Pushed start date out again cause had a couple days of rain. Next 10 days show good snowmaking weather with some natural snow as well. I am so sick of the halfass effort that they put into a place that so many people love and call their 2nd home. Rant over but i am extremely pissed. Between moto-x races and snowmobile races that draw 10's of people this is getting old.
It is interesting that a resort with one of the, if not the highest elevation, arguably the most natural snowfall and among the lowest average temperatures has one of the shortest seasons in the mid atlantic.
It really is a complete and utter joke. I feel bad for their employee that supports their Facebook feed. For them to not be able to open shows absolute zero effort on part of the entire management team.
Ah but they do have new management. They just appointed a retired Army Colonel as their COO and CFO!
(To be fair, based on his bio, this fellow sounds like he was the real deal in the military. However he has ZERO ski industry experience and one must admit that the Pentagon is not exactly known for the efficiency of its bureaucracy.)
Once again the loyal followers of Tline get the shaft. At least Canaan will be opening. Having zero ski industry experience puts him in good company :)
TomH wrote:
It is interesting that a resort with one of the, if not the highest elevation, arguably the most natural snowfall and among the lowest average temperatures has one of the shortest seasons in the mid atlantic.
I'd replace "interesting" with "a ____ shame".
They used to be open about 16/17 weekends a season and now it is 13 weekends this season (assuming they close on 3/19).
But, this allows more time for lift maintenance so they can apply extra grease (tslime) to the haul rope grips.
Any update on T-Line PowerGate? Paying utilities and reparing dangerous lifts is way ahead of opening first in area/region when it comes to my list of what's most improtant.
TomH wrote:
It is interesting that a resort with one of the, if not the highest elevation, arguably the most natural snowfall and among the lowest average temperatures has one of the shortest seasons in the mid atlantic.
Sugar and Beech in NC are both up about 5,400 feet up. Definitely a contender for the other two variables though..
Th y are just now having their job fair. No wonder they can't open, they don't have a staff yet. Good job Fred!
Was up at Northface today replacing a router, decided to break out the cross country gear and have a ski up Salamander since all the snow guns were firing. Skiied to the top and took a run down- pretty good coverage all the way, especially if they push out the snow piles theyve made. Nice to get my first run in this season. Based on what I saw they aren't that far from having some terrain open. Truck said it was 13 degrees at the base on the way home. Lots of snow guns firing as I headed for the flatlands.
AndyGene wrote:
Th y are just now having their job fair. No wonder they can't open, they don't have a staff yet. Good job Fred!
Probably not a good idea to hire employees unless you're really really sure you can pay them! What a circus... and a shame...
RodneyBD wrote:
AndyGene wrote:
Th y are just now having their job fair. No wonder they can't open, they don't have a staff yet. Good job Fred!
Probably not a good idea to hire employees unless you're really really sure you can pay them! What a circus... and a shame...
And paying them is extremely contingent on the weather. If you hire 50 seasonal part timers but tell them to just wait until the resort has enough cold weather to blow snow and open how many do you think will still be available 6 weeks later? They can't really nail anyone down committed until there is actually work to be done and pay to be paid.
3skiwv wrote:
Pushed start date out again cause had a couple days of rain. Next 10 days show good snowmaking weather with some natural snow as well. I am so sick of the halfass effort that they put into a place that so many people love and call their 2nd home. Rant over but i am extremely pissed. Between moto-x races and snowmobile races that draw 10's of people this is getting old.
Ask and you shall receive. Now anyone can be apart of Tline management.
Per their Facebook:
"We have an immediate job opening for an executive assistant to the CEO at Timberline. We are deeply thankful for the years we have had the amazing Kathy Dotson in this job (just wanted to put that out there...)
So. Monitoring social media and answering client questions on same is a part of of the position, and the willingness to monitor. (Answering questions on social media does not require expert knowledge of skiing, just knowing who to ask, and the ability to write.) The position also involves writing reports, interfacing remotely with all departments, the media and also the government. Facile with software. A liberal arts degree and an organized mind with an interest in business and finance is a great qualification. This position can be done remotely with occasional sight visits, or it can be filled by a candidate who lives nearby. It is a great opportunity for the right candidate to learn a tremendous amount about management and business and practice that knowledge, with the flexibility to pursue creative projects too. The ability to grow with the company, too. Please help us spread the word! And send us a link to your resume on LinkedIn if you are interested in applying and/or make an appointment to talk."
they clearly need help ...
"... occasional sight visits, or it can be ..."
eeesh!
Unfortunately this position is unlikely to help with the management problems cited by DCSkiers in previous posts.
But other local resorts don't seem to have this issue. I understand the TL issues...who wants to work in a building that smells like a fraternity house???
And paying them is extremely contingent on the weather. If you hire 50 seasonal part timers but tell them to just wait until the resort has enough cold weather to blow snow and open how many do you think will still be available 6 weeks later? They can't really nail anyone down committed until there is actually work to be done and pay to be paid.
There was a time when all lodges smelled like frat houses. I don't mind, I just need some good snow, a good lift, and a good slope.
https://youtu.be/sHQ_aTjXObs
pagamony wrote:
I just need some good snow, a good lift, and a good slope.
I could not resist 2 outta 3 ain't bad
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5hWWe-ts2s
Blue Don 1982 wrote:
pagamony wrote:
I just need some good snow, a good lift, and a good slope.
I could not resist 2 outta 3 ain't bad
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5hWWe-ts2s
That was a softball. I knew someone would say that. Now which two do you want for paradice?
https://youtu.be/C11MzbEcHlw
Im sitting here trying to figure out what kind of personality likes Meatloaf.....
I can see him falling out on Salamander....dont hate!
As long as they have their spit together by Feb 23rd I have no complaints! We'll be staying a couple hundred feet off Winterset that weekend.
It may be because good help is hard to find (everyone's making much better money drilling for gas, cutting pipelines, mining coal, or selling dope) or it may be terrible planning on Timberline's part. Either way I think it's becoming more and more obvious why Timberline is 1 month behind Snowshoe, 2 weeks behind CVR, 1 week behind 7 Springs, >1 week behind Hidden Valley, 1 week behind Wisp, 1 week behind Snowtime resorts, 1 week behind Wintergreen, and 1 week behind Massanutten. (and it's not bad weather)
From their Facebook today: "It takes strength, stamina, discipline, and grit to be a Timberline Four Seasons Resort snowmaker. Do you have what it takes? Accept the challenge today! Apply today in person or call 304-866-4801 to inquire about joining Timberline’s renowned snowmaking team."
Really disappointing again with Timberline. Have always loved the terrain there, but lately haven't wanted to go there as often as in the past due to the poor management and operation of it (not to mention the lack of investment). Hard to believe they are the last resort to open in the whole mid-atlantic area by a week at minimum. Liberty and Whitetail will beat it by a week and even Bryce beat it by two weeks. Really sad considering what a good cold spell we've had lately to allow them to make snow. I know they are struggling to get employees and funding for so many things, but as many have said on this forum it could be such a great ski resort if the proper investment was made. Not just an upgrade to the lodge (to me the lodge facilities are the least of my worries), but investments into employing staff, upgrading the lifts, enhancing the snow making and potentially adding new trails (though likely there is limited space for that). They could run from early December until late March like they used to. I would hate to be a home owner at Timberline having barely a two, maybe three month rental season when you could easily have up to a four month rental season in the Winter. If they put in a high speed quad (or better yet a six pack or two high speed quads) it would make such a difference in the skier experience and draw more people there which would then give them more revenue to make more investments, etc..
Hard to argue with most of that mdr227. Some of us homeowners and locals do have the view that a high speed quad would be a bad idea without more terrain. Would drop too many people onto the hill for the capacity of the trails 80% of the customers ski. Ever skied the Highlands at Wintergreen on a busy weekend day? There is no room to ski. This debate has been hashed out here many times. Just sayin' there's two points of view on that. Obviously Tline needs new lifts; but you can debate what sort of lifts.
I would love to know from locals whether Tline is having difficulty recruiting employees this season. The poster ad for snowmaking staff on FB was certainly unusual.
Wow ... I don't follow Facebook but are you serious that they had that post? As cirgldart what no women? crazy, guarentee the women in the valley can step up, ought to be encouraged as part of any team.
I shan't pile on though, T'line in proximity with CVR and WG makes the best experience in the midatlantic....we just need some damn weather I think
They seem to have upgraded their webcam. http://www.timberlineresort.com/snowcam.php ..... but 2 of the 4 preset camera angles point at the side of the building. Good Grief!
Timberline, Our Motto: "Anything worth doing.....is worth doing half-assed"
that cam is hilarious. mesmerizing almost. on the plus side when it does show a partial slope view the snow looks good !
timberline is like a happy addiction. i laugh at it but then i go there again.
Kemper - when do you want to drive up ?
pagamony wrote:
that cam is hilarious. mesmerizing almost. on the plus side when it does show a partial slope view the snow looks good !
timberline is like a happy addiction. i laugh at it but then i go there again.
Kemper - when do you want to drive up ?
Gunna be interesting how much they can load the lifts this year and how crowded the lift lines will be prime time on Saturdays/Sundays. Midweek should be fine, as always.
Per their FB page, Silver Queen will load as a double this year. Plus, there was some ruckus about T-Line Realty clients getting lift-cutting privileges. Could be interesting...
Plus, is Timberline now the only alpine ski area in the Mid-Atlantic not open? Oglebay is now open: http://ski.oglebay-resort.com/index.html
JohnL wrote:
pagamony wrote:
that cam is hilarious. mesmerizing almost. on the plus side when it does show a partial slope view the snow looks good !
timberline is like a happy addiction. i laugh at it but then i go there again.
Kemper - when do you want to drive up ?
Gunna be interesting how much they can load the lifts this year and how crowded the lift lines will be prime time on Saturdays/Sundays. Midweek should be fine, as always.
Per their FB page, Silver Queen will load as a double this year. Plus, there was some ruckus about T-Line Realty clients getting lift-cutting privileges. Could be interesting...
Plus, is Timberline now the only alpine ski area in the Mid-Atlantic not open? Oglebay is now open: http://ski.oglebay-resort.com/index.html
Looks like it will be a photo finish between Timberline and the one run at Ski Sapphire Valley! YIKES!!
http://www.skisapphirevalley.com/home.html
The Homestead VA has also posted a December 23 opening on its website.
Woody
Blue Don 1982 wrote:
They seem to have upgraded their webcam. http://www.timberlineresort.com/snowcam.php ..... but 2 of the 4 preset camera angles point at the side of the building. Good Grief!
Shoot, it's down already, I couldn't get it to load this AM
"Per their FB page, Silver Queen will load as a double this year. Plus, there was some ruckus about T-Line Realty clients getting lift-cutting privileges. Could be interesting”¦"
If this is true all holy hell will breakout on the mountain.
Timberline - please cut off those stupid seat dividers on the restraining bars on the queen. remove the damn restraining bars if you have to. Then no one will notice it's not a double and we will be much more comfortable and happy and then visit more often and spend more money in the pub.
3skiwv wrote:
"Per their FB page, Silver Queen will load as a double this year. Plus, there was some ruckus about T-Line Realty clients getting lift-cutting privileges. Could be interesting”¦"
If this is true all holy hell will breakout on the mountain.
I've never seen what I'd call a line at t-line except right outside the lodge at 1PM on a Saturday. However, next time we go we will be renting from Timberline Reality so WOOT WOOT! You can cut and ride up with us if there's a long line
webcam looks good now. snow looks great. groomer belching black smoke. all's good.
pagamony wrote:
that cam is hilarious. mesmerizing almost. on the plus side when it does show a partial slope view the snow looks good !
timberline is like a happy addiction. i laugh at it but then i go there again.
Kemper - when do you want to drive up ?
as soon as there is 12 in. in 24hrs and I can connect to Whitegrass --- to quote Daffy Duck "this season is desthphicable!"
I skied the "highest average" open vertical in Canaan Valley yesterday....Kudos to Canaan Valley Resort for some great early season snowmaking. Must be some strange weather anomaly that has allowed them to make more snow than other resorts in the Valley in order to open 2 weeks earlier.
The valley is known for it's microclimate. I will be spending more time at CV this season as it is colder over there with better snow.
David wrote:
I skied the "highest average" open vertical in Canaan Valley yesterday....Kudos to Canaan Valley Resort for some great early season snowmaking. Must be some strange weather anomaly that has allowed them to make more snow than other resorts in the Valley in order to open 2 weeks earlier.
And just like that, Timberline is the last resort in America to open.
Wow, only two runs from the top of the mountain, no intermediate trails even from the midstation on down. I really feel for all of those homeowners around Timberline as well as the people that had made vacation plans there for this holiday weekend and week ahead. I know there hasn't been much natural snow, but there has been plenty of cold weather to make snow to have at least one more trail from the top open on the West side of the mountain.
It won't be any better around here this weekend. I skied yesterday and it wasn't looking good, two main trails with thin spots, even a couple bare spots in high traffic areas. More warm and rain to follow. I wouldn't blame the resorts for the "climate".
Add in they didn't seem to have enough capital to pay thier utilities on time after repairing the lift. Doubt they had a lot of money to throw at snowmaking and pre season staffing to man the guns. It is clear that they did try to hire folks, I mean "real men" last week though..
It's a tie, at least as far as our area goes. The Homestead VA also opened today (Friday, December 23) with 3 of 9 runs available.
Woody
Cloudmont, Alabama, has apparently not yet opened for the season.
Woody
yellowsnow wrote:
Timberline, Our Motto: "Anything worth doing.....is worth doing half-assed"
Best thing I've read on the internet in months.
How in the hell do they only have 2 top to bottom runs open this far into the season?
AndyGene wrote:
How in the hell do they only have 2 top to bottom runs open this far into the season?
Snowmobile races aren't until March. They have plenty of time to build up more coverage..
Seriously though, this week should deliver ideal conditions to blast away. If they don't have things rocking by MLK Weekend that could be pretty dissapointing and I'll start to worry. Places out here are just now getting going/recovering from the warm and rain we had the past 3 weeks..
crgildart wrote:
AndyGene wrote:
How in the hell do they only have 2 top to bottom runs open this far into the season?
Snowmobile races aren't until March. They have plenty of time to build up more coverage..
Seriously though, this week should deliver ideal conditions to blast away. If they don't have things rocking by MLK Weekend that could be pretty dissapointing and I'll start to worry. Places out here are just now getting going/recovering from the warm and rain we had the past 3 weeks..
If you aren't worried now...
Great snow making window this past weekend, but major week long warmup with rain starting on Tuesday. During a winter like this one, you have to be prepared to take advantage of cold snaps (staff in place, equipment maintained and working properly, etc.)
Whitetail is nearly 100 percent open. I hope TLine can somehow open OTW with only a couple days of blowing.
Since this is a football Sunday, you are what your record says you are. Timberline's record is on their conditions page.
Good snow today. Natural and machine made powder, not deep but soft. The terrain that is open skis big. Very few skiers. Brutally cold.
JohnL wrote:
Great snow making window this past weekend, but major week long warmup with rain starting on Tuesday. During a winter like this one, you have to be prepared to take advantage of cold snaps (staff in place, equipment maintained and working properly, etc.
I have had some great, great days at timberline. But when it came time for me to book a trip in advance for the family, I went with Snowshoe this year. I just wasn't willing to role the dice on having large stretches of winter weather. I'll reserve the TL trips for last minute decisions when the conditions are good.
wgo wrote:
JohnL wrote:
Great snow making window this past weekend, but major week long warmup with rain starting on Tuesday. During a winter like this one, you have to be prepared to take advantage of cold snaps (staff in place, equipment maintained and working properly, etc.
I have had some great, great days at timberline. But when it came time for me to book a trip in advance for the family, I went with Snowshoe this year. I just wasn't willing to role the dice on having large stretches of winter weather. I'll reserve the TL trips for last minute decisions when the conditions are good.
That is a wise move. And even when conditions are good, I don't think the lifts can handle the needed uphill capacity. The Silver Queen can't run at full capacity anymore.
'They are running the place into the ground.
It is such as a shame as Timberline is so accessible to the DC area now with Corridor H completed to Davis and has such great natural terrain, great natural snowfall (though needs to be supplemented by snowmaking) and has great lodging options both slodeside and very close that are all very affordable for families and groups. If the right owners could come in it could be such a great ski resort, but as it is now it is just sad seeing how it continues to go downhill. As one poster said having just two top to bottom runs open and just over 1/3 of the terrain open at this point in the Winter with some strong cold spells already is unbelievable.
Times are so bad Tline is posting powder pics from last year on their Instagram...
Hi...been absent from this forum awhile. Definitley my loss. Sorry to hear TL is struggling, but then thats just a continuation of an old theme. Lifts were done years ago.
Shot at Timberline thus far this winter.
https://www.facebook.com/CandideThovex/videos/10154104618258204/
David wrote:
Shot at Timberline thus far this winter.
https://www.facebook.com/CandideThovex/videos/10154104618258204/
David, TL or not, that is an amazing video!!! One negative, NO HELMET!
This guy is nuts! Makes summer grass skiing at Bryce look like a walk in the park.
Anybody notice that Upper and Lower Salamander at TL have been closed for several days.
Wonder what the prognosis is for this weekend?
They were reporting that with thin cover earlier in the week and now it's closed and Upper Dew Drop and Upper White Lightning both say thin cover so may be soon (especially if the Valley gets much rain from this weekend's big rain storm hitting the mid-atlantic) that come early next week in late January there are no trails open from the top of the mountain. In my memory that has never happened (and honestly can't recall a Winter when so few top to bottom trails have been open at TL).
Also interesting is that the snow reports says "dim lighting for night skiing" on those two upper trails, wonder if they've got a bunch of light bulbs out and can't even afford to replace them ;-).
Sally and OTW closed tues or wed w the heavy rain, Sally was getting rough by mon, Sinkholes and bare spots. They'll try to push it out, but doubt it will open. BTW, Timber trail at CVR was far worse than Sally.
Weather worm looks to be turning. Higher elevations may get snow with early next week storm, cold air returns Thurs pm.
Salamander is open this morning. Despite all the speculation, looks like they were protecting the base, and had to do some spot repairs to certain sections. Groomers were pushing snow around yesterday to get it ready for the weekend.
JohnL wrote:
Weather worm looks to be turning. Higher elevations may get snow with early next week storm, cold air returns Thurs pm.
its been interesting watching the models try to handle this storm system coming in...first there was a snowball chance in hell to get Snow because any cold air was way way away....buttt..if it spins up just right and is as strong as advertised it could create its own cold air by sucking it down from the colder air above it giving the high country some snow....that would be such a blessing instead of another gully washer...then instead of cold upslope afterwards..and since the cold air is still too far out we get a quick warmup ahead of the real cold that will come in giving extended day cold and snow chances...sure would be great to jumpstart that phase with this incoming storm...Snow dance time!
33 degrees at the top of the mountain at TL...
All the snow coming will slow this thread down...
Managements best friend is coming back...they have always relied on this ....
fishnski wrote:
33 degrees at the top of the mountain at TL...
All the snow coming will slow this thread down...
Managements best friend is coming back...they have always relied on this ....
Hopefully.
..and for Timberline's sake, hopefully they get some snowy pictures so they don't have to keep reposting old pictures from previous years (not well labeled of course).
Love this "explanation" currently posted on the webcam:
The Mountain Cam is currently displaying archival footage while the camera's hardware is being upgraded.
Wasn't the camera new this fall??
At this point I just want to see a heap of snow for the sake of all the locals who earn their living in the winter months. Things have been getting a bit dire up there I fear.
Norsk wrote:
Love this "explanation" currently posted on the webcam:
The Mountain Cam is currently displaying archival footage while the camera's hardware is being upgraded.
Wasn't the camera new this fall??
At this point I just want to see a heap of snow for the sake of all the locals who earn their living in the winter months. Things have been getting a bit dire up there I fear.
I was wondering what was going on since it has been Dumping per the Canaan Cam since around 11am or so...switched over to TL Cam and...WTF?....no snow and.clouds were moving in the wrong direction for a noreaster!....like I posted 2 days ago...this storm didnt have a chance for snow at first fcast but if it spun up right....well..its a spinnin!
Norsk wrote:
Love this "explanation" currently posted on the webcam:
The Mountain Cam is currently displaying archival footage while the camera's hardware is being upgraded.
Wasn't the camera new this fall??
At this point I just want to see a heap of snow for the sake of all the locals who earn their living in the winter months. Things have been getting a bit dire up there I fear.
The WG webcam was down yeasterday and nobody complained :p Good!, flying under the radar is how we like it! Chip Chase is the only local I know who truely 'earns his living' in the winter months
OMG, archival footage == alternative facts.
that is just too perfect.
Anyone see Timberline's Facebook post about the drawing for a "Lifetime Season Pass", good for 30 seasons??
Even with the cold weather the last few days and natural snow this week Timberline still only has two top to bottom runs open (one intermediate and one black) and Salamander still is closed. Amazing how even with a few days of snowmaking weather throughout the day they can't get Salamander open.
People are really letting them have it on their Facebook page today. This is the worst ski hilll in the country. 3 feet of natural snow. 10 day window to make snow. 3 ways down from the top.
Things are about as bad as I can remember at Timberline this Winter. What's shocking to me is that according to their snow report they are not even making snow on Upper Salamander and here we are in February and it's still closed and there is no snowmaking on any other trails from the top with just one intermediate, one advanced and a double diamond with thin cover from the top. If I were a homeowner there I would consider a law suit against them as I can't even begin to imagine their frustrations during one of the peak rental seasons that they all rely on for rental income.
I went to Whitetail on Monday and they were blowing snow still on almost all open trails throughout the morning (after having run much of the weekend) and are practically 100% open (and have been for weeks) with really no natural snowfall that has amounted to anything and then you see Timberline and the pathetic number of trails open halfway through the season still.
Timberline used to be my favorite place to go and I could put up with the slow, low capacity lifts, lack of facilities, etc. because it always has been a great mountain to ski, but honestly can't see myself choosing to go there anytime soon over all the other resorts that put a much better effort forth to open terrain.
Water and electricity are needed to make snow, and both cost money. Something is up and I'll bet someone with eyes on this board can provide more info.
Management has been pretty adamant in blaming the situation on snowmaking problems (including faulty equipment, but perhaps also including inadequate cash flow) rather than the poor winter. So my question is: how about all of those folks (including me) who bought the not-so-Awesome Pass? Is Tline's posture really going to be "sorry, our snowmaking equipment didn't work, and we didn't have the funds to go all-out once we fixed it, but too bad for you, you've still lost one of the years of your pass"?
I love the terrain at Timberline but looking at their pitiful attempt to open terrain and lack of snowmaking is really highlighted when compared to Whitetail with, as someone said earlier, 0 natural snow, warmer temperatures, and still open 100%... size can not be used as an excuse with Timberline being 26 acres smaller than Whitetail.
Interesting, their owners lived in our hometown of Winchester until last fall... they sold their house here and moved and did it very quietly.
I wish Timberline would get its together just to give Snowshoe some competition. Would rather deal with the slow lifts of Timberline than pay 7.50 for a bud light at snowshoe.
Norsk wrote:
Management has been pretty adamant in blaming the situation on snowmaking problems (including faulty equipment, but perhaps also including inadequate cash flow) rather than the poor winter. So my question is: how about all of those folks (including me) who bought the not-so-Awesome Pass? Is Tline's posture really going to be "sorry, our snowmaking equipment didn't work, and we didn't have the funds to go all-out once we fixed it, but too bad for you, you've still lost one of the years of your pass"?
Year after year. It's always the same cycle. Before the season starts they brag about all of their new snow making equipment. Seems like every fall they get a shipment of new guns. Season starts and the snow making is always lack luster. This year Mother Nature just isn't bailing them out. On top of all that they having no money because all of their passholders have awesome passes and didn't drop $400 last spring for a new pass. Their business model never has been built on common sense. And the Utility company has the March 30th date looming over their heads as well.
They'll need to start making snow sometime before the snowmobiles show up.
They have a press release on their Facebook currently saying they will be closed midweek next week. Probably to keep the snow for the snowmobiles.
That is sad, but not unexpected (though would be nice if they put the notice on their website too prominently so people would see it there as not everyone digs into their FB page) with their having such few trails open all Winter. I feel bad for those people that had rented properties around the resort during that span. Thankfully CVR is right down the road so at least there will be a skiing option in the valley during the week.
AndyGene wrote:
They have a press release on their Facebook currently saying they will be closed midweek next week. Probably to keep the snow for the snowmobiles.
"Timberline Four Seasons Resort will be temporarily closing February 21st-23rd, 2017. In a move to refocus our efforts on improving the ski experience during our most popular ski times, we have decided that it is in the best interest of quality and safety to close to skiing midweek
The decision to temporarily close was not easy to make, however the decision was formed after hearing the concerns of company management, the mountain operations team and ski patrol. This will allow us to put more time into maintaining trails for the reopening February 24th - 26th.
Al Tomson, Chief Operating Officer, said “It is important to provide a quality experience for our guests while simultaneously extending our skiing season. We are trading off a few days during this warm spell to ensure skiing well into March.”
We apologize to anyone that this decision has inconvenienced; we are refunding pre-purchased lift tickets and rentals for those specific days.
Timberline Four Seasons Resort is a family owned and operated business celebrating our 30th year of skiing in the Potomac Highlands. We offer authentic experiences year-round with scenic hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, summer camps and more.
For more information message us on facebook or call us at 1-800-snowing."
Not likely I will ever spend another dime at TL. This is beyond pathetic closing during a holiday week; some people take a week long vacation during that week.
Pretty much confirms I will buy a SS Ridiculous Pass and perhaps the MaxPass next year. bye bye TL.
$99 is less than the wak up price for ONE weekend right? They're charging us about $70 for three days this weekend because we are also renting a house from them..
They're now drawing for lifetime season passes every Saturday at the Pub. I'm guessing by 'lifetime' they're probably good for about as long as the $99 end of season pass they're selling right now as well...
I have 2 transferrable awesome passes, hardly used, good for next season. I'm taking bids. Do I hear a bid of 1 plug nickel, 1 plug nickel? Do I hear 1 plug nickel??? No? How about 1 red penny, do I hear 1 red penny?
I really do have 2 passes. What was it, $600 a pass, $300 a pass? Wait don't tell me I really forgot and I don't think I could bear the truth. I guess my contributions couldn't save them. Can I take it as a charity deduction?
Here's the sad dichotomy, is it bad management or a flat market? Are they the victim or the crime? I do wish private owners could deliver a sterling product in the Mid-A. I was/am rooting for Timberline and even Denton Hill in central PA. Perhaps the future ability of the region to offer affordable winter recreation will be that tried and proven formula that built the industry to begin with: public private partnership. It seems to be working down the Valley at Canaan and it is being given a go at Laurel (which is delivering a sterling if limited product). PA is even considering helping out at Denton Hill.
Are the owners of Timberline Pirates fans?
This is really depressing. Timberline is by far my favorite local hill. I just checked the schedule for Brew Skies so I could reserve my favorite home away from home, this years Brew Skies has already been canceled. This doesn't bode well, this really doesn't bode well.
Brew skies was not due to anything the mountian di or didn't do. It was the decision of Mountian State Brewery who hads sponsored the event the last several years. Perhaps someone else will pick it up and sponsor it at timberline ahich is a great venue for this event.
What's the status for Snowy Luau 2017?!!
MorganB
aka The Colonel
So looking at the snow reports for today, TL is closed as mentioned. I see that TL is reporting 26"-40" of base (assuming very limited acerage) and CV is reporting 12"-24" with roughly half of their terrain open. Should neither be able to make much snow beyond Saturday night it will be interesting to see which one remains open and "skiable" longer.
Laurel Hill Crazie wrote:
I have 2 transferrable awesome passes, hardly used, good for next season. I'm taking bids. Do I hear a bid of 1 plug nickel, 1 plug nickel? Do I hear 1 plug nickel??? No? How about 1 red penny, do I hear 1 red penny?
I really do have 2 passes. What was it, $600 a pass, $300 a pass? Wait don't tell me I really forgot and I don't think I could bear the truth. I guess my contributions couldn't save them. Can I take it as a charity deduction?
I'll give you two plug nickes, a red cent, and a quid.
Laurel Hill Crazie wrote:
I have 2 transferrable awesome passes, hardly used, good for next season. I'm taking bids. Do I hear a bid of 1 plug nickel, 1 plug nickel? Do I hear 1 plug nickel??? No? How about 1 red penny, do I hear 1 red penny?
I really do have 2 passes. What was it, $600 a pass, $300 a pass? Wait don't tell me I really forgot and I don't think I could bear the truth. I guess my contributions couldn't save them. Can I take it as a charity deduction?
You have Crazie in your screen name.
I blame you. If you bought for your entire family, you would have saved the place.
I had visions of all trails open all season long, good natural snow to ski those glades, (OK, i can't blame them for that). I can't justify the drive even for a day trip when I can get more and better terrain here for less than half the travel time. If it were just an average season I would have gotten the value. If they could have made the most of their snowmaking window it would have been a good deal. Now its looking like I might not even get there this weekend and even if I do Kathy can't ski do to medical problems. If we get a late winter and deep snow late or mid March will they even be open?
Oh, how I long for the days of those impromptu April Fools Day on the slope were a lot of folks brought out their zany and skimmed slush all day. Winter isn't that way anymore and neither are the skiers.
Laurel's opening saved my season. I'm sure that 7 Springs management will keep Laurel open as long as feasible but I am also pretty sure that Laurel will run out of paying skiers before they run out of snow.
I'm not here to trash T-line or its owners. We really like the place and I can even deal with slow lifts.
kwillg6 wrote:
Brew skies was not due to anything the mountian di or didn't do. It was the decision of Mountian State Brewery who hads sponsored the event the last several years. Perhaps someone else will pick it up and sponsor it at timberline ahich is a great venue for this event.
Mtn State didn't sponsor it, they actually put it on. They announced a while back that they wanted to take a break and refocus what they were doing as a brewery. They did mention reviving it in some way, shape, or form at some point in the future.
Why does the TL website indicate how.many trails are open and further down indicates they are closed! And some wonder about the name of this thread!
More good news for Fred and the gang. This was on the Facebook today
Davis, WV (February 25, 2017)- Timberline Four Seasons Resort will be temporarily closing February 27th ”“ March 2nd, 2017. This decision was made as a measure to prolong the life expectancy of the snow, and an attempt to shift assets toward our most popular period. Going forward we expect to remain open from March 2nd through March 12th.
In review of our decision to close this past week to refocus our efforts on improving quality of the experience, we have determined that our efforts were successful in preparing the mountain for the optimum ski experience in consideration of the unusually warm spell.
We apologize to anyone that this decision has inconvenienced; we will refund pre-purchased lift tickets and rentals for those specific days.
Timberline Four Seasons Resort is a family owned and operated business celebrating our 30th year of skiing in the Potomac Highlands. We offer authentic experiences year-round with scenic hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, skiing and more.
For more information, visit www.TimberlineResort.com
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In all honesty that is probably very resonable. midweek crowds in warm weather have to be close to zero. if that can give them another weekend then its its good regardless of how they got to that state.
Explains the large piles of snow on OTW that they are never going to use during ski season:
TomH wrote:
Explains the large piles of snow on OTW that they are never going to use during ski season:
Saving OTW for the snowmobile racers.
Just so no one forgets today is the snowmobile races.
I have no problem criticizing Tline management when justified, but I'm with Chaga on this one. I took a look at the webcams of the other Mid-A ski resorts which were open yesterday (Snowshoe, Roundtop, Appalachian, and a few others). Deader than dead. Just no customers.
Now at risk of creating controversy, isn't one way to look at what Tline has done the past few years this: shorten the season and then sell a value-priced $200 season pass to compensate? Yes I know that there were almost certainly cash flow reasons for Tline to offer the "Awesome" pass, but from the customer's perspective, isn't that what they have done -- shortened the season and offered a value priced season pass to compensate?
Compared to a number of other mid-Atlantic ski resorts (such as Snowshoe, Wintergreen, Roundtop, Massanutten, etc.) TL never delivered the goods/skiable terrain across most of the mountain, and as late as the third week in March. Unless it was during one of the few natural deep snow events, TL never came close to getting the entire mountain open. Surely this hurts those TL homeowners that rent homes to visitors. Fortunately Canaan Valley Ski Area, while not perfect, upgraded their snowmaking and as a result, their product as well as number of days open.
I remember many, many years ago we would go out to Timberline or CV the last weekend in March and the whole mountain would be open. We'd ski often throughout March as they would drop the prices after the first week of March and you'd get a few good weeks in. There were good crowds, but not too much. SS would often be open until the first weekend of April.
For whatever reason it seems that even with cold weather and snow retention throughout March that there just is not the demand past mid-March. Much of it has to do with climate change I am sure and the increasingly warmer Winters overall and earlier Springs, but I am sure there are other reasons.
My two biggest complaints with Timberline this Winter were that they were so late to open given the nice cold spells in December when all of the other resorts were open (they were either the last or one of the last to open) and the fact that they had so few trails from the top of the mountain open at any point this Winter. I don't think Twister ever opened and usually only one blue from the top.
