Beyond 100%

Derrick Cram Uncategorized

Snowbowl Sets New Record for Open Terrain with the Reopening of Bailey Falls Lift

Middlebury, VT – Middlebury Snowbowl is making history this season with the reopening of the Bailey Falls lift, marking not only the return of a beloved lift and its terrain after a two-year hiatus but also setting a new record for the most open terrain and official trails in the history of the Snowbowl. This incredible milestone is a testament to the vision and dedication of Snowbowl’s leadership and hardworking team, whose efforts have expanded and enhanced the mountain like never before.

A special thanks goes to:

  • Ski Patrol Director Sean Grzyb – for his outside-the-box thinking and relentless dedication to expanding open terrain at the Bowl.
  • Assistant General Manager Ryan McNulty – for ensuring these newly opened surfaces are meticulously maintained and ready for skiers and riders.
  • Lift Mechanics Joe Renish and Nate Reinhold, our incredible volunteers, and the teams from SkyTrac Lift, Leitner-Poma, and G.W. Tatro Construction – for their heavy lifting, countless hours, and true blood, sweat, and tears that went into the refurbishment of the Bailey Falls lift. Their expertise and commitment have brought this project to life and made this expansion possible.

Over the past several seasons, the Snowbowl team has worked tirelessly to reclaim and reintroduce some of the mountain’s most storied trails, including:

  • Big Cookie – The former Poma lift line from 1987, now a revived and thrilling route.
  • S-Turn & Game Trail – Two classic runs from the old Bailey Falls Poma, now back in action under new names.
  • Panther – A trail that winds under the Worth Mountain Lift, adding more variety to the mountain’s layout.
  • Pete’s Pass & Bailey Falls Traverse – Enhancing connectivity across the Snowbowl.
  • New Learning Area Trail – Added last season expanding access for beginners and ensuring an even better experience for those new to the sport.

With the return of the Bailey Falls lift and these additional trails, the Snowbowl is officially beyond 100%—offering more terrain, more access, and more opportunities for skiers and riders than ever before.

“This is a historic milestone for the Snowbowl,” said Kim Essensa, General Manager at Middlebury Snowbowl. “It’s a true testament to the dedication of our leadership team, staff, and partners. Sean Grzyb and Ryan McNulty have gone above and beyond to make this expansion happen, and the lift wouldn’t be here today without Joe Renish, Nate Reinhold, and the hardworking teams from SkyTrac Lift, Leitner-Poma, and G.W. Tatro Construction. The effort and passion behind this project have been nothing short of extraordinary, and we’re beyond excited to welcome skiers and riders to experience it.”

Skiers and riders are encouraged to explore the newly expanded terrain and celebrate a record-breaking season at the Snowbowl. With the most open trails in its history, the mountain is primed for adventure like never before.