More Space to be Found at the Beaver Lodge.

By: Kate Clark

Additions to the Beaver Lodge at Beaver Mountain Ski Area will give boarders and skiers anticipating this year’s snow season an ample area to relax after getting off the slopes.

The remodeling, which included constructing two new lofts, a deck, and large fireplace have cost the local mountain resort owners, Ted and Marge Seeholzer, nearly $400,000.

“I think it will make the customers we have much happier and will hopefully get more people to eat at the lodge,” said Marge Seeholzer.

The main purpose of the construction was to expand the existing lodge to create more space. “We needed a lot more seating,” Seeholzer said, “we covered the deck and made a whole new eating area.”

Seeholzer, who didn’t expect for a large spending year hope the improvements encourage returning and potential visitors to the mountain.

During the last few years the owners have made several improvements to the resort, and more are in the works. “We always have plans,” Seeholzer admitted.

Recent projects have included:
-Building two triple-chair lifts
-The construction of a large maintenance shop
-And, a wing built onto the kitchen in the lodge

Plans for next year already entail tearing down the old ticket office and building a three story establishment housing new ticket booths, rentals, and facilities for skiing and snowboarding lessons.

Referring to improvements Beaver Mountain has shortly undergone, Seeholzer said, “It’s growing so much in the past few years. If you don’t try and keep up, than you don’t progress.”

To accommodate the recently added eating areas, additional kitchen staff will be hired. Food prices have gone up slightly from last year, but remain low compared to competing ski resorts.

Ticket prices remain the same.

“We worry about business due to the economy,” said Seeholzer. “We need to encourage our customers to still come.”

The Seeholzers took over ownership of the resort from Ted’s parents over a decade ago, hoping to make major improvements to boost the rapport of the mountain, and have succeeded, but have also found much more.
“Since it’s a small family business, it is very personal,” Seeholzer said. “I have made so many friends.”