Morbid Mountain is Gunstock's newest tradition

GILFORD — It might only be in its third year, but this might be the one where Gunstock Mountain Resort's "Morbid Mountain" becomes entrenched as one of the region's must-do fall events, especially for those who aren't afraid to get a little scared.

Bill Quigley, director of sales and marketing for Gunstock, said the idea to create a haunted mountain had its genesis about four years ago. At that time, Gunstock's fall event was Oktoberfest, which was in its third decade and had started to wear out its welcome. Quigley said that despite the resort's best efforts to keep the atmosphere family-friendly, "It still came down to an alcohol event."

After one particularly problematic Oktoberfest, a contingent of Gunstock staffers visited Nashoba Valley Ski Area's "Witch's Woods," and began plotting to recreate their success.

The first year saw 5,300 people come to Morbid Mountain. The second year was plagued by rainy weekends, which was reflected in attendance. This year, the third, should be a banner year. Quigly hopes to double the first year's attendance.

If he's going to achieve that goal, this weekend should be a big one. He's got an ideal forecast and a staff of 60 scary employees, many of them returning for their third year, ready to give visitors the fright they're looking for.

Morbid Mountain features three "haunts", which open at 7 p.m. on weekend nights and close at 10:30 p.m. October 30 will be the final night for the haunt. Tickets cost $15.

The experience is not recommended for children younger than 13. Quigley said the event has been carefully designed to attract teenagers and adults who want something to do besides going to a restaurant or bar, something groups can do together and outside. "They really want to go out and giggle and laugh with family and friends."

Robin Parsons, who runs Gunstock's children's center, is one of the spirits behind Morbid Mountain. "Halloween is my favorite hobby," she said. "I love make up and masks, I love to scare people. It's fun."

Russ Davis has been organizing haunts for 12 years, and for the past three has been helping put on Gunstock's. "At Christmas, I'd rather do this but my wife won't let me," he said.

There's more to a good haunt than a scary costume, said Davis. Actors have to concentrate on timing and situational awareness, lay out the room to manage the flow of people and often will arrange for a distraction, which guests will focus on as the likely source of the fright when it's actually sneaking up from the other direction.

"It's exciting and it's fun," said Davis. "People scream and giggle and run away, you're chuckling inside."

CAPTION for SCARY FACE in AA:

Russ Davis, for whom Halloween is like Christmas, prepares for a night of scaring people who come to Morbid Mountain at Gunstock Mountain Resort. (Laconia Daily Sun photo/Adam Drapcho)

CAPTION for SCARY MAKEUP:

Debbi Baird bloodies the face of Pat Kuzdzal, a resident of Tewksbury, Mass. who has a seasonal residence in Gilford. Kuzdzal teaches skiing lessons at Gunstock and for the past three years has added haunting to her list of skills. (Laconia Daily Sun photo/Adam Drapcho)