Any facts, announcements, rumors, etc?!
The Colonel
The Colonel wrote:
Any facts, announcements, rumors, etc?!
The Colonel
roumdtop us suposed to get like 20 or so new fans
It is hard to imagine based on what is already there..... but White Grass will have even more new glades and trails and reconfigured/design rental shop to accomadate more XC skis. No more downhill resort tele rentals will be available at WG as it takes up too much room for how much they get rented. Limited downhill XC tele gear will still be there however. New trail grooming equipment also purchased.
And a friend who grew up here, is opening a ski shop in Davis to do high-end tunings and rentals, etc.
In late winter Snowshoe announced the summer 2015 planned installation of an automated fan gun base snowmaking upgrade for Cupp Run slope in the Western Territory. With this they hope to be able to have Cupp Run ready for sliding by opening day each season. This is a major improvement and should take some pressure off the Ballhooter lift during the day, while a new six pack replacement for Ballhooter lift has not been funded as yet, this remains a priority for Snowshoe management. Now all that is needed is to convince Intrawest money managers to fund this essential lift improvement.
Send your comments about improving the lifts at Snowshoe to Tom Marano, CEO of Intrawest, at
Comments@Intrawest.com
The Colonel
There will be a new beer on tap or in bottles at many resorts this winter.
At one point I had seen that liberty would be putting in a triple to replace the tow for the terrain parks, cameras don't show any progress on this though...anybody know details? The source was their website a few months back but I can't seem to find it there anymore.
From the Ski Liberty web site:
Next summer we'll be replacing the Terrain Park J-Bar surface lift with a CTEC Triple Chairlift! We have already purchased this chairlift and it has been delivered to Liberty. This completely reconditioned chairlift will match our Alpine Quad and First Class Quad in appearance and style. It will be installed just above (and between) the Dipsy Quad and Alpine Quad chairlifts. Lift service will be along the left side of the Terrain Park (looking up hill) and unload a bit further uphill than the existing Alpine Quad Chairlift mid station. During busy times, skiers and riders will be able to access our terrain parks by way of two chairlifts, both this new triple lift and the existing Alpine Quad mid station.
- See more at: http://www.libertymountainresort.com/mountain/mountain-information/what%27s-new.aspx#sthash.fSNtv40F.dpuf
Roundtop say its guns will be placed in fanny hill trail *sigh*
its a good move. I'd rather have cup and shays than 50% more capacity on balhooter. just avoid it in the weekend afternoons. the basin slopes are too crowded already.
The Colonel wrote:
In late winter Snowshoe announced the summer 2015 planned installation of an automated fan gun base snowmaking upgrade for Cupp Run slope in the Western Territory. With this they hope to be able to have Cupp Run ready for sliding by opening day each season. This is a major improvement and should take some pressure off the Ballhooter lift during the day, while a new six pack replacement for Ballhooter lift has not been funded as yet, this remains a priority for Snowshoe management. Now all that is needed is to convince Intrawest money managers to fund this essential lift improvement.
Send your comments about improving the lifts at Snowshoe to Tom Marano, CEO of Intrawest, at
Comments@Intrawest.com
The Colonel
Not to hijack this as a snowshoe only thread.... but just out of curiosity is there any reason they can't develop the terrain between the balhooter and soaring eagle trails to be more than just the 2 horribly narrow green trails that cut across?
I personally think it would be awesome to see them develop that and just add a new lift for the new terrain!
As a sidenote has anyone actually looked at the real world benefit of a HS Six Pack vs HS Quad.... I feel like gunnar and the polar express at 7 springs have so many stopages because of the number of people that they can't be much more efficient than a quad with a good lift crew. (Which Ballhooter at least in my experience usually has)
Haven't heard anything official from 7 springs yet....... But, I'm guessing they'll get 4 new hkd guns and regrade the top of the avalanche lift and call it a year.
rbrtlav wrote:
Not to hijack this as a snowshoe only thread.... but just out of curiosity is there any reason they can't develop the terrain between the balhooter and soaring eagle trails to be more than just the 2 horribly narrow green trails that cut across?
I personally think it would be awesome to see them develop that and just add a new lift for the new terrain!
As a sidenote has anyone actually looked at the real world benefit of a HS Six Pack vs HS Quad.... I feel like gunnar and the polar express at 7 springs have so many stopages because of the number of people that they can't be much more efficient than a quad with a good lift crew. (Which Ballhooter at least in my experience usually has)
I have FREQUENTLY wondered the same thing about what is the deal with all that unused space between Soaring Eagle and Ballhooter. I guess it would require some major reworking to add more fall line trails given how many intersections would be created with the existing traverses. Also maybe there isnt much room at the top of the mountain for an unloading station given all the condos in that area?
I too have often wondered about the efficiency of high speed six packs vs HS quads. The 6 involves getting people lined up right and it seems to be considereably tougher for 6 than for 4, resulting in more stoppages. Likewise for falling or failing to clear the unload area. People also group themselves with friends such that some seats go empty. I'm inclined to think that the net result is that there is little or no gain in efficiency for a HS6 vs. a HS4. There are probably studies on this.
Denis wrote:
I too have often wondered about the efficiency of high speed six packs vs HS quads. The 6 involves getting people lined up right and it seems to be considereably tougher for 6 than for 4, resulting in more stoppages. Likewise for falling or failing to clear the unload area. People also group themselves with friends such that some seats go empty. I'm inclined to think that the net result is that there is little or no gain in efficiency for a HS6 vs. a HS4. There are probably studies on this.
Its not really an issue in colorado and out west as far as I'm concerned because MOST ppl know how to load the lift. I also think it the loading lines have something to do with it. Has anyone though about a cabriolet gondola? It's not significantly more $.
I have heard that the terrain between Ballhooter and Soaring Eagle lifts is not suited for fall line trails due to "cliffs"; anybody else heard this?
The Colonel wrote:
I have heard that the terrain between Ballhooter and Soaring Eagle lifts is not suited for fall line trails due to "cliffs"; anybody else heard this?
I've skiied that terrain. There are some cliffs in the area, but no more so than the area under Ballhooter.
Maybe that's where the protected Salamanca lives!
wgo wrote:
I've wondered if snowshoe could ever open the terrain under ballhooter lift as a run. Would be fun to have a run in these parts with a couple small semi-mandatory drops.
I've seen ppl do it last time i was there. Not sure what happend with there passes tho. Hahaha, but it would be great to see something like that come down here to the south east
I found this image which shows the elivations of the area between Ballhooter and Soaring Eagle lifts. The terrain looks like it is similar in pitch and vertical drop to the rest of the basin (having skiied that part of the mountain, it's pretty accurate). However, the terrain doesn't really flow towards either of the existing lifts, so terrain expansion would likely require an additional lift to be installed or an increadibly long and flat runout on the bottom to get to Ballhooter. (If the picture doesn't post correctly, see http://www.declinemagazine.com/bikeparks/bikepark_usa/midwest/images/snowshoe_large.jpg )
Hmmmm! There is a lot of territory in there with (mtn. bike?) trails. Bike trails =/? backcountry ski trails.
Thanks for the post!
I was at Snowshoe this weekend, no major construction that I noticed, except at Silver Creek they were replacing or adding some pipes for snowmaking on Cubb Run/Cant Hook (the main green slope that passes right by the lodge).
Did you get a look at the Western Territory? Major snow making improvements supposed to be taking place this summer, Cupp Run to have all new automatic fan guns in order to hopefully open when the basin side slopes open at Thanksgiving!
Anyone know why Snowshoe doesn't build out the Western Territory? Seems like an obvious place to add more runs, and long ones at that, but perhaps there are overlying issues.
The Colonel wrote:
Did you get a look at the Western Territory? Major snow making improvements supposed to be taking place this summer, Cupp Run to have all new automatic fan guns in order to hopefully open when the basin side slopes open at Thanksgiving!
I was there Thu + Fri. The fog was so thick I could not see what, if anything, was going on around WT. They did repave some portions of Snowshoe Drive coming up the mountain.
On a side note after waiting 11 years, I have entered the 21st century and now have dedicated internet service in my condo. After some testing on Friday, it appears I will be able to install a small webcam in my window and point it at the top of Ballhooter.
My productivity at work will greatly decrease if I can pull this off. I'll sit and watch peeps tumble off the lift all day long.
Concerning liberty. I am starting to get concerned about the lift. They didn't even start making the hole for the post yet. Starting to get concerned. Also they said an ice rink would be placed, anyone have info regarding that?
I was up at Seven Springs Sunday and Monday. So far, there appears to have been no new capital improvements with the exception of the renovated water wheel at the entrance. However, the Bavarian Lounge and Timbers Resteraunt have significantly upgraded their menus and the food was actually excellent and the prices stayed roughly where they were (Same prices and better food). Also, the new Foggy Brews opened at the end of last season so I guess they can count that as an improvement.
The Colonel wrote:
Did you get a look at the Western Territory? Major snow making improvements supposed to be taking place this summer, Cupp Run to have all new automatic fan guns in order to hopefully open when the basin side slopes open at Thanksgiving!
I didn't get past the top of the lift on the Western territory; that's a great question. They had the lift running for bikers, and no obvious dirt was moved.
The19thHole wrote:
Anyone know why Snowshoe doesn't build out the Western Territory? Seems like an obvious place to add more runs, and long ones at that, but perhaps there are overlying issues.
If I remember, it is a environmental issue. sensitive ecology or something.
eggraid wrote:
The19thHole wrote:
Anyone know why Snowshoe doesn't build out the Western Territory? Seems like an obvious place to add more runs, and long ones at that, but perhaps there are overlying issues.
If I remember, it is a environmental issue. sensitive ecology or something.
Its some kinda lizard/salamander thats an endangered species. It's the same thing that stopped several resorts from being built/expanded. And also because infra west makes more then enought money so they dont really need to make a new trail
eggraid wrote:
The19thHole wrote:
Anyone know why Snowshoe doesn't build out the Western Territory? Seems like an obvious place to add more runs, and long ones at that, but perhaps there are overlying issues.
If I remember, it is a environmental issue. sensitive ecology or something.
Its some kinda lizard/salamander thats an endangered species. It's the same thing that stopped several resorts from being built/expanded. And also because infra west makes more then enought money so they dont really need to make a new trail
Antoine wrote:
Its some kinda lizard/salamander thats an endangered species.
BINGO!
http://www.wvdnr.gov/wildlife/magazine/archive/05Summer/wildlife_diversity_salamander.shtm
Since Mr. Nutting's financial resources are clearly tied up in Laurel Mountan, couch cough. Has anyone heard about capital improvements at 7 Springs this off season?
I haven't heard any. So, it doesn't look real promising. All of his capital projects seemed to be geared towards things like a new bar or real estate investments, or building new terrain parks. I just hope at some point he does something for the skiers and snowboarders that actually ride the trails. It's been 10 years since we had the gunnar lift upgrade, and I'm pretty sure that was started by Dupree. There has been no new trails cut. Snowmaking improvements have been minimal, when compared to places like holiday valley and snowshoe. I would even be happy with lights on trails off the gunnar lifts, so you could ski the best part of the mountain during the whole operating hours. Please Bob, just give me something to get excited about.
fmi1 wrote:
I haven't heard any. So, it doesn't look real promising. All of his capital projects seemed to be geared towards things like a new bar or real estate investments, or building new terrain parks. I just hope at some point he does something for the skiers and snowboarders that actually ride the trails. It's been 10 years since we had the gunnar lift upgrade, and I'm pretty sure that was started by Dupree. There has been no new trails cut. Snowmaking improvements have been minimal, when compared to places like holiday valley and snowshoe. I would even be happy with lights on trails off the gunnar lifts, so you could ski the best part of the mountain during the whole operating hours. Please Bob, just give me something to get excited about.
fmi1, you're pretty spot on. In Nuttings defense, he has put a lot of money into the resort, however much of the investment was within the first 3 - 4 years and has severly tailed off. If you or anyone else can find it, look at the plans the Dupree's had at the end of their ownership to grow and expand the resort (Post-Gazette Article). It included a new mountain top hotel and village with a new gunnar and north face lifts to help spread the mountain to the new Western Area expansion off Lost Girl Trail. I can remember even in the first few years of Nuttings ownership, seeing a sign off the Great Western Trail saying future of the Western Area Ski expansion. The issue with that though and why they tore down the small building at the bottom of Giant Steps is that the township where that part of the mountain is located in is a "dry" township. He has to make his money some how.
Keep in mind that Mr. Nutting has a publishing empire as well as the Pirates so I think that is why he appointed Eric Mauch as CEO of 7S. I assume that includes HV. From my experience, Mauch vision does not extend beyond the end of his nose where the yearly balance sheet is balanced. From what I have been told, the big ego'd control freak is very much involved in every decision that is made at 7S and HV. He's not the vision guy. He looks at what makes money, today. I doubt he has much vision for the future because that is just not the kind of guy he is. His huge ego gets in his way. He's kind of like George W Bush, he is not aware of his own short comings ( which in Bush's case were many). I have been told that Mr. Mauch's limited vision for HV is... skiing, golf and weddings. When asked for what their plan is for HV, we have been told "oh we have one, but we can't tell you what it is". I really don't think they have one other than "skiing, golf and weddings". because that is what makes money, today. For 7S, I think there is also a simple business plan where investment is geared to "what makes money today". At present, I don't think Mr. Mauch has a vision for tomorrow. He is not the vision guy. That would be Nutting and that is why he has Laurel Mtn. That said, I think Mauch and his team have provided an excellent ski product at HV and 7s.
That whole 7 springs western expansion saga is depressing....I remember seeing the sign and hearing of the impressive plans. I learned to ski ther and really enjoy mid week days there... But that place would be impressive if those plans had gone through.
On the bright side whitetail posted a picture of the 17 new guns for expedition on their Facebook page. (With a nice addition of some minions from photoshop) I know their location somewhat requires it, but in my opinion they already had the most impressive snowmaking in the area and it is nice to see them continue to invest in it!
rbrtlav wrote:
That whole 7 springs western expansion saga is depressing....I remember seeing the sign and hearing of the impressive plans. I learned to ski ther and really enjoy mid week days there... But that place would be impressive if those plans had gone through.
On the bright side whitetail posted a picture of the 17 new guns for expedition on their Facebook page. (With a nice addition of some minions from photoshop) I know their location somewhat requires it, but in my opinion they already had the most impressive snowmaking in the area and it is nice to see them continue to invest in it!
I agree 100% they have better skiing them that hill in Alabama(yes I said Alabama)
Snowshoe has an image of a new trail on instagram....does anybody know anything about that?
rbrtlav wrote:
Snowshoe has an image of a new trail on instagram....does anybody know anything about that?
I called SS marketing to ask but got voice mail. Blow up their Insta and ask whats up.
I have a buddy down there now seeking info.
You'd think they advertise the hell out of an improvement like that ....
Unless I'm missing something, IMO this is a waste. Anything directing MORE skier traffic to Ballhooter is not an improvement.
"anything directing MORE skier traffic to Ballhooter is not an improvement."
+1
Blue Don 1982 wrote:
Unless I'm missing something, IMO this is a waste. Anything directing MORE skier traffic to Ballhooter is not an improvement.
LOL!
It does sound strange; you can already get from Powderidge to Ballhooter in one shot; just keep going "right"
Wonder if it has something to do with future lift upgrades?
The Colonel wrote:
Wonder if it has something to do with future lift upgrades?
I sure hope it dose! .
The only reason i dont go to the shoe is because of the insane lines for ballhooter and i dont feel like waking up for the opening thine
Liberty seems to have started construction on their new lift with several lift post on one of their cams today!
Timberline is trying to raise funds to put a loading conveyor on The Thunderstuck Triple with the hope that it will reduce the lift line wait. Seriously???
jimmy wrote:
Timberline is trying to raise funds to put a loading conveyor on The Thunderstuck Triple with the hope that it will reduce the lift line wait. Seriously???
Hope they put one at the top to drag away everyone that eats it unloading too. Simple things like someone managing the lines and not having a bobsled run for a loading ramp might help.
Conveyor loading does seem to work quite well at Bryce. But to echo wvrocks, a staffer stationed at the top to get people and yard sales from the offload ramp would work magic.
They installed these loading conveyors at HV. However, they are constantly breaking down from ice accumulation. As slow as TL lifts are, I doubt a loading conveyor would be much help. HV sped their quald lft up by removing chairs and increasing the spacing between chairs. Apparently, the spacing of the chairs kept the lift from operating at a faster speed...makes sense. The lift ride was noticably shorter after the modification. Of course a lift is designed with a maximum operating speed. Usually you do not run any equipment, lifts or otherwise, at is maximum parameter.
Well, if every chair on the lift is full a loading conveyor can't help much can it? The biggest problem I see is they (lift attendant) stop or jog the lift, constantly; sometimes because they think they might have to stop it. Someone should have to fill out a report everytime the stop button gets pushed.
I never agreed with the opinion that Timberline needs a High Speed Quad, but i will tell you that a better, higher capacity lift would move more skiers, faster than wasting money on a loading conveyor would.
IF timberline did put in a HSQ, they would have to build a new parking lot to accomodate all the extra business. I just hope they get some snowmaking on Lower Thunderstruck, looked like a missing tooth last year.
wvrocks wrote:
jimmy wrote:
Timberline is trying to raise funds to put a loading conveyor on The Thunderstuck Triple with the hope that it will reduce the lift line wait. Seriously???
Hope they put one at the top to drag away everyone that eats it unloading too. Simple things like someone managing the lines and not having a bobsled run for a loading ramp might help.
Want your ski? Go get it!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRHuYB2Pm0g
There's an interesting paper on conveyor belts here:
The paper talks about some of the benefits and the history of conveyors.
Resorts that have installed them have generally found that they're a cost-effective way to increase the efficiency of existing lifts, and substantially cheaper than installing a new lift. It's all about reducing chair stops and slows -- which increase as the lift is at capacity. Reducing those, which the conveyors are very good at doing, effectively delivers many more skiers per hour to the top of the mountain. It's no wonder resorts are rushing to install these.
While I endorse a conveyor for The Thunderstruck lift, I am alarmed that they need to "raise the money" to do it, and so late in the season too! Please someone with deep pockets rescue Timberline!
re: getting the lifts to run at full capacity...
Some signage at the corral entrance, and lifties with the authority & guts to enforce, will go a long way to streamlining the queue and keeping every chair fully loaded:
Set up the corral as follows (for a quad):
1 line, at the 'far side' as you ski in, for 4-packs
next in, 2 lines of doubles next to each other
next a line for triples
closest is the singles
can change the order, but the point is that the [single +triple] get paired up, then the 2 doubles, then the 4-pack goes. wash, rinse, repeat. 1 from each line, each time. All the liftie has to do is point at the designated lines to go, cycling through. You could even do a red/yellow/green light system sync'ed with the chair timing, to tell each line when they are on deck, and when to go.
Triples are the least common grouping, but folks can/will still group up spontaneously to utilize the perceived shortcut.
The liftie no longer has to mix-n-match constantly, not being able to get each chair to capacity when poeple get confused or just stupid.
Of course some % will ignore this, which is where the liftie's job to kick them back into the proper line comes into play.
Antoine wrote:
The only reason i dont go to the shoe is because of the insane lines for ballhooter and i dont feel like waking up for the opening thine
Antoine you should know the routine by now, it's simple. One run on balhooter lift, several runs on widowmaker, then spend the afternoon on cup and shays. Ride back up grabhammer if needed. Pray for a hard snowstorm and you can ski anywhere.
I bet this new slope must be a small connector between middle left and middle right. That top right green slope includes that sharp left turn and steep 20 yards that creates numerous yard sales and always tracks out badly by end of day. I've seen many beginners reduced to tears and carrying their skis along the edges.
The Colonel wrote:
While I endorse a conveyor for The Thunderstruck lift, I am alarmed that they need to "raise the money" to do it, and so late in the season too! Please someone with deep pockets rescue Timberline!
Any place, be it a ski area or whatever, that has such demand that there are lines and problems due to limited spase of the facilities and equipment certainly ought to be able to manage expansion of equipment and facilities to handle that excess demand. It might involve charging people more to use said facilities, but if people are lining up and squabbling over limited spaces (on a chairlift or whatever) than the market should absorb a price increase to either reduce the number of people entering or fund expansion to accomidate the higher number of people or both..
pagamony wrote:
Antoine wrote:
The only reason i dont go to the shoe is because of the insane lines for ballhooter and i dont feel like waking up for the opening thine
Antoine you should know the routine by now, it's simple. One run on balhooter lift, several runs on widowmaker, then spend the afternoon on cup and shays. Ride back up grabhammer if needed. Pray for a hard snowstorm and you can ski anywhere.
I bet this new slope must be a small connector between middle left and middle right. That top right green slope includes that sharp left turn and steep 20 yards that creates numerous yard sales and always tracks out badly by end of day. I've seen many beginners reduced to tears and carrying their skis along the edges.
I was thinking that too, if you are talking about the green "Whistlepunk" trail. But that would connect that trail to the "Choker" terrain park; I can't see that being a good move for beginners, or people on the terrain park, unless they are going to move or eliminate that park.
Adding the conveyor loading to the base lifts at Massanutten definitely helped. Mostly because the lifts don't end up stopping quite as often. Also don't need to be slowed quite as often either. Although novice boarders manage to get scrambled often enough to be annoying at busy times.
Roundtop has stared removing the areco guns from fanny hill and is putting in some new sufag guns
Groundbreaking should begin this Fall for Laurel Mountain State Park ski area rebuild which include over $5 million in trail work and snowmaking and a new 4 person chairlift.
crgildart wrote:
The Colonel wrote:
While I endorse a conveyor for The Thunderstruck lift, I am alarmed that they need to "raise the money" to do it, and so late in the season too! Please someone with deep pockets rescue Timberline!
Any place, be it a ski area or whatever, that has such demand that there are lines and problems due to limited spase of the facilities and equipment certainly ought to be able to manage expansion of equipment and facilities to handle that excess demand. It might involve charging people more to use said facilities, but if people are lining up and squabbling over limited spaces (on a chairlift or whatever) than the market should absorb a price increase to either reduce the number of people entering or fund expansion to accomidate the higher number of people or both.
Thunderstuck lift is broke down, top bullwheel bearing needs replaced. Why would one consider making a ??$100,000? investment in a loading conveyer for a 40 year triple lift that they can barely keep running? Once they install a triple loading conveyor on the forty year old chairlift, that's it, triple chair forever.
jimmy wrote:
Thunderstuck lift is broke down, top bullwheel bearing needs replaced. Why would one consider making a ??$100,000? investment in a loading conveyer for a 40 year triple lift that they can barely keep running? Once they install a triple loading conveyor on the forty year old chairlift, that's it, triple chair forever.
Haha, umm ya. Poor management and planning of they believe that a conveyer will reduce stress on the main bullwheel bearings and other drive train components.. or make that much of a difference in uphill capacity figures. They'd do better adding a rope tow LOL!
crgildart wrote:
jimmy wrote:
Thunderstuck lift is broke down, top bullwheel bearing needs replaced. Why would one consider making a ??$100,000? investment in a loading conveyer for a 40 year triple lift that they can barely keep running? Once they install a triple loading conveyor on the forty year old chairlift, that's it, triple chair forever.
Haha, umm ya. Poor management and planning of they believe that a conveyer will reduce stress on the main bullwheel bearings and other drive train components.. or make that much of a difference in uphill capacity figures. They'd do better adding a rope tow LOL!
not just a rope tow but.....for the 100th time, or so, .... they need another used double or triple chair that runs to the mid station area. they could regrade the on and off, spread out the chairs and run just a little faster, maybe 10%, just to give the illusion of progress.... when it is totally unfixable, hopefully not this year, buy a used triple from snowshoe when they start upgrading the basin. otherwise, what is the future?
meanwhile, cannot wait to get back up there again this year.
Fake 7S Press release...
Update, 7S will continue to agree to take your money for you, at greatly inflated prices from last year that do not directly coorelate to increased operating costs. No improvements have been made. We spread a thin coat (2 gal) of fresh paint on the avalanche lift which continues to resemble a multi layer/colored jawbreaker candy.
This year we plan to shut down North Face even sooner to build up piles of snow for a photoshoot that no one will see
You're welcome...
At this point, I do not know what improvements have been or will be made at 7S and HV. I think the vision of Eric Mauch is very small..."what makes money today". That is his modus operandi. Hundreds of acres of undeveloped real estate....no plan. His plan at HV.... weddings and golf during the summer; skiing in the winter. If he could ad funerals.....it's dead here at HV in the summer. He should be the COO, not the CEO. He operates the resorts to make money, today. Visions to expand or grow the resorts do not exist in Mr. Mauch's brain. He wants a well run ship that makes money, today.
Sincraft wrote:
Fake 7S Press release...
Update, 7S will continue to agree to take your money for you, at greatly inflated prices from last year that do not directly coorelate to increased operating costs. No improvements have been made. We spread a thin coat (2 gal) of fresh paint on the avalanche lift which continues to resemble a multi layer/colored jawbreaker candy.
This year we plan to shut down North Face even sooner to build up piles of snow for a photoshoot that no one will see
You're welcome...
The photo shoot was made into an hour long special showing the grown of east coast skiing by one if the largest freesking media outlets (Goodcompany) featuring the likes of Tom wallish who is a 7s local and dew tour and Xgames gold medalist. Now personally i think this is a good cause especially because with all that snow they set up a small park and let you ride it, and they had a dining sesh with he pros.
The Colonel wrote:
In late winter Snowshoe announced the summer 2015 planned installation of an automated fan gun base snowmaking upgrade for Cupp Run slope in the Western Territory. With this they hope to be able to have Cupp Run ready for sliding by opening day each season. This is a major improvement and should take some pressure off the Ballhooter lift during the day, while a new six pack replacement for Ballhooter lift has not been funded as yet, this remains a priority for Snowshoe management. Now all that is needed is to convince Intrawest money managers to fund this essential lift improvement.
Send your comments about improving the lifts at Snowshoe to Tom Marano, CEO of Intrawest, at
Comments@Intrawest.com
The Colonel
I got this email from our GM at Mtn Lodge this AM
Hi Jim,
I just spoke with Tex Ritter which is one of the head of operations at Snowshoe and he says they are on Cupp now installing the new Snowmaking improvements on Cupp. They will open sooner in the ski season.
Jetta
I also saw a post in another forum showing a couple pics of work being done on Cupp.
We are getting closer!
New snow guns arrived at Snowshoe.
https://twitter.com/snowshoemtn/status/639499805941743620/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
At this point, I do not know what improvements have been or will be made at 7S and HV. I think the vision of Eric Mauch is very small”¦”what makes money today”. That is his modus operandi. Hundreds of acres of undeveloped real estate”¦.no plan. His plan at HV”¦. weddings and golf during the summer; skiing in the winter. If he could ad funerals”¦..it’s dead here at HV in the summer. He should be the COO, not the CEO. He operates the resorts to make money, today. Visions to expand or grow the resorts do not exist in Mr. Mauch’s brain. He wants a well run ship that makes money, today.
Snowsmith, don't blame Mauch. He's just following strict marching orders from above.
No, I truly believe Mauch is running the show. Nutting has a lot on his plate ....publishing, the Pirates, etc. Now perhaps Nutting approves of how Mauch runs the place. Mauch is the CEO of ski enterprise. We need to stop letting Mauch off the hook. Mauch makes money for Nutting because that is how Mauch runs the operation. He's a balance sheet guy. The future for Mauch is the next balance sheet print out.
Hi All, I was at Liberty Mtn Resort this week. The Triple is postponed till 2016/17 season. Too late to start. Hold ups are the usual (permits and a few specialized parts). The Circle Ice Skating will be going in next summer.The real good news is Snowmaking upgrades. Bigger Water pipe adds 1/3 more production. As Scott said in his May Article Whitetail redid Exhibition with new Techno Alpin. They have their own Air system and frees up air for the wands. Even Roundtop added new fans, (this completes the green guns at roundtop) Upgraded pipe, Upgraded automation. Should see an added benefit to the black diamond runs. If you need maximum time on snow for the least amount of $$ consider the Skidome NCC night club card with the advantage option.
Not a slopeside improvement, but Whitetail has paved more parking and Liberty has started paving as well. Depending on what type of car you drive this is a nice enhancment as paved lots are alot easier to plow
The Colonel wrote:
In late winter Snowshoe announced the summer 2015 planned installation of an automated fan gun base snowmaking upgrade for Cupp Run slope in the Western Territory. With this they hope to be able to have Cupp Run ready for sliding by opening day each season. This is a major improvement and should take some pressure off the Ballhooter lift during the day, while a new six pack replacement for Ballhooter lift has not been funded as yet, this remains a priority for Snowshoe management. Now all that is needed is to convince Intrawest money managers to fund this essential lift improvement.
Send your comments about improving the lifts at Snowshoe to Tom Marano, CEO of Intrawest, at
Comments@Intrawest.com
The Colonel
Thanks for the good idea and email address. We should all be vocal about the need for trail and lift expansion at Snowshoe!!!!!
In the news from Timberline they are installing A NEW LIFT, increasing snowmaking capacity by 30% and building a second terrain park between?? Lower Almost Heaven and Good Intentions??
Herz Mountain was purchased by the Herz/Reichle family in 1985 and opened to the public as Timberline Four Seasons Resort the following year. Now, 30 years later, Timberline is the only family owned and operated ski resort in the region, with 3 chairlifts and 325 employees during peak season who call Timberline "home" -- and more growth to come!
Timberline is opening a second terrain park this winter between Lower Almost Heaven and Good Intentions with a new handle tow to get you there. New water pumps and 20 additional Snowlogic power guns will increase our snowmaking capacity by 30% over last season, which means more of your favorite trails will open before Christmas, Mother Nature willing.
From our humble beginnings with only 17,000 skiers that first year, Timberline has grown exponentially, accommodating approximately 80,000 visitors in the 2014-15 season. We have you to thank for it. In honor of our 30th anniversary, we would like to extend to you this offer: The Awesome Pass is a 3-year season lift ticket, priced below the regular one-year season price. This pass is transferrable, so if something unexpected happens you won't be saddled with a pass you can't use. The great value and flexibility of The Awesome Pass is our gift to you as a big "thank you" for your loyalty and support.
As a bonus, the first 500 passes will include no blackout days - ski seven days a week and holidays too. Secure yours while supplies last.
Hope you haven't bought your Timberline season pass yet.
Jimmy - where is this press release from. I don't see anything on the T-Line web page or Facebook page.
jimmy wrote:
In the news from Timberline they are installing A NEW LIFT, increasing snowmaking capacity by 30% and building a second terrain park between?? Lower Almost Heaven and Good Intentions??
Herz Mountain was purchased by the Herz/Reichle family in 1985 and opened to the public as Timberline Four Seasons Resort the following year. Now, 30 years later, Timberline is the only family owned and operated ski resort in the region, with 3 chairlifts and 325 employees during peak season who call Timberline "home" -- and more growth to come!
Timberline is opening a second terrain park this winter between Lower Almost Heaven and Good Intentions with a new handle tow to get you there. New water pumps and 20 additional Snowlogic power guns will increase our snowmaking capacity by 30% over last season, which means more of your favorite trails will open before Christmas, Mother Nature willing.
From our humble beginnings with only 17,000 skiers that first year, Timberline has grown exponentially, accommodating approximately 80,000 visitors in the 2014-15 season. We have you to thank for it. In honor of our 30th anniversary, we would like to extend to you this offer: The Awesome Pass is a 3-year season lift ticket, priced below the regular one-year season price. This pass is transferrable, so if something unexpected happens you won't be saddled with a pass you can't use. The great value and flexibility of The Awesome Pass is our gift to you as a big "thank you" for your loyalty and support.
As a bonus, the first 500 passes will include no blackout days - ski seven days a week and holidays too. Secure yours while supplies last.
Hope you haven't bought your Timberline season pass yet.
Wow, $499 for a three year pass. That’s $166 per year, beyond ridiculous:-)
I've got to think hard about this deal. Are they mortgaging the future to pay for today??
Will they be there in 3 years? The new water pumping capacity and snow guns will just about meet their need to build a new park and I won't be using a hndle tow but....
We are very excited to offer this great deal in celebration of our 30th Anniversary Season. In answer to your question, we have run the numbers on this, and because it's such a great deal we do have to limit the number of these passes that we sell, so don't wait too long if you are interested in purchasing. We are implementing our first steps in our expansion plans this season, with more in the works, and we intend to be here for at least another 30 years.
Timberline4SR wrote:
We are very excited to offer this great deal in celebration of our 30th Anniversary Season.
That's a great deal. You guys should be promoting it on your website and social media. I had to dig it up on Liftopia.
That's a great deal! I would hop on it, blackout dates look like they include "Saturdays" if I read that right.
That's a great deal! I would hop on it, blackout dates look like they include "Saturdays" if I read that right.
I acutally saw a pic on Facebook where they are installing new pipe up Thunderstruck. Wooo Hooo!
Not exactly new for slopes, but noticed recently that Wisp is spending $780K on renovations to the hotel. Apparently going to replace most of the mattresses between fall colors and ski season.
Anyone know of any improvements at 7 Springs or Blue Knob this summer? Haven't heard much from either.
Looks like BK will have a couple webcams this season.
Whoopee!
msprings wrote:
Anyone know of any improvements at 7 Springs or Blue Knob this summer? Haven't heard much from either.
7 Springs will see the addition of 2 new drafts on tap at the Foggy Google, as well as 5 additonal choices of bottled beer. Also, there will be an improved selection of toppings available with nachos. CEO Eric Mauck see these improvements as being nothing short of a game changer for the resort.
Well at HV, I understand that 7S is removing the old Thunder double chair lift. I have no further information if it will be replaced. If not, 7S improvement at HV this year is to remove a lift. Another brilliant strategic move by Eric Mauch.
I saw some new HKD towers at Blue Mountain going in on the tube park.
snowsmith wrote:
Well at HV, I understand that 7S is removing the old Thunder double chair lift. I have no further information if it will be replaced. If not, 7S improvement at HV this year is to remove a lift. Another brilliant strategic move by Eric Mauch.
Maybe its addition by subtraction. Wait, no, maybe its contraction by subtraction. All I've got to say is imagine what HV would be like now if Nutting had bought the resort from Kettler brothers instead of Buncher. Buncher rehabbed and rebuilt HV and then he swooped in and bought it at a bargain price. The state is rebuidling Laurel for him and he's got virtually no skin in the game there either. The state built him a pristine baseball stadium where he is making $$$ hand over fist with the 6th lowest payroll in baseball. Is he just a smart businessman? Maybe. I've got a few other adjectives and nouns to describe him. If someone could point out to me what he's given back to the people of the Commonwealth, I might reconsider my pi$$poor impression of him.
Found notes about Whitetail on SkiPA. Apparently looking into ways to increase water storage capacity for future expansion. Also want to expand the base lodge. What was done for 2015-16:
"This year’s snowmaking improvements include 17 new fully automated Techno Alpin Fan Guns. The majority of these guns will be placed on the Exhibition Trail. Our new fan guns will allow us to open the Exhibition Trail sooner and to resurface the moguls on the trail during the season as we see fit and as weather conditions dictate. Our experienced skiers and riders will truly love this new capability which we will be adding to our arsenal of snowmaking tools. We are also in the process of automating the Fan Guns on Drop In which will assist us with resurfacing the snow on this trail as well. Other Snow Guns being added to the mountain are some additional HKD guns on the Snowpark Trail. Both the TechnoAlpin and the HKD Snow Guns are very energy efficient helping us in our “green” objectives to consume less electrical energy as we make snow.
With our successful beginner program continuing to grow year after year, the need to expand our rental equipment inventory was required. To satisfy this demand, plenty of ski/boot sets have been ordered to help quell any possible shortages. In addition, new skis, boards, and boots are on tap for those who will be taking advantage of our full season lease program.
Continuing on with our multi-year paving renovation, Lot 1 is now fully paved for the guest’s convenience, as well as the road that leads to Whitetail’s Adventure Snow Tubing."
If I'm reading correctly whitetail is looking at some sizable improvements.
http://m.ski.curbed.com/archives/2015/09/pennsylvanias-whitetail-resort-is-investing-25-million.php
If you deduct the current operating expenses, loan payments, etc etc...how much if left out of a lift ticket to put toward the $2.5 million? Just wondered how long to recoup that $2.5 mill and then start making money?
As a season passholder I like seeing future investment and stuff like this makes me want to renew annually, despite being costly. 2 of the 3 SnowTime resorts are packed consitently on weekends Christmas-Presidents Day, which I suspect allows them to do this stuff. (Roundtop is slightly less crowded) SnowTime is a private company, which has it benifits. Despite what complaints people have about these places they are making noticable improvements year after year (snowmaking, lodges, occasionally new terrain) despite not having the vertical or size of other resorts. They have been running these resorts for a while and I look forward for seeing what the future of these 3 places holds, especially Whitetail, as I think it has the most potential.
snow.buck wrote:
If you deduct the current operating expenses, loan payments, etc etc...how much if left out of a lift ticket to put toward the $2.5 million? Just wondered how long to recoup that $2.5 mill and then start making money?
Totally agree with rbrtlav. SnowTime has always followed a plan of upgrades from lifts, to snowmaking, to lodge improvements. They offer many pricing tiers. The plus is close so a half day can be done.
I found this blog posted by Marz in another thread---interesting on the useful life of detachables.
http://liftblog.com/2015/09/21/the-lifespan-of-a-high-speed-quad/
Whitetail's HSQ is 1991 vintage. I am sure they have replaced most the guts over the years, but still looks like it is approaching its useful life. Snowtime is pretty good about swapping out old infrastructure compared to some of the other resorts, so I wonder what is in the cards for the HSQ.
KeithT wrote:
I found this blog posted by Marz in another thread---interesting on the useful life of detachables.
http://liftblog.com/2015/09/21/the-lifespan-of-a-high-speed-quad/
Whitetail's HSQ is 1991 vintage. I am sure they have replaced most the guts over the years, but still looks like it is approaching its useful life. Snowtime is pretty good about swapping out old infrastructure compared to some of the other resorts, so I wonder what is in the cards for the HSQ.
Does that lift get used during the summer? In the article, there was a comment that how much a lift gets used in a given 12-month period can vary a lot depending on length of snow season and whether or not it gets used in non-snow seasons.
Always interesting to hear where lifts end up after one is removed as part of a long awaited upgrade at the current location, but then is considered an "upgrade" at the new location.
Came across a few additional links this am....dont think it is much we didnt already know, but a few things in the links I hadn't seen elsewhere.
Seven Springs http://www.7springs.com/ski-and-ride/whats-new-winter/
Liberty http://www.libertymountainresort.com/liberty-mountain-resort/more/whats-new-liberty
Snowshoe http://www.snowshoemtn.com/media-room/whats-new-on-the-mountain.aspx
I heard a rumor that next year they might have snow!
If by next year you mean 1/1/16, I hope so but I'll be happy with snowmaking temperatures at this point.
Compare the improvements done by Liberty to the improvements done by 7S/HV. It is amazing how much the Snowtime Resorts invests back into their facilities.
7S listed one of their improvements as being a market they plan to open about 1 mile from the main entrance. So, you can now go there instead of a few miles further to by a loaf of bread and a gal of milk for $20.
Actually, I think it's pretty nice they have this available because there are ALOT of condos/cabins near this area with the closest store being in either Donegal or Trent. I'm hoping they are not price gouging for their stuff, for example a box of mac n cheese will likely be $2 but, maybe they will be cool about their pricing allowing them to stay open all year, not just during the winter months.
As far as listing this as an improvment? The fact that this is, for me, the only tangible visible improvement that I can see 7S doing this year, takes me back to the comments left about 3 months ago in this thread stating the current CEO of 7S only sees what will make money RIGHT NOW, not in the future.
snowsmith wrote:
Compare the improvements done by Liberty to the improvements done by 7S/HV. It is amazing how much the Snowtime Resorts invests back into their facilities.
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