November 23, 2009- Pollard's Nick Angus is helping to put the final touches on the new roof and deck project at the resort. The unseasonably warm temperatures has allowed for outside painting when, in many years, snow removal would be the order of the day.
There is still time to make plans to join this magical journey to the North Pole. Based on the award-winning book by Chris Van Allsburg, this unique holiday event leaves everyone believing in the spirit of Christmas. From the train ride with hot chocolate to the departing silver bells the Polar Express has become a real family tradition.
Your family will cherish this time together in the White Mountains. You can even take a side trip to gather your own Christmas Tree.
Each 2-night Polar Express package includes 4 tickets and is available on a first-come-first-served basis. Rates vary according to date and size of accommodation. Call 800-571-5000 & book early as there’s limited availability.
New living room lounge chairs were recently added to all units in the Mt. Liberty, Pemigewasset, and Streamside Buildings as part of a significant upgrade to unit decor and furnishings.
Jim "Cricket" Gagnon, project supervisor for many of the capital improvement projects, installs one of the last rubber deck tiles on the deck over the main lobby. The old roof had previously leaked badly and the old wooden deck deteriorated to the point that it was unusable for the past several years. Once the decking is complete, all the walls around it need to have new clapbaords installed.
Workers continue the on-going switch-out of tradtional lighting fixtures to new energy-efficient lighting throughout the enture resort. When completed virtually every lighting fixture will be modfied and the resort will see annual energy bill savings of nearly $30,000.
New 2" rubber interlocking panels are being installed on top of the new rubber membrane roof on the deck over the main lobby. These panels are made entriely from recycled tires and make a great decking surface. This deck has been roped off for several years due to many leaks and deteriorated decking. We plan to add some new deck furniture to complete the deck next summer.
New deck furniture has arrived for all units in the Woodland and Streamside buildings. The new high-quality deck furniture replaces the original plastic seating and tables. Installation in all 50 units was completed today.
A picturesque scene at Pollard Brook this morning
As Eric Pyra, our Adventure Concierge would say, snowliage is when there is still foliage and snow is covering it. It’s a beautiful contrast and makes for some of the best foliage viewing. Unfortunately, moments like this only last a few hours so cameras have to be at-the-ready.
We have begun a new program to speed up the check in process. We recognized that waiting in line for 30 minutes isn’t what anyone wants to do when they’ve traveled 2+ hours to get here.
Here’s how it works; our front desk agents will be making calls to owners and exchange guests 2 weeks prior to their arrival date. At that time the agent will ask if express check in is desired. If the answer is yes, the agent will verify all information, get the number of adults and children, ask for a valid credit card to have on file, and obtain state and plate numbers for all vehicles that will be on property. Simple.
In the lobby we now have a designated computer for express check in. A sign has been placed in the lobby to direct any pre-registered guests to this computer. At check in we will re-confirm all information, have the guest sign their registration card and direct them to their room. This cuts about 3 minutes off each check in.
This past Sunday was the first time we utilized the express check in and it went well. As time goes on we hope everyone participates in this great and time saving program!
A new F-350 1-ton plow truck was delivered to the resort today. This truck replaces a 10-year-old truck that was in constant need of repair and was badly rusted. The nearby mountains have already had snowfall and they are predicting snow flurries here tonight. Chet Wigley's crew are anxious to put the new truck to work!
