AZ Challenge 2011: Win Smith of Sugarbush

[steamboat1]

How about replacing the Heavens Gate Chair with one that actually goes to the top so you don't have to climb herring bone hill to get to Organ Grinder or Jester? Better yet how about a new bottom to top lift over the old Organ Grinder lift line?

I do like the idea of a lift going up lower FIS at Mt. Ellen though. A few more trails in that area & snow making would make it perfect.

[deadheadskier]

Win,

Under your tenureship, Sugarbush has been one of the most aggressive areas on the East Coast in offering skiing late into the spring. Any chance of altering the plan and moving spring skiing operations to Mt. Ellen? Without question, Mt. Ellen has the BEST set up on the East Coast to offer skiing as late as possible. The product you've delivered on Lincolon late season has been good, but without a doubt, Ellen is the better set up with the high elevation lift.

I've skied Superstar at Killington in mid-June in the past. I skied the Jet at Jay in early May this season. I think spring skiing at Mt. Ellen could trump both easily. Any chance of moving spring OPs to Ellen for this upcoming season? I think combining an epic spring skiing season on Ellen with your current 420 pass promotion would create serious buzz that Sugarbush is THE PLACE to be for diehard skiers and riders in the east. Spring skiing on Mt. Ellen is a competitive advantage that can't be beat by any other area in the east.

[jimmywilson69]

Have you considered converting the Slidebrook express to a bubble quad? I don't know if that kind of modification is possible with the current lift setup(towers, cable, etc) due to the additional weight. It would make that lift ride a bit more attractive,as it would essentially be a gondola.

[steamboat1]

Win I just wanted to say thank you for offering free skiing on the last day of the season this past season. Although I didn't take advantage of it it was a very nice gesture on your part. I did ski May 1 just not at your area.

I also agree about Mt. Ellen being the better area for spring skiing but understand why you use Lincoln Peak since most of your investment is put into that area. I remember one spring day several years ago (before you bought the area) that I skied Lincoln Peak in the morning & by 11am the mountain turned into slush, even up on Heavens Gate. I took one boot off & drove over to Mt. Ellen & to my surprise still found mid winter conditions there. Mt. Ellen just seems to stay cooler & holds the snow better as I'm sure you already know. I used to spend many spring days at Mt. Ellen & miss having the option to ski there late season.

[teleo]

Win,

Is phase 3 of LP moving forward? Any indication of possible timetables? And how will it integrate with the old Sugarbush Village if at all?

You had a long range plan for Sugarbush on the old website that included phase1, 2, 3 of LP. Now that phase 1 & 2 are complete, have you updated the plan looking further out than phase 3? What would be the next major items on the plan?

[WWF-VT]

Tropical Storm Irene damaged the snow making pond, German Flats Road sustained damage and there has been ongoing repaving of the Access Road. What impact, if any will there be on snowmaking this season based upon these events? What improvements to snowmaking and recovery from the inevitable freeze/thaw cycle are planned for this season?

[Nick]

@WWF-VT great question for them to answer but I did just see a press release from them in regards to the snow making pond.

Here --> http://news.alpinezone.com/100921/

[ThinkSnow]

Win-- Thank you for the great job you're doing as the resort's current caretaker, and for listening to the customers voices & opinions.

With so many people these days being involved with "fantasy" sports, I was wondering what your "fantasy ski-resort" would be, and if you hope to incorporate any of those details into Sugarbush in the future?

[lpy]

You can still see the lift line in question on google earth. Was that done by ASC?

I could be wrong, but I think this was cut to serve a new pod in the 60's but was found to be beyond Glen Ellen's property lines and abandoned? This trail map from '68 shows "future facilities and trails":

http://www.nelsap.org/skihistory/glenellen68tm.jpg

I'd also be very interested to hear about proposed upgrades to ME.

[steamboat1]

I could be wrong, but I think this was cut to serve a new pod in the 60's but was found to be beyond Glen Ellen's property lines and abandoned? This trail map from '68 shows "future facilities and trails":

http://www.nelsap.org/skihistory/glenellen68tm.jpg

I'd also be very interested to hear about proposed upgrades to ME.

I like the lift ticket rates in your link.