Since Vail purchased WT/Liberty/RT in 2019 their snowmaking strategy during snowmaking windows has resulted in some poor outcomes, and me and others on the board have called them out for it.

Lessons learned, increased budget, new leadership?  Not sure how or why but Vail deserves a shout out for running the guns this much this early. Weather not withstanding, I haven't seen this much coverage in December since Snowtime ownership.  Thank you Vail and keep it up!

Running snowmakers at the earliest when temp is optimal is de rigueur for any ski area.  So - certainly glad some of the mid-a resorts are getting covered.   But not going to give Vail special props for that.  However they communicate to the local talent that it's time to "spend money or use resources" is beyond / out of my view.  Also should be noted that last few years, at least in the mid-a, impossible to make enough snow this early.

Neither WT, Liberty, nor Roundtop have provided any updates on their website's conditions pages regarding snowmaking or opening dates. Despite a prime seven-day snowmaking window last week, none of them are opening this weekend—disappointing. Under Snowtime ownership, Roundtop would have been open by now, with snow stored at Whitetail and Liberty for openings the following weekend. Choosing not to open when it's clearly possible to open with a very good product and a base that will survive a one week warmup sends the message that driving pre-season pass sales takes priority over providing an early-season experience for guests.

RodneyBD wrote:

Since Vail purchased WT/Liberty/RT in 2019 their snowmaking strategy during snowmaking windows has resulted in some poor outcomes, and me and others on the board have called them out for it.

Lessons learned, increased budget, new leadership?  Not sure how or why but Vail deserves a shout out for running the guns this much this early. Weather not withstanding, I haven't seen this much coverage in December since Snowtime ownership.  Thank you Vail and keep it up!

I feel like the past few seasons we've had these cases of early cold snaps that fizzle out within a few weeks. I'm hoping this isn't the case this year but at this point I'm prepared to be disappointed.

With that said WT & Lib have been making snow like crazy and there is no sign of opening which is beyond frustrating. I might get the logic that they want to build a stockpile and weather the warmup instead of grooming it out and watching it melt. The problem really boils down to communication.  There is none. They're playing coy the opening but I'd honestly have more respect if they shared their plan. I was fully ready to go ride this weekend but I've heard nothing so I'm assuming it's not happening at this point. I would have had more respect if they just came out and said the plan is to not open this weekend but build their stockpile and weather the warm front. Instead all you get is "Stay tuned". I do know they are doing instructor training this weekend. 

As an EPIC pass holder, it’s disappointing. Jack Frost is the only resort open within a realistic drive from DC. We happen to be at lake harmony next weekend so we will hit up whatever is open.

It is great at WT, RT and LB made snow but they aren’t opening until 12/20 or 12/26 according to the lift ticket buying feature. That is how I gauge when EPIC resorts open, they tend to to have their lift tickets to purchase blacked out until they plan to open. Take a look.. Jack Frost was updated as soon as they start blowing snow with Wednesday as the opening day per lift ticket purchase… 

We are going out west for two weeks, Vermont for a few days and my son is doing whitetail weekend lessons so the EPIC local is what we got. But prechristmas opening isn’t in the cards for most of our local EPIC resorts.

Going to hit up Bryce on Wednesday as long as the rain stays away in the afternoon and then Timberline with a buddy on the 12/17. After that, it will be pure EPIC resorts for most of the season. With a timberline weekend in February with another family.

Here is a cold and snowy winter!!!

I'm not sure it's whining to say that it is *normal and expected* for Vail to pay to make snow on such an early cold snap. I say expected because, yeah, you can collect all the season pass money you want before the season starts, but you are apparently paying for an offering, no?  There is an expectation of provided services, especially on such an early cold snap. What would turn many frowns upside down?  Being able to get staff to the places that have snow / making snow and open the hills.

7 Springs opened today.  Will be skiing there tomorrow.  Home hill, HV, hasn't said boo, but word on the street is instructors were supposed to report this weekend.  Hopefully they'll be open next weekend.  Certainly plenty of snow to be groomed out and used.

 Bryce opens tomorrow with 100% terrain. But they do close Mon-Wed next week then reopen Thursday going forward. So check your Wed plan to Bryce.

Timothy.grasso wrote:

As an EPIC pass holder, it’s disappointing. Jack Frost is the only resort open within a realistic drive from DC. We happen to be at lake harmony next weekend so we will hit up whatever is open.

It is great at WT, RT and LB made snow but they aren’t opening until 12/20 or 12/26 according to the lift ticket buying feature. That is how I gauge when EPIC resorts open, they tend to to have their lift tickets to purchase blacked out until they plan to open. Take a look.. Jack Frost was updated as soon as they start blowing snow with Wednesday as the opening day per lift ticket purchase… 

We are going out west for two weeks, Vermont for a few days and my son is doing whitetail weekend lessons so the EPIC local is what we got. But prechristmas opening isn’t in the cards for most of our local EPIC resorts.

Going to hit up Bryce on Wednesday as long as the rain stays away in the afternoon and then Timberline with a buddy on the 12/17. After that, it will be pure EPIC resorts for most of the season. With a timberline weekend in February with another family.

Here is a cold and snowy winter!!!

First two days in the bag.  Did 7S both sat and sun.  Saturday was typical 7S machine-made fun.  Icy.  Crowds not too much of an issue except for maybe 1pm.  Vail staff attentive / a little aggressive at keeping people moving in the right direction.  Sunday (today) was a bit of a soft skiing meltdown, crowds even less of an issue.  Only Wagner/bowl, alley on the north, fawn lane, deer pass, and a few other connectors on the frontside open.  

Hilarious that HV has the frontside (easily as many slopes & trails) covered, and did not open.  (Staff, choice, or lack of word from on high?)  

I'd say maybe next weekend, but weather not good.  And that was 5+ days of snowmaking for them.

Glad to get two days in though.