Mountain development has surged ahead since ski season wrapped up. The lively slopes, once filled with skiers and snowboarders carving their final tracks through the snow, have given way to the clamor of construction. Now, the mountain’s snow filled trails have been traded for the steady drone of machinery as we bring new life to our mountain resort.
For the 2025–2026 winter season, we’re thrilled to unveil expanded and upgraded terrain, enhanced tech, a revamped rail park with 32 features (including a much anticipated rope tow), and the mountain’s first-ever tree run: The Glades.
Our mountain operations team has been hard at work reshaping the mountain and challenging the long-held perceptions of winter sports in the South. Over the past few months, many slopes have been re-graded and widened. By clearing trees, managing neglected overgrown thickets, and trimming back excess vegetation along the edges, we've reclaimed 10 to 15 feet of rideable terrain on most runs—restoring them to their full potential.
.png)
This year brought its share of challenges for Patrick “Pat” Tait, our Mountain Operations Manager. One major project was the decommissioning of the old double lift, which opened up acres of rideable terrain—but it also revealed an unexpected obstacle: concrete.
“Back then, concrete was dirt cheap, so a lot of it was just poured [to stabilize the structure],” Pat explained. “We definitely had to rent equipment to break it up. Deb sent the crew out to tear down the lift and bust up the foundations—it was a big moment, and a memorable experience of the team cheering.”
Upon hearing this, Pat and I shared a laugh, recalling the sheer amount of concrete unearthed, and joked over the team hollering “TIMBER!” as each lift tower came down. But for Pat, the real reward wasn’t just the extra terrain—it was the view.
“Every time we took down a tower, the view just opened up more and more,” he said. That expanding vista became his biggest source of motivation, offering both a literal and symbolic glimpse of the mountain’s transformation taking shape, one step at a time.
.png)
“I think people are going to be blown away,” says Pat, when asked how returning riders will react to the newly maintained slopes. “There are parts of the mountain where it just won’t look the same compared to last season.”
He explains how previously narrow trails have been widened—especially areas like The Streaks. “That whole section feels so much bigger now when you drop in. There's just so much more skiable terrain.”
With the expanded terrain, 16 additional snowguns have been placed on the mountain with knowledge of the previous season. Pat and the mountain operations team have taken shifting weather patterns into account, using natural wind-driven snow drift to their advantage. By strategically clearing and shaping terrain, they’re not just expanding the mountain—they’re working with the elements to enhance the riding experience. With these advances and the clearing of overgrown vegetation, it’s allowed the creation of tree-runs.
Hatley Pointe’s newest addition, The Glades, introduces the mountain's first-ever tree runs—designed for thrill-seekers looking to carve their own path. These wooded areas offer riders the chance to create unique lines with every descent, making each run a new adventure filled with unexpected twists and turns. We’re excited to watch guests push the limits of the terrain and discover their own favorite routes through the trees.
“We’ve opened up areas through the trees, so now you can actually cut from one run to another. You might be on a slope, duck into the glades where snow drifts from the snow cannons, and pop out onto a different run—it all connects,” Pat expressed.
The first section of The Glades will open between The Streaks (Lower & Upper), Eagle, Broadway, Slip-n-Slide, and Simply Savage. As mountain development continues, The Glades will expand further, eventually connecting with The Bowl, Southern Express, and Flameout.
So, whether you're a seasoned rider eager to explore fresh terrain or a newcomer ready to carve your first turns, Hatley Pointe’s evolving landscape promises something unforgettable. As we continue to shape the mountain, we invite you to be part of its transformation. Subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know our updates and when our 25/26 passes go live.
