By BalsamsSales
WGME Reports Les Otten inducted into U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame
April 12, 2024
“Congratulations to Mainer and former Red Sox minority owner Les Otten who was recently inducted into the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame!
As many Mainers know, Les is a giant in the winter sports industry having pioneered “learn to ski” programs and the adoption of parabolic skis as well.
He currently owns the Balsams in Dixville, New Hampshire and prior to that owned Sunday River here in Maine, along with a handful of other ski resorts.”
Otten inducted into U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame
April 10, 2024
Appearing in the Conway Daily Sun
“DIXVILLE – The Balsams Resort’s owner and lead developer, Leslie ‘Les’ Otten, has been inducted to the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame for his ‘profound impact on the entire industry as an innovator and visionary.’
Otten’s current vision is to restore and expand The Balsams Resort in Dixville, New Hampshire. The redevelopment proposal includes reconstructing the historic Dix House, and renovating the historic Hampshire and Hale Houses, as well as the acclaimed Panorama golf course and clubhouse designed by pioneering golf course architect Donald Ross…”
WCSH Highlights Les Otten Induction to US Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame
April 9, 2024
WCSH Channel 6 did a morning segment highlighting Les Otten’s recent induction to the US Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame and you can watch it here.
Ridgeline: Revisiting the creation of The Canyons
April 2, 2024
“As the Saddleback Express left its terminal at Red Pine base, my skiing partner extended his hand to the snowboarder who had joined us from the singles line for the ride to the top.
“Hi, I’m Les,” he said to the rider, engaging his new friend Keegan in friendly banter as we soared above snow-covered pines with the sun wisping in and out of the heavens above. He never let on that 27 years ago he built the place!
When skiing with Les Otten, several points quickly stand out. First, the sport is deeply ingrained in his family, with a collection of kids and grandkids in tow. Second, he simply loves skiing — always has. And he takes every opportunity to share it with others.”
THE BALSAMS RESORT’S LES OTTEN INDUCTED TO U.S. SKI AND SNOWBOARD HALL OF FAME
March 23, 2024
Dixville, NH – The Balsams Resort’s owner and lead developer, Leslie “Les” Otten, has been inducted to the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame for his, “…profound impact on the entire industry as an innovator and visionary.”
“The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame is home to the individuals that shaped our industry. Les Otten is a titan in the winter sports industry. He has resorts experience pumping through his veins. He is a wealth of knowledge and completely committed to this day to build resorts where family and friends can build a lifetime of memories, adventure and fun,” said Justin Koski, executive director of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame.
LES OTTEN ON THE HISTORY AND REVIVAL OF AN ICONIC NEW HAMPSHIRE RESORT
January 24, 2024
Hear Les Otten visit with Dan Egan about the rich history at The Balsams, skiing stories from past days, and the expansive potential for this iconic and legendary resort nestled at the top of the White mountains.
Listen to the full episode from 603 Podcast with Dan Egan here.
Where and when are the first votes cast in the NH primary?
January 22, 2024
“A tiny community near the Canadian border will kick off New Hampshire’s first-in-the-nation Republican primary voting on Jan. 23 as the clock strikes midnight.
Dixville Notch has been in the spotlight since 1960, when the owner of the Balsams resort, Neil Tillotson, arranged for residents to vote at midnight, with the polls closing and results announced within minutes. The resort closed in 2011, but voting has continued in various locations. This year, voting will take place in Tillotson’s former home, in a living room decorated with photos and memorabilia from previous primary voters….”
Midnight votes to be cast in just 1 New Hampshire community this primary
January 5, 2024
“Just one New Hampshire town will cast midnight votes this year for the first-in-the-nation primary.
Two of the three towns that normally vote at midnight will not continue that tradition this cycle, with just Dixville Notch casting the first votes of the primary…”
MORE BALSAMS FROM LES OTTEN
October 13, 2023
Les Otten and other industry professionals recently visited with Ski Area Management Magazine, sharing thoughts on The Balsams present and future.
“I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t think it would come to pass,” says Otten of the Balsams plans. “I’m guardedly optimistic that we’ll have everything in place in the near future to start. A lot of the financing is in place. There are check marks on most of the boxes…”
Balsams Resort restoration plans move forward after county approvals
April 6, 2023
WMUR Channel 9 visited us in Dixville Notch yesterday for an update; you can watch the full segment here.