The 2006 AlpineZone Ski Area Challenge: SUGARBUSH Owner and Operator WIN SMITH!

Yes, you read it right.

Win Smith, President and one of the owners of Sugarbush Resort has agreed to take the 2006 Alpine Zone Challenge!!! This is your opportunity to ask questions, offer suggestions, or say some praise to the men and women behind the scenes of the Northeast’s Ski Areas. Please post some suggested questions in this thread and we'll select ten to present for official responses.

Also please don't be offended if we edit/change your question for grammar, tone, or some other minor thing. In order to get in all of the questions we MAY merge some questions but we'll do our best to keep the substance of your question. If we don't get your question in, feel free to post a follow up after we get the results...we are encouraging the representatives follow the threads. :wink:

As always, please be respectful of Win and keep it civil. Also, please refrain from asking specifics about skier visit numbers, financials, demographic information, etc. Sugarbush needs to be discrete about certain information.

We are honored to have Win participate in this challenge. It is unprecedented that a resort owner/operator has made himself this available, so please take advantage of this opportunity.

Ask away!

Sugarbush’s 2004 Challenge Responses
Sugarbush’s 2005 Challenge Responses
Sugarbush’s Profile

Win, kudos for offering the "College Plus One" pass program. Very innovative idea. We are seriously considering this pass.

Win, thanks for participating. There certainly has been a buzz in the online skiing community regarding your participation on the SkiMRV.com forums. The open invitation to meet with SkiMRV members face-to-face last month to discuss your vision for Sugarbush, as well as to dispell myths and rumors took a lot of guts and should be commended. What did you personally get out of the meeting? Would you consider eventually doing it again? In general, what are your thoughts on online skiing communities like AlpineZone and SkiMRV? Do you feel they are a good resource for feedback and have you ever seriously considered a suggestion that was posted online? Do you feel other ski areas are missing out by not tapping into online resources like these? I look forward to your continued participation on SkiMRV and AlpineZone.

There has been some talk on SkiMRV about the elimination of the 6-day pass from the offerings this year. What is the reasoning behind the elimination of this pass (ie. just not popular enough)? It seems like this will affect the condo owners the most, as I would believe that they were the ones that would tend to buy this pass. I also commend you on the college+1 pass - too bad I'm a year late. Do you see any other young adult pass-pricing anytime in the near future?

Two questions (for now):

1) In recent years, you've done a great job reinvigorating the F&B lineup at the Glen House with new menu options that cater to a broad array of consumer. On the other hand, the F&B options at Allyn's Lodge seem to have taken a big step backwards. While I understand the difficulties inherent in the Allyn's Lodge discussion due to its lack of septic, this year's lineup was quite disappointing. SB utilized an external vendor approach to provide either sugar (in waffle or candy bar form) or hot dogs. On the days when the hot dog vendor operated (not in bad weather, from what I could tell), customers were required to head inside if they wanted a drink. In a development that should be surprising to no one, that vendor's drinks were always frozen after being left outside in Vermont at 3,000 feet in mid-winter. The waffle vendor often ran out of product by 2PM in my experience as well. All in all, Allyn's did not provide a great F&B experience this year. No fresh fruit. Few alternative/non-carbonated beverages. No energy/granola/snack bars. Do you have any plans to improve on the options in this gem of a mid-mountain lodge.

2) I understand that you referenced the issue of glade maintenance in your discussion with SkiMRV.com members. It would seem to this observer that a policy similar to neighboring MRG would be wise. Under the direction of trained foresters, MRG has organized volunteer glade maintenance days to help ensure that generations to come can enjoy the bounty of tree skiing without fear of over-cutting as has occurred there on runs like Paradise and Lower Glade. Similarly at SB, there are areas like Paradise woods, Lower Moonshine, and skier's left of Upper Jester than cry out for an organized, concerted effort of regeneration. In light of this, can you reiterate the mountain's position with respect to official and unofficial glade maintenance? Are there any plans in the future to move towards this more holistic glade management policy for both classic glades and traditionally treed runs like Glade, Lower Moonshine, Lower Domino, Birch Run, Sleeper and Sunrise?

I always felt it was commendable that Summit Ventures replaced the lift on Castlerock with another double with wide chair spacing in order to minimize skier traffic. It's apparent that you want to maintain the classic Castlerock experience. However, one suggestion I've heard was to install enough snowmaking only at the lower reaches of Castlerock in order to keep those access areas skiable earlier and later in the season when the upper elevations may have enough skiable natural snow. What are your thoughts on that? Some might argue that's a slippery slope (no pun intended) and that snowmaking may make it further up Castlerock, with trail widening and grooming not far behind. Perhaps encouraging hiking from the top of Heaven's Gate is the best compromise? Do you have additional comments regarding Castlerock, particularly any type of confirmation that the long-term goal is to keep the area somewhat untouched for the purists that prefer natural terrain?

Some really good questions thus far...keep 'em coming.

As most of us know by now, the Blue Tooth is being knocked down and will be replaced by affordable housing (one of the original catalysts for the big discussion with Win). I was wondering if you have any details about the project yet? For instance what is considered to be affordable housing in the valley? Will the housing be reserved for people of certain income levels? What will the project look like. Additionally, is there any other affordable housing planned for the MRV? What are your long term plans in regards to housing and condo developments in the MRV and its immediate surroundings?

I would really like to commend the fact that that Sugarbush has the perfect balance between groomed and ungroomed terrain, and snowmaking and natural snow. This spring I took a groomer ride, and theese guys absolutely know what they are doing, and understand grooming from a skiers perspective.

I hear word is that you are in favor of grooming more expert terrain (double blacks). I think it is reasonible to groom the expert terrain, when it gets sketchy but I really don't know if having Double blacks that are groomed most of the time is in-keeping with the challenge of Sugarbush.

I would be in favor, of minor snowmaking at the base of castlerock, and possibly on castlerock runout etc... With snofarminng techniques a few guns can go a long way, and with the difference of elevation and temperature being able to cover the lower areas could lead to the castlerock area being much more consistant.

I am wondering if there are any plans to increase snomaking capcity, It would make sense, to have more production capcity for when it is most efficent, when the weather is its coldest and dryest. To be able to cover more terrain, when it is cheaper would be much more economical, and would make better use of the snowmaking budget.

I am aslo wondering if sugarbush is considering alternative snowmaking technologies, such as airless snowcannons like the one at the base of Mt Ellen. I hear this type of equipment is susposted to be cheaper, use less electricity and less labor, but less fine product. I am wondering if it might be more economical to use airless guns in cetrain areas of the mountain such as, wide open places, at trailheads for snow-farming, and in the terrain park. In addition, I hear guns of this style, can be mounted on snow-cats etc... and moved about the mountain to provide more capacity as needed.

PowderDeprived said:

I hear word is that you are in favor of grooming more expert terrain (double blacks). I think it is reasonible to groom the expert terrain, when it gets sketchy but I really don't know if having Double blacks that are groomed most of the time is in-keeping with the challenge of Sugarbush.

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I haven't heard that rumor, but I absolutely agree. We don't want the Bush to turn into Stratton. I know that I am always disappointed when the Mall (yes, I know this is a black but it's rarely groomed) gets groomed and I don't think a groomer should touch a double black unless it gets extremely sketchy.

A "Ski The Valley" Pass....

....would, in my opinion, be the finest terrain & snow option available in New England. I realize all kinds of hurdles exist in doing something like this, but, hypothetically and in a perfect world, what would it take for Sugarbush and Mad River Glen to join forces (just for, say, a 7-day, "all everywhere/no blackout" pass) and offer a terrain bonanza from Lincoln Peak to Stark ?

Trail-wise, terrain option-wise (and two giant backcountry basins thrown in for good measure)....well, wow ! Am I nuts or would this potentially poach skiers who would never otherwise get a pass at either resort in "the valley"....from some "out of valley" competitors ? Thus, a win-win for both SB and MRG ?

My naivete speaks....and dreams. Thanks.

smootharc said:

....would, in my opinion, be the finest terrain & snow option available in New England. I realize all kinds of hurdles exist in doing something like this, but, hypothetically and in a perfect world, what would it take for Sugarbush and Mad River Glen to join forces (just for, say, a 7-day, "all everywhere/no blackout" pass) and offer a terrain bonanza from Lincoln Peak to Stark ?

Trail-wise, terrain option-wise (and two giant backcountry basins thrown in for good measure)....well, wow ! Am I nuts or would this potentially poach skiers who would never otherwise get a pass at either resort in "the valley"....from some "out of valley" competitors ? Thus, a win-win for both SB and MRG ?

My naivete speaks....and dreams. Thanks.

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Yowsers! What a question and a fantastic suggestion at that. It seems the MRV CoC is really striving to promote the area, and something like this could offer the advanced skier access to terrain that is hard to beat.

Greg said:

Yowsers! What a question and a fantastic suggestion at that. It seems the MRV CoC is really striving to promote the area, and something like this could offer the advanced skier access to terrain that is hard to beat.

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I am not sure if I should speak to this or if I am supposed to leave it for Win- perhaps he might be able to address availability of this product without a lodging package requirement, though.

This combo MRG/SB ticket product exists and has for about 6 years- and includes Ole's XC to boot. However, it is not a retail product and is only available when packaged with lodging. The price is attractive and available from several area properties from Condos, to upscale B&Bs, to Inns, and Lodges. It was developed and negotiated through the chamber to drive midweek business with minimum stay 2 nights midweek or 3 nights when over a weekend.

However, having said that, there is not a retail ticket product: "Ski The Valley", that doesn't require lodging. Sorry if I have highjacked this thread. Didn't mean to.

noski said:

I am not sure if I should speak to this or if I am supposed to leave it for Win- perhaps he might be able to address availability of this product without a lodging package requirement, though.

This combo MRG/SB ticket product exists and has for about 6 years- and includes Ole's XC to boot. However, it is not a retail product and is only available when packaged with lodging. The price is attractive and available from several area properties from Condos, to upscale B&Bs, to Inns, and Lodges. It was developed and negotiated through the chamber to drive midweek business with minimum stay 2 nights midweek or 3 nights when over a weekend.

However, having said that, there is not a retail ticket product: "Ski The Valley", that doesn't require lodging. Sorry if I have highjacked this thread. Didn't mean to.

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I think smootharc is suggestting a season pass, not just a lift ticket.

Greg said:

I think smootharc is suggestting a season pass, not just a lift ticket.

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That's the vibe I got as well. Great idea.

thetrailboss said:

That's the vibe I got as well. Great idea.

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Je ne lis pas le puits anglais, désolé !

Sorry...to use "Ski the Valley"....

...as it is the existing lodging/ticket product.

My post refers to a SB/MRG season ticket product....lodging being all the ski bums who love great terrain sleeping in their cars in the lot when this fantastic new season pass product rolls out.

noski said:

Je ne lis pas le puits anglais, désolé !

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Um, eh? (As them Quebecois say!)

This is getting off topic a bit.....

It would be great to have some kind of Mad River/Sugarbush pass, and even it it cost the same as buying both, It would also be interesting, if for instance if you could get a Sugarbush pass, that might come with a discounted mad river ticket book or something.

thetrailboss said:

Um, eh? (As them Quebecois say!)

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I don't read English very well, my bad!