Entrance to The Balsams

The listing "Entrance to The Balsams" at Spur Rd, Colebrook, NH 03576, with phone numbers (603) 225-0050 and +1 603-225-0050, refers to the site of the historic Balsams Grand Resort Hotel. It is crucial for users searching for "Hotels Near Me" to understand that The Balsams Resort has been closed to the public for general stays since 2011 and remains closed as of early 2025, undergoing a massive redevelopment and expansion effort. Therefore, this listing does not currently offer accommodation for guests. Instead, it represents the potential future of a legendary resort in New Hampshire's Great North Woods.

The environment of The Balsams is intrinsically linked to its location in Dixville Notch, a stunning natural landscape in northern New Hampshire. The resort grounds are expansive, historically covering 11,000 acres (45 km²). This area features vast forests, lakes, and mountainous terrain, offering breathtaking natural beauty. While the hotel buildings themselves are currently under renovation and not accessible to the public, the vision for the revitalized Balsams is to re-imagine a premier four-season luxury resort. The historical setting is one of grandeur, with the main hotel buildings (the Dix House, dating back to 1874, and the Hampshire House, completed in 1918) once standing as icons of grand resort architecture. The environment promises a return to an "alpine climate zone" with abundant natural snowfall, making it ideal for winter sports, and lush landscapes for summer activities. The goal of the redevelopment is to create a truly world-class destination that integrates seamlessly with this pristine wilderness.

Since its closure in 2011, The Balsams has been the subject of ambitious redevelopment plans led by Les Otten, a veteran of the ski resort industry. While current services and features are limited to the ongoing planning and construction, the future vision includes:

• Renovated and New Hotel Accommodations: Plans involve renovating the existing historic Dix and Hampshire Houses and adding a new hotel, the Lake Gloriette House. The aim is to offer inviting, luxurious accommodations.

• Vastly Expanded Ski Resort: One of the most ambitious aspects is the quadrupling of the Balsams Wilderness ski area. Upon full build-out, it is envisioned to become one of the largest ski areas on the East Coast, with potentially 2,200 skiable acres, a 2,050-foot vertical drop, and a system of 22 lifts, including a year-round gondola connecting the hotel complex to the summit. This expansion would also include next-generation snowmaking capabilities and intelligently designed trails.

• Championship Golf Courses: The Donald Ross-designed Panorama Golf Course, an 18-hole championship course, is slated for restoration to its "legendary grandeur." There was also historically a nine-hole course.

• Extensive Cross-Country Ski Trails: The resort grounds historically featured 95 km (59 mi) of cross-country ski trails, which are expected to be revitalized as part of the four-season offerings.

• Diverse Recreational Activities: The re-imagined resort aims to offer a wide array of activities for every season, including biking, boating, fishing, horseback riding, ice skating, jogging, and more. This includes the integration of Nordic baths and a retail marketplace.

• Fine Dining and Culinary Offerings: The Balsams has a legendary culinary history, and the redevelopment plans intend to bring back fine dining experiences, emphasizing local and high-quality cuisine.

The project involves significant financial and logistical efforts, including securing permits, financing, and addressing infrastructure needs like water supply for snowmaking. The "Balsams Bill" was signed into law in 2019, allowing for a tax increment financing district to aid in funding. While there have been various delays, the developers continue to seek extensions for approvals and financing to bring this vision to fruition.

A unique historical feature of The Balsams is its "Ballot Room," which has served as the polling place for the residents of Dixville Notch, famously being among the first in the nation to vote in U.S. Presidential elections. This tradition continues even during the resort's closure.

For local users searching for "Hotels Near Me" in the Colebrook area, it is paramount to understand that "Entrance to The Balsams" signifies a grand project in progress, not an operational hotel. The phone numbers (603) 225-0050 and +1 603-225-0050 are for inquiries regarding the resort's redevelopment and investment opportunities, not for booking accommodations. The Balsams website (thebalsamsresort.com) provides updates on the "Renaissance" project and invites potential investors to learn more about ownership opportunities through "The Balsams Century Club."

Promotional information for The Balsams is currently focused on generating interest in its future reopening and investment. The official website prominently features sections on "The Renaissance Is Happening," showcasing the ambitious ski expansion plans and the vision for a re-imagined resort experience. It highlights key milestones in the redevelopment, such as securing necessary approvals and financing efforts. The narrative is centered around the return of a "legendary place revitalized," emphasizing its historical significance and its potential to become the "premier four-season resort in North America."

The long-term vision is to create a destination that will attract visitors from across the country and beyond, providing a significant economic boost to New Hampshire's North Country. While it doesn't currently offer rooms, the promotional materials emphasize the unique blend of luxury, world-class outdoor recreation, and historical charm that guests can anticipate once the resort reopens. For local businesses and residents, the successful completion of The Balsams project holds the promise of increased tourism, job creation (with estimates of over 1,000 full-time employees at full build-out), and a revitalization of the region. The project is an ongoing saga, with continued efforts to secure the necessary financing and overcome various challenges.

In summary, "Entrance to The Balsams" in Colebrook, NH, represents a dormant giant in the hospitality world, currently undergoing a massive and complex redevelopment. While it does not offer rooms for immediate booking for those searching for "Hotels Near Me," it embodies a grand vision for a future luxury, four-season resort that promises to be a major draw for visitors to the Great North Woods, offering unparalleled skiing, golf, and a return to its historical grandeur.