Granite Gorge, at a Glance
Granite Gorge Mountain Park is your local, affordable option for outdoor adventure.
A place where everyone can find something fun to do, without the crowds, complexity, or high prices of larger resorts.
We’re a small mountain with a wide range of offerings. From first-time skiers learning to make turns to experienced riders seeking a challenge, from snow tubing and youth programs in winter to mountain biking, events, and scenic lift rides in the warmer months, Granite Gorge delivers a fulfilling experience for every visit.
What you can expect:
A relaxed pace
A welcoming, community-driven vibe
Easy access to outdoor fun, right in your backyard
What we’re not:
Overcrowded
Overpriced
Overcomplicated
Our Story: From Pinnacle
to Granite Gorge
Built by Locals, for Locals
Granite Gorge’s roots run deep in the local community. The mountain first opened as Pinnacle Mountain in November 1959, built from scratch by locals with a shared vision: create a fun, accessible place for the community to ski and gather.
By the early 1960s, Pinnacle Mountain had grown to include:
- Two rope tows
- A beginner Poma lift
- Five alpine trails, including a 2,000’ novice run
- A skating rink, nursery, and warming hut
With a vertical drop of 250 feet and lift tickets costing just $3.00, Pinnacle Mountain became a beloved place for learning, practicing, and spending winter days together. The ski season typically ran from late December through March.
The mountain closed during the 1976–1977 season, but its legacy stayed alive.
Rebirth as Granite Gorge
After more than 20 years of inactivity, the property was purchased in 1999 by Fred and John Baybutt and reopened as Granite Gorge Ski Area for the 2003–2004 winter season. The reopening focused on:
- A handle tow
- A tubing area
- A new base lodge
Significant upgrades followed in 2005, including:
- A 1,500’ double chair lift to the summit
- Expanded trail offerings
- Snowmaking and lighting for night skiing
- Nordic trail development
Granite Gorge Ski Area operated through the 2019–2020 season before closing once again.
Granite Gorge Mountain Park Today
In June 2022, a local group of investors, Granite Gorge Partnership, LLC, based in the Keene area, purchased the property and officially renamed it Granite Gorge Mountain Park.
Since then, the mountain has undergone — and continues to undergo — significant improvements, including:
- Lift upgrades
- Expanded snowmaking infrastructure
- New trail development, including Upper Main Street
The mountain reopened for the 2022–2023 winter season, first with surface lifts and shortly after with the double chair, offering top-to-bottom skiing by February 2023.
In summer 2023, Granite Gorge introduced the region’s first lift-served mountain biking, using custom bike carriers on the double chair. Since then, additional bike trails have been added, along with scenic chairlift rides showcasing expansive views of the surrounding community.
Our Vision (and the People Who Bring It to Life)
Granite Gorge Mountain Park aims to be New England’s most accessible and community-focused mountain park, where visitors of all backgrounds enjoy outdoor adventure year-round. As a local favorite, GGMP offers affordable recreational experiences in a family-friendly, welcoming environment, just a short drive from home.
What Makes Granite
Gorge Different?
At Granite Gorge, our MISSION is to cultivate an environment where skiers, snowboarders, and mountain bikers of all levels, especially those new to the sports, can experience the thrill and fun of outdoor recreation in a Safe, Inclusive, and Affordable manner.
SAFETY
is paramount in all that we do. From meticulously groomed slopes to well-trained staff to preventive maintenance on our equipment, we prioritize the well-being of our guests, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the mountain with peace of mind.
INCLUSION
is central to our ethos. We embrace diversity and strive to create a welcoming space where all individuals, regardless of background or ability, feel valued and respected. Our aim is to foster a sense of community where beginners to experts can thrive and feel at home.
AFFORDABILITY
is fundamental to accessibility. We believe that high-quality outdoor recreation should be accessible to everyone. People from all backgrounds should have access to outdoor recreation with low barriers to entry, ensuring equitable enjoyment of the outdoors and fostering healthy lifestyles.
Our Community Makes It All Possible
Who We Work With:
Making Access Possible:
We provide discounted youth program access
Over 25 fully funded Winter Youth Shred Program spots are awarded annually to kids from low-income families
We donate passes, tickets, and items to support local fundraising efforts
Remain visible to downhill traffic and mountain operations
Granite Gorge exists because of — and for — the community around it.
Local Business Partners:
We proudly collaborate with these local businesses:
Pfister Mountain Services
Granite Gorge exists because of — and for — the community around it.
Want To Visit Us?
Granite Gorge is your local mountain that’s ready when you are. Whether you’re learning, progressing, or just here for some fun laps, we can’t wait to have you here!