More good news for Killington skiers.

[deadheadskier]

Originally Posted by GrilledSteezeSandwich

But that's all flat terrain..no harm at least for me..

shocking, looking at the situation pretty much only as it pertains to you

I don't think many will miss the terrain, it's mainly the access. Back in High School when I skied K, I'd almost always park at Sunrise and head up from there. When it was not open, I would opt for the Gondola. The main access road is a pain the ass. Bear isn't so bad, but the Gondi was that much easier, plus it drops you in a more central location.

If I owned a condo in that area, I'd be PISSED about this. The decision not only lowers the rental value, but also the resale value as many have pointed out. I'd honestly probably elect to ski at Okemo or the Bush with all the cut backs. The Pico situation is what would bother me the most.

[bvibert]

Originally Posted by GrilledSteezeSandwich

But it's expensive for them to operate that area when crowds are slim..you still have the other 95%...quit complaining..Powder is a business..don't you want them to be successful?

GSS == Voice of reason??

[threecy]

Originally Posted by millerm277

Ever used the Snowshed Crossover? Most of it is perfectly flat, it crosses busy trails, and unless you're going to Snowshed (which is unlikely if you were capable of skiing GE), you've still got to pole a long distance after it to get to the SS Quad or K1.

Snowshed Crossover is flat...but there are flat stretches of GE too...especially if you're a beginner. Busy trails - not so much midweek non-holiday. Probably even a little less with the lower stage closed.

If they can see only a minimum loss of midweek skier visits by closing Stage 1, I say good move. Killington is already way too big - especially during empty days. Simply a waste to have that much open for no reason other than stats.

The bigger question is will they maintain the snow reports accurately when that section is closed, or will they still try to say 100%?

[millerm277]

Originally Posted by threecy

Snowshed Crossover is flat...but there are flat stretches of GE too...especially if you're a beginner. Busy trails - not so much midweek non-holiday. Probably even a little less with the lower stage closed.

Other than the spot at the top of Bear, you should never have to pole on the trail, unless you stop in a bad location.

If they can see only a minimum loss of midweek skier visits by closing Stage 1, I say good move. Killington is already way too big - especially during empty days. Simply a waste to have that much open for no reason other than stats.

Rather than do that, why not just try to boost midweek visits? Offer some decently priced packages, and lots of families will come up.

[FridayHiker]

Originally Posted by deadheadskier

I don't think many will miss the terrain, it's mainly the access. Back in High School when I skied K, I'd almost always park at Sunrise and head up from there.

We've only skied there once, but that was where we parked. Convenient for those coming from the east, and the shortest walk from car to lift of nearly anywhere we've been, which was a pleasant surprise for Killington. If we go back this year, I'll be sorry not to be able to park there.

[threecy]

Originally Posted by millerm277

Other than the spot at the top of Bear, you should never have to pole on the trail, unless you stop in a bad location.

Typical beginners stop a lot, in bad locations, and do not have the ability or confidence to maintain speed into flats. I doubt the impact of midweek beginners not choosing KMart because of a few novice trails being closed will be felt. Even without Stage 1, Killington is still a massive area. It's not like they're eliminating it completely like they did with most of Sunrise and part of Ram's Head.

Originally Posted by millerm277

Rather than do that, why not just try to boost midweek visits? Offer some decently priced packages, and lots of families will come up.

Pretty much everyone in the industry has been trying to boost midweek visits for a looooong time. So far, no one has cracked the code (other areas minutes from population bases).

Killington's current layout was not designed with efficient midweek operations in mind.

[threecy]

Originally Posted by FridayHiker

We've only skied there once, but that was where we parked. Convenient for those coming from the east, and the shortest walk from car to lift of nearly anywhere we've been, which was a pleasant surprise for Killington. If we go back this year, I'll be sorry not to be able to park there.

I've never parked there (Skyeship) when I've skied there, but just about every midweek non-holiday I've never been to K-Mart (not including POW days), there's been room to park near all of the lodges.

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

Originally Posted by deadheadskier

shocking, looking at the situation pretty much only as it pertains to you

Duh I have no empathy for condo owners..they can drive to the KBL on weekdays..

[threecy]

Originally Posted by GrilledSteezeSandwich

Duh I have no empathy for condo owners..they can drive to the KBL on weekdays..

Actually, I think I read somewhere KBL is going to be closed midweek non-holiday

[Hawkshot99]

Originally Posted by threecy

The bigger question is will they maintain the snow reports accurately when that section is closed, or will they still try to say 100%?

That is not a midweek trail, so on a Wednesday 100% of midweek trails will be open.

Its all in how it is worded.