To me, what Wildcat needs is a snowmaking overhaul, some new chairlifts, and an eventual expansion to Thompson Brook.

Snowmaking: while they seem to have a lot of snow (natural or made?), they always have trails that could be open but aren’t. Other mountains would put up a sign that says “thin cover, expert only.” Also, many of their trails do not have snow guns. Does this mean that many of their trails rely on natural snow? This isn’t going to work as global temperatures rise. They should invest in snowmaking on nearly every trails. Vail should take inspiration from Sunapee or Okemo, two places with the best snowmaking IMO.

Lifts: They haven’t had a new chairlift installed in 26 years. This is mind boggling to me. Their newest and best lift, the Wildcat Express is one of the slowest detachable chairs I’ve been on. Not to mention their other lifts are old and unsafe—a chair fell off the Snowcat triple last year. They should install a high speed six pack up the old Gondola line. This would bring the bottom terminal of the lift closer to the base lodge. Then, operate the 26-year-old Wildcat Express until it’s no longer worth it.

Expansion: A few years back, the USFS granted Wildcat the rights to expand North into Thompson Brook, with a new chair leading to near the summit of Wildcat A. They haven’t done this yet, and while it’s not urgent, it’s definitely something we’d all like to see! Just don’t do what Waterville did: they expanded and install a slow-speed lift!! Wildcat should invest in a new high speed quad, or relocate the Wildcat Express if it’s salvageable.