A New Beginning on Maple Valley Ski Mountain - North Chair Brewing
Oct 23, 2024 01:35PM ● By REINA ESSER
The name North Chair Brewing comes from Maple Valley’s popular North Chair ski lift. Once this exciting renovation is complete, the space promises to be a welcoming spot for locals and visitors alike, combining tradition with exciting new ventures.
Whetstone Beer Co. has deep roots in southern Vermont, starting as a cozy brewpub on the banks of the Connecticut River in downtown Brattleboro. As demand grew, Whetstone added a production facility located at 39 Frost Street, and now, that very spot houses the newly renovated North Chair Brewing tasting room.
While you can still savor your favorite Whetstone Beer Co. brews, you’ll also get a taste of North Chair Brewing’s delicious creations.The tasting room’s design offers a welcoming space where visitors can enjoy great beer and feel connected to the local community. Both the tasting room and the Maple Valley location share a nostalgic design that reflects the charm and spirit of Maple Valley’s heyday.
One of the first orders of business under Keane’s leadership was preparing for the fall. “The Whetstone Leafin Peepin Oktoberfest is perfect for the season,” he explains. “It’s sweet, malty, and crisp—just what you need to complement the autumn air.” North Chair Brewing’s fall lineup also includes a traditional dark Czech lager and smooth Oktoberfest.
The transition to new ownership wasn’t without challenges, especially with the complexities of Vermont’s Act 250, which delayed the development of Maple Valley. This land-use law, aimed at protect- ing Vermont’s natural environment, held up North Chair’s plans for years, but this September, Keane was finally granted the permits necessary to move forward. “It’s been a long road, but we’re excited to start,” says Keane.
In keeping with Whetstone Beer Co.’s tradition of community engagement, the North Chair Brewing crew plans to continue popular initiatives like “Pints for Parks,” which raises money for Vermont state parks. “We’re about to celebrate Vermont State Parks’ 100th anniversary with a special beer and label,” shares Keane.
Recently, the brewery hosted an event at Jamaica State Park that coincided with the whitewater release from the Ball Mountain Dam, creating the perfect backdrop for a day of outdoor activities and enjoying Whetstone's Golden Hour Helles lager, commemorating the monumental anniversary.
As the North Chair Brewing team contemplates its future goals, it’s clear that the mission honors the past while pushing forward with new and innovative ideas. “We want to build on the magic of Whetstone Beer Co. while introducing our unique offerings,” the team agrees. North Chair Brewing’s highly anticipated Maple Valley location will be a gathering space for locals and tourists alike, creating a nostalgic connection to the ski mountain’s history. The team also plans to produce various spirits at the Maple Valley location, including whiskeys, gins, and vodkas, under the South Chair brand, named after the ski lift south of the lodge.
As the first fall under North Chair’s ownership arrives, they are optimistic about the future. “We want visitors to take away more than just great beer,” Keane explains. “We want them to feel like they’ve discovered a place to relax, connect, and be part of something special.”
Whether through sipping a seasonal brew on the porch or gathering with friends at the new tasting room, North Chair Brewing aims to create an experience that will leave a lasting impression on everyone who visits. For those unable to visit in person, Whetstone Beer Co. is currently distributing across Vermont and, hopefully soon, across New England, ensuring that the taste of Vermont reaches far beyond the state’s borders.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF WHETSTONE BEER CO.
NORTH CHAIR BREWING
3219 West River Road
Dummerston, VT
WHETSTONE BEER CO.
39 Frost Street
Brattleboro, VT
