Pats Peak

Infobox ski area
name = Pats Peak

picture = Trail map of pats peak summit sign.jpg
caption = View of the trail map at the top of Pats Peak
location = Henniker, New Hampshire, U.S.
lat_degrees = 43
lat_minutes = 09
lat_seconds = 48
lat_direction = N
long_degrees = 71
long_minutes = 47
long_seconds = 45
long_direction = W
top_elevation = convert|1400|ft|m|abbr=on
base_elevation = 690 ft
skiable_area = 80 acres
number_trails = 22 [ cite web
url = http://www.patspeak.com/pr_statsfacts.htm
title = FAQ
publisher = Pats Peak
accessdate = 2007-07-14 ]
longest_run = convert|1.5|mi|km Breeze/Zephyr/Squall Line
liftsystem = 5 chairs, 2 magic carpet, 3 tow/J-bars
triplechair = 2
doublechair = 3
magiccarpet = 2
external_link = [http://www.patspeak.com/ Pats Peak] |

Pats Peak is a small, independent alpine ski resort located in Henniker, New Hampshire in the United States. The ski area opened in 1963 and has 22 trails with a vertical drop of convert|710|ft|m. The trails are 50% novice trails, 18% intermediate, 14% advanced trails, and 18% expert trails. Most trails are named after winds, with trails such as Cyclone, Hurricane, and Twister. Pats Peak has been rated to have the best slalom skiing terrain in New Hampshire (FIS Race Trail, Expert) by Ski Magazine. Night skiing is available.

The four Patenaude brothers bought the original convert|200|acre|km2|sing=on plot of land for the Peak from their father, Merle Patenaude. It has been owned continuously by the Patenaude family since it opened, with three of the original owners selling their parts of the land to the fourth.

Pats Peak has five chairlifts, including the Vortex Double, the Peak Double, the Valley Triple, the Valley Double, and the Hurricane Triple. In addition, the ski area also has a small beginners slope with a handle tow and a Magic Carpet lift, and a larger beginner slope with the Bluster Carpet, the longest Magic Carpet in New Hampshire.

The mountain has a cafeteria, a cafe (The Tradewinds Cafe), and a pub (The Sled Pub).

Pats Peak has an alpine race team in the Central Division of the NHARA racing league. The club encompasses J6, J5, J4, J3, J2, and J1 age groups. The club mostly is coached by volunteer coaches, some of which are only able to come part time.

Pats Peak is located twenty minutes from Concord and ninety minutes from Boston.

References

External links

* [http://www.patspeak.com Pats Peak Ski Area and Banquet Center] - Official site
* [http://www.boston.com/travel/explorene/specials/ski/blog/2005/12/pats_peak_nh_1.html Pats Peak] - Boston.com Ski Guru Blog