A new year, a new list of improvements from just about every ski resort where there’s still a turning lift. Snowmaking and “infrastructure” improvements are a given, so we’ve come up with a list of the biggest and most important developments you’ll find in 2010/2011.

EASTERN RESORT IMPROVEMENTS

JAY PEAK
For a second consecutive year, Jay Peak saw some major changes over the summer as $13 million in improvements were rolled out across the mountain. Over 100 new tower guns, a magic carpet in the beginners’ area, and an NHL sized indoor hockey rink is ready to go for skating and curling. Skiers and riders will also enjoy the ease of the resort’s new RFID lift ticket system. Load your card, then ski right through the gates without worrying about scanning a ticket.

KILLINGTON
There were a lot of boring but noteworthy infrastructure upgrades at Killington this year. The Stash terrain park will be getting a facelift, with several exciting new features (not sure exactly what yet.) There were also major upgrades to the back end of the snowmaking systems and increased coverage in some high traffic areas should be noticeable.

OKEMO
Okay, this isn’t necessarily skiing related, but it’s worth noting. In addition to the usual snowmaking upgrades, Okemo is sporting a year round 3,100 foot mountain coaster ride at Jackson Gore.

SUGARBUSH
Major upgrades are coming to the Lincoln peak base area for 2010/11. A new entrance area sits in front of two new lodges. The main lodge is a massive, 14,500 square foot structure that will surely improve the experience over at Lincoln peak.

CANNON MOUNTAIN
There are some exciting things going on at Cannon this year. A new double chairlift is in place on Mittersill, easing access to a fantastic cache of backcountry terrain.

SUGARLOAF
Major expansions in terrain are rolling out at Sugarloaf this season. The already massive resort will soon be the biggest resort east of the Rockies, and these are the first steps. Brackett Basin is home to 270 gladed acres of in-bounds, backcountry-esque skiing and riding. Looking down the road, the management at Sugarloaf has big plans for new lifts, snowmaking, and other infrastructure improvements that will really make Sugarloaf shine.

WESTERN RESORT IMPROVEMENTS

VAIL
Vail has improved access to the Back Bowls with a new express lift that cuts the ride by 5 minutes and nearly doubles the number of skiers and riders in can move in an hour.
Off the hill there were a number of improvements at Vail as well. The new town center project brings condos, stores, restaurants, a skating rink, a digital 3 screen theater and a bowling alley to the base area.

WHISTLER
Ever wonder what happens to all of those facilities they build for the Olympics? At Whistler, they seem to have the right idea – open them to the public! If you have a day to spare in Whistler, stop by the Whistler Riding Center, where you can try bobsledding, luge, and skeleton on the world’s most technical course.

THE CANYONS RESORT
Two new high speed quads and 300 new skiable acres top the list of some massive improvements at the Canyons over the summer. One of these new lifts features an innovative enclosed design with heated seats. Yep, you read that right.

ARAPAHOE BASIN
Arapahoe is literally doubling in size with the 36 new trails that have literally been carved into the back of the mountain in an area now known as Montezuma Bowl.

SNOWMASS
Snowmass may stand in the shadow of the other Aspen area resorts, but it has seen an incredible infusion of over $1 billion in capital improvements and new development that focused mainly on new lodging and upgrades to the previously aging lift system. Snowmass now has a killer uphill capacity and some great new places to stay.

HEAVENLY
Opening in February, a massive new restaurant right next door to the gondola’s summit station will have space for over 750 diners at high altitude. Plenty of outdoor seating should make this a great spot on the coldest of days.