This spring Powder Ridge adds new activities to the line-up;

  • New & revamped mountain bike trails with skills park
  • Disc golf
  • Kayaking
  • Zip lining

Powder Ridge gives you more outdoor adventure than you can fit into a day. Guests are encouraged to experience new sports, participate in team building activities and even fly down a zip line.

Along with the new sport adventures Powder Ridge offers trips for camps and corporate groups. “Our sister park, Brownstone Park has been the number one destination for adventure field trips, using the historic Portland quarry as the back drop” said Sean Hayes, CEO of Powder Ridge. “At Powder Ridge we will offer adventure sports with the same exciting thrills and sense of accomplishment but here we  have a mountain”! Half day or full day packages are available with discounts for youth groups or groups of 25 or more. The park opens Memorial Day weekend on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and to groups by reservation. Team building, lessons and rentals are available.

Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort is the first full service year-round urban mountain sports park and resort, featuring skiing, snowboarding, tubing, mountain biking and synthetic snow adventures for all ages. The 225-acre facility is centrally located in the heart of Connecticut at the junction of all the major throughways, providing easy access to the over 23 million people within a 90-mile radius.  The newly renovated lodge houses the Marketplace for casual dining and large events.  On the second floor of the lodge is the Ridgeside Tavern, Fire at The Ridge Restaurant, and 10 hotel rooms.  The mountain has been upgraded with new snow making equipment, snow grooming vehicles, and updated aerial and surface lifts.  The training center is the only Terrain Based Learning Facility in CT, which utilizes sculpted snow to give beginners high level skiing and riding sensations without the fear or risks of falling and stopping.

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If you would like more information about this topic, call Laura Loffredo at (860) 894-2205 or contact Powder Ridge by email.

Cardboard box sleds race for the gold at Powder Ridge

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Middlefield, CT. (Feb. 6, 2018) Powder Ridge Park will host our 1st revival of the Cardboard box sled race. Challenging family, friends and businesses to build the fastest sled and race it down the mountain for a great cause.

The race will benefit the John J. Nerden RTC Camp (Camp Nerden) in Middlefield.  Camp Nerden  has just celebrated its 50th anniversary serving the community and those with intellectual disabilities.  “The camp is supported solely by donations from local businesses, civic organizations, service clubs, interested individuals, and requests for funding from the cities and towns we serve,” explains Laurie Russell, President of the Board of Directors.  “We love the idea of coming together with Powder Ridge and the community for this event.”

Participants can be a part by entering one of two divisions; The Family Division, parents can help build but children must be the passengers, $20. Per sled. And the Team division for businesses, friends and coworkers, $100 per sled. Sign up on line at PowderRidgePark.com. Purchase before Feb. 25th and receive 25% off! Enter coupon code “boxsled”.

“In the past, this event had been part of Powder Ridge’s history. Area businesses and municipalities would come together to help local charities.” says Sean Hayes, CEO. “As a member of the community we are very excited to bring this event back and help benefit our neighbor at Camp Nerden”.

Awards will be given out for best design, funniest, most creative helmet and fastest speed and of course yearlong bragging rights!

Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort is the first full service year-round urban mountain sports park and resort, featuring skiing, snowboarding, tubing, mountain biking and synthetic snow adventures for all ages. The 225-acre facility is centrally located in the heart of Connecticut at the junction of all the major throughways, providing easy access to the over 23 million people within a 90-mile radius.  The newly renovated lodge houses the Marketplace for casual dining and large events.  On the second floor of the lodge is the Ridgeside Tavern, Fire at The Ridge Restaurant, and 10 hotel rooms.  The mountain has been upgraded with new snow making equipment, snow grooming vehicles, and updated aerial and surface lifts.  The training center is the only Terrain Based Learning Facility in CT, which utilizes sculpted snow to give beginners high level skiing and riding sensations without the fear or risks of falling and stopping.

The John J. Nerden RTC Camp has provided a free year-round recreational program for children and adults with intellectual disabilities from 18 cities and towns in the central Connecticut area for over 50 years.  Located on 15 acres of land in Middlefield donated by Powder Hill Ski Area in 1965, Camp provides 7 weeks each summer of recreational programming for approximately 125 campers ranging in age from pre-school to adult.  Activities include swimming, arts and crafts, outdoor recreation, music, special events, and a weekly cook-out.  All this is done at no cost to the campers and their families.  For further information please visit our website at www.campnerden.com.

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If you would like more information about this topic, call Laura Loffredo at (860) 894-2205 or contact Powder Ridge by email.

Powder Ridge partners with DirtSculpt to bring world-class bike park to Connecticut.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Two Phase Expansion Plan for Bike Park Scheduled for Spring & Fall of 2018

Middlefield, CT. (January 18, 2018) Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort announced today it has signed an agreement with Dave King of Dirtsculpt LLC, one of the world’s best bike park builders to expand its mountain biking park.  DirtSculpt has over 15 years of professional experience designing and building some of the world’s best bike parks and trails.  In addition, Dirtsculpt has built courses for some of the biggest events in the biking industry including X-Games, Red Bull, TRA & Dew Tour just to name a few.

Dirtsculpt will put their expertise to work on designing and building a family friendly park that can be enjoyed by every level of biker and many different types of biking disciplines including Downhill, Enduro, dirt jump and BMX.  “We are very excited to be working with Powder Ridge and to have one of our parks as a permanent fixture, something that riders can enjoy for years to come,” said Dave King, owner of Dirtsculpt. “Powder Ridge’s location between two of the largest markets, Boston and New York will give the sport exposure to a much larger audience.”

The approved scope of the project will include the following:

  • Expansion and upgrading of seven (7) of the existing top to bottom downhill mountain biking trails including adding jumps, rollers, wooden features, wall rides and drops.
  • Design & buildout of a 50,000 Sq. Ft. beginner’s skills area with berms, rollers, rock garden and features.
  • Design and buildout of three (3) new top to bottom downhill trails, one for each level of biker (green, blue, black).
  • Design and buildout of BMX/dirt jump park area with three (3) jump lines that are over 750 Ft. long and a pump track.

“The next level of mountain biking is finally coming to Southern New England” says Sean Hayes, CEO of Powder Ridge. “We have spent the last year working with Dave King and other industry experts to design an overall biking program that will make mountain biking more accessible to every level of rider”.  The relaunch of the park will include a full suite of group and private lessons, summer camp & day trip programs, sponsored competitions, an expanded rental fleet for all levels of riders plus youth and adult meet-up group programs.

Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort is the first full service year-round urban mountain sports park and resort, featuring skiing, snowboarding, tubing, mountain biking and synthetic snow adventures for all ages. The 225-acre facility is centrally located in the heart of Connecticut at the junction of all the major throughways, providing easy access to the over 23 million people within a 90-mile radius.  The newly renovated lodge houses the Marketplace for casual dining and large events.  On the second floor of the lodge is the Ridgeside Tavern, Fire at The Ridge Restaurant, and 10 hotel rooms.  The mountain has been upgraded with new snow making equipment, snow grooming vehicles, and updated aerial and surface lifts.  The training center is the only Terrain Based Learning Facility in CT, which utilizes sculpted snow to give beginners high level skiing and riding sensations without the fear or risks of falling and stopping.

Dirtsculpt LLC is a Pennsylvania based company that specializes in the planning, design, and construction of trails, bike parks and competitive events.  Dirtsculpt has over 15 years of professional experience designing and building some of the world’s best bike parks, events and trails. Dirtsculpt is a proud member of the Professional Trail Builders Association.

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If you would like more information about this topic, call Laura Loffredo at (860) 894-2205 or contact Powder Ridge by email. For additional information concerning Dirtsculpt, call Dave King at (484) 515-6095.

Powder Ridge in Middlefield first to open slopes this season

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Middlefield, CT. (Aug. 30, 2017) Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort is proud to announce the opening of the 2017 – 2018 Ski & board season!  There’s no need to wait until December, your favorite winter sports are now available 365 days a year! The 365 Snow park will be open on Sept. 2 with 500 ft. run for skiing and boarding. Grand opening ceremony is planned for noon.

Plus, season pass holders and guests will notice two new additions to the lodge.  The new slope side deck leading skiers right up to the Tavern for a Après Skiing! And just off the first-floor lodge a covered outdoor patio with a stone – faced fireplace.

“The waiting is finally over, this is going to be an exciting head start to the ski season at Powder Ridge,” said Sean Hayes, CEO of Powder Ridge. “Starting opening day lessons, race training and equipment rentals will all be available”.

Fire at The Ridge restaurant and the Ridgeside Tavern are open year-round offering hearty mountain faire and live bands every Saturday night. For more information on all the mountain updates and events on The Ridge visit PowderRidgePark.com.

Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort is the first full service year-round urban mountain sports park and resort, featuring skiing, snowboarding, tubing, mountain biking and synthetic snow adventures for all ages. The 225-acre facility is centrally located in the heart of Connecticut at the junction of all the major throughways, providing easy access to the over 23 million people within a 90-mile radius.  The newly renovated lodge houses the Marketplace for casual dining and large events.  On the second floor of the lodge is Fire at The Ridge Restaurant & Tavern, plus 10 hotel rooms.  The mountain has been upgraded with new snow making equipment, snow grooming vehicles, and updated aerial and surface lifts.  The training center is the only Terrain Based Learning Facility in CT, which utilizes sculpted snow to give beginners high level skiing and riding sensations without the fear or risks of falling and stopping.

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If you would like more information about this topic, call Laura Loffredo at (860) 894-2205 or contact Powder Ridge by email.

Powder Ridge in Middlefield offers skiing, snowboarding & tubing 365 days-a-year

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Middlefield, CT. (July 26, 2017) Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort is proud to announce the opening of our 365 Synthetic Snow Park. Your favorite winter sports are now available 365 days a year! The 365 Snow park will September 2, 2017 with 500 ft. run for skiing and boarding plus two tubing lanes. Grand opening ceremony is planned for noon.

Sean Hayes, CEO of Powder Ridge explains, “Skiing 365 days a year has been happening all over Europe for many years. It is made possible by a high-tech version of artificial turf.” 365 Synthetic Snow by Yiippi uses high quality plastic polymer “fingers” that provides a slippery surface, (without water) but still provides the user the ability to carve for turning and stopping.” Hayes continues, “that’s just the beginning by the summer of 2018 the 365 Synthetic Snow Park will go all the way to the top of the Ridge, that is over 2,800 feet.”

“We are proud to partner with Powder Ridge to bring the first synthetic snow park to the Northeast U.S.” says Hans Peter Koehle, Managing Director bei Yiippi GmbH365. “365 Synthetic snow is ideal for race and freestyle teams to train on. The large amount of space between the “fingers” provides more air flow than any other synthetic snow manufacturer. That air keeps the board or ski from overheating even on the fastest racing team.”

Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort is the first full service year-round urban mountain sports park and resort, featuring skiing, snowboarding, tubing, mountain biking and synthetic snow adventures for all ages. The 225-acre facility is centrally located in the heart of Connecticut at the junction of all the major throughways, providing easy access to the over 23 million people within a 90-mile radius.  The newly renovated lodge houses the Marketplace for casual dining and large events.  On the second floor of the lodge is Fire at The Ridge Restaurant & Tavern, plus 10 hotel rooms.  The mountain has been upgraded with new snow making equipment, snow grooming vehicles, and updated aerial and surface lifts.  The training center is the only Terrain Based Learning Facility in CT, which utilizes sculpted snow to give beginners high level skiing and riding sensations without the fear or risks of falling and stopping.

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If you would like more information about this topic, call Laura Loffredo at (860) 894-2205 or contact Powder Ridge by email.

Powder Ridge Music Festival – Local bands & foliage chair lift rides

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Middlefield, CT (August 25, 2014) ─ Powder Ridge is bringing the music back to its slopes Oct. 4 & 5 for the first Powder Ridge Music Festival in its natural amphitheater. With Connecticut’s most talented bands and family-friendly activities like foliage chair lift rides to the top of the mountain and family sack racing and over 40 vendors.

If you grew up in Middlefield, there is no doubt you have heard the legend of the 1970 Powder Ridge Festival that never was. “The festival promised big names like Led Zeppelin, Janis Joplin, Sly and the Family Stone,” says Sean Hayes, Chief Executive Officer of Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort, “After residents heard about the mayhem of Woodstock, they cancelled the festival. But it was too late and too short of notice. More than 30,000 people descended upon Powder Ridge unaware the festival had been cancelled. This year, we are bringing music back to the Ridge rain or shine with a labyrinth of local bands and activities for the whole family.”

The Ridge will also be taken over by an abundance of local food and drink, craft and artesian vendors. Festival-goers can purchase a one-day pass for $20 or 2-day pass for $35. 50 VIP passes will be available each day for $59.00. Children 12 and under are free with an adult. The festival will begin October 4 from 12pm – 10pm and continues October 5 from 12pm – 8pm. Tickets go on sale September 2nd and are available on line only. Visit the website for a full list of bands, vendors and to purchase passes, www.PowderRidgeFestival.com. For more information www.PowderRidgeFestival.com

The combination of Powder Ridge Mountain Park and Resort and Brownstone Exploration and Discovery Park create an unparalleled year-round adventure sports park experience. Powder Ridge Mountain Park and Resort features skiing, snowboarding, tubing and mountain biking adventures for all ages. Visit the rental facilities and renovated lodge featuring the Market Place with mountain-style cuisine, open seating, retail shops and destination restaurant Fire at the Ridge, serving artfully-inspired regional cuisine. Located at 99 Powder Hill Road, Middlefield, Conn., the park is less than 30 minutes from Hartford and New Haven. Call (860) 349-3454 for information on group discounts and school and corporate team building programs.

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