What happens when a family’s dream collides with a sleepy lumber town’s destiny? In 1963, the quiet hills of Henniker, New Hampshire, held a secret that would forever change its future. This is the story of how a vision turned snow into gold, transforming a community and creating a legacy that continues to this day.
Key Takeaways
– Pats Peak ski resort opened in 1963 in Henniker, New Hampshire, changing the town’s focus from lumber to winter tourism.
– The Patenaude family dreamed of creating a ski resort, seeing potential in Henniker’s snowy hills.
– Building the resort involved hard work, including clearing land and setting up ski trails and lifts.
– The opening brought excitement and marked a new beginning for Henniker, with events like ski races and festivals.
– Pats Peak faced challenges initially but grew in popularity, attracting more visitors and boosting the local economy.
– The resort created new jobs and increased business for local shops and restaurants, especially in winter.
– Pats Peak became a community hub, hosting events that brought people together and fostering a sense of pride.
– The resort adapted over the years, adding eco-friendly practices and activities for all seasons, like biking and hiking.
– Pats Peak is now a year-round attraction, contributing to Henniker’s economy and identity beyond just winter sports.
– The story of Pats Peak shows how a family’s dream can transform a town and create lasting community connections.
From Lumber to Slopes: A Family’s Vision
The Patenaude family saw something special in Henniker’s snow-covered hills. They dreamed of building a ski resort where others only saw trees. It wasn’t an easy choice, but their love for winter sports and desire to breathe new life into their town pushed them forward. They believed that skiing could bring excitement to their quiet community.
1963: The Day Henniker Changed Forever
When Pats Peak opened its doors in 1963, everyone was excited. People from town and visitors came to see the new ski place. Skiers of all ages couldn’t wait to try the slopes. It was a big day for Henniker, marking the start of something new.
Overcoming Doubts: The Rise of Pats Peak
At first, running Pats Peak wasn’t easy. Like any new business, it faced problems. But the Patenaude family didn’t give up. They kept working hard, and more people started coming to ski. Slowly, even those who doubted the resort began to change their minds.
As word spread about the great skiing and friendly people in Henniker, more visitors came. People loved learning to ski on the easy slopes and trying the harder ones too. Pats Peak became more than just a place to ski. It became a favorite spot for many people to visit and have fun.
Boosting the Local Economy
Pats Peak made a big difference in Henniker’s economy. It created many new jobs for people in town. There were jobs for ski teachers, lift operators, and people who worked in restaurants and shops. Before, most jobs were in the lumber business, but now there were more choices.
Local shops and restaurants got busier as more tourists came to Henniker. This was especially true in winter. The town was changing from a place that mostly made lumber to a place where people came to have fun in the snow. Even nearby businesses like Spacious Skies French Pond, a year-round campground just five miles north of Pats Peak, began to see increased visitors drawn to the area’s winter attractions.
A New Identity for Henniker
As Pats Peak grew more popular, it became a big part of what made Henniker special. The town, once known for cutting down trees, was now famous for its skiing. This change made many people in town feel proud. They liked being known for something new and exciting.
Changing from a lumber town to a ski town wasn’t always easy. But it changed Henniker in many good ways. People in town got used to being busy in the winter when skiers came. The forests that used to echo with the sound of saws cutting trees now rang with the happy sounds of skiers enjoying the snow.
Building a Stronger Community
Pats Peak became more than just a place to ski. It brought people together in new ways. Pats Peak started hosting fun events that everyone looked forward to each year. Family ski days, holiday parties, and ski races became important times for the community to come together and have fun.
The ski resort changed how people in Henniker spent time together. Friends were made while riding up the ski lifts or warming up inside. Kids who learned to ski at Pats Peak grew up and became ski teachers themselves. They shared their love of skiing with new kids. The Patenaude family’s dream didn’t just create a business. It created a special place where the community could grow closer.
Keeping Up with Changing Times
Over the years, Pats Peak has changed to meet what visitors want. The resort has added new things and made improvements. They always try to make skiing more fun while also taking care of nature. This shows they care about giving visitors a good time and protecting the environment.
One big change has been using better ways to make snow and light the slopes. Pats Peak now uses methods that save energy and are better for the environment. This is good for the planet and makes people who care about nature happy to visit. By doing this, Pats Peak stays a popular place to ski in a world where people care more about the environment.
Fun in Every Season
Pats Peak didn’t want to be just for winter fun. They added things to do in summer too. Now, people can ride bikes on the mountain, go hiking, or take a chairlift ride to see the view. This means visitors can enjoy Henniker’s beautiful scenery all year round.
By having activities in all seasons, Pats Peak has become even more important to Henniker. Now, people can work at the resort all year, not just in winter. Visitors come for different reasons throughout the year. Some people have weddings there in summer to enjoy the mountain view. Others come in fall to see the colorful leaves. Pats Peak has become a big reason why people visit Henniker, no matter what time of year it is.
Henniker’s Snowy Story Continues
Looking back to 1963 when Pats Peak first opened, we can see how much it has changed Henniker. The Patenaude family’s dream turned their small town into a place known for fun winter activities. This change has touched every part of life in Henniker.
Pats Peak is more than just ski trails and lifts. It has shaped how Henniker makes money, what the town is known for, and how people in the community spend time together. As we look to the future, the spirit that started Pats Peak is still alive. The resort keeps changing and growing, just like Henniker. In the snowy hills of this New Hampshire town, we see a story about how a big dream can change a whole community. It shows that when people work together and don’t give up, they can create something truly special. For those looking to experience the magic of Henniker year-round, consider staying at Spacious Skies French Pond Campground, where you can enjoy the area’s natural beauty and easy access to local attractions like Pats Peak.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Pats Peak?
A: Pats Peak is a ski resort in Henniker, New Hampshire, that opened in 1963.
Q: Who started Pats Peak?
A: The Patenaude family started Pats Peak because they loved winter sports and wanted to bring new life to Henniker.
Q: How did Pats Peak change Henniker?
A: Pats Peak transformed Henniker from a lumber town to a popular ski destination, boosting the local economy and creating new jobs.
Q: What activities can people do at Pats Peak?
A: People can ski, ride bikes, hike, and enjoy chairlift rides. Pats Peak offers fun activities in both winter and summer.
Q: Why is Pats Peak important to the community?
A: Pats Peak brings people together for fun events and creates jobs, making it a big part of Henniker’s identity and economy.