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Save the Whale

deadheadskier

deadheadskier

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Newpylong said:
Word is the gearbox is being held hostage by whatever company they chose to do the rebuild.

It really sucks after having spent so much time and effort trying to get that place back on its feet to see them tripping over themselves so badly year after year. I stand by my opinion that a wholesale board (and senior staff) replacement is the only thing that might lead to long term success. You see what other non-profits like Big Rock and BMOM are able to achieve with experienced board and management...
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That would help for sure it would seem. I'm sure quality leadership for BMOM and Big Rock helps, but they also have funding advantages too I believe. Doesn't the state of Maine provide grants to both? Where as Whaleback has to rely solely on private donations.
 
Newpylong

Newpylong

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BR and BMOM have definitely received large grants from entities such as the Libre Foundation (which focuses on Maine), but Whaleback has also received sizable grants from The Byrne Foundation, HKD, Killington World Cup Foundation, Share Winter, (just to name a few) and governmental funding such as the Northern Borders Regional Commission. Big Rock was able to install the quad not only through grants but very sizable private donations because they A) had a clear ask and B) have a track record of being able to execute so the Community was all in. Whaleback has neither and it's hard for the community to keep throwing good money after bad. I wish I had a better outlook but it's been 12 years now since the non-profits takeover and yes it's good to have the mountain open but there isn't much to show for it. The place is still falling apart, they can't make snow to save their lives (which severely limits usage) and they can't get out of their own way on both technical and capital decisions.
 
K

Keelhauled

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There was a surplus of trench and a deficit of surface lift on the side of Spout last weekend when I went by on the interstate. I'm skeptical they even manage to do that.

I have a lot of good memories from there; it's terribly depressing to see the mountain now.
 
Rob Katz

Rob Katz

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Newpylong said:
Is this picture flipped?

That is a TON more earthwork than was previously done last season and that already was a wicked scar on Spout. Because they chose for all intents and purposes a variable height handle tow, the profile has to be flat. Complete waste of time and money that would be far better spent on A) Snowmaking, B) Lift maintenance, C) Lodge, D) Snowcat leases, E) All of the above.
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Not to forget the fact that they literally have half of their "night skiing" terrain closed because the lights are broken.

Also, without a doubt. The most terrible and infuriating ski patrollers of all time. Disgrace to the profession honestly.
 
I

IceEidolon

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At this point I'm waiting to hear that the lift is condemned, Vail and Indy are creating a 501c3 joint venture to run the place, and the beginner area is getting full orange M Snow coverage for summer skiing.
 
K

Keelhauled

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They made a facebook post confirming no chairlift at all this year, want $210k in donations by December 1st or else implied they won't open whatsoever. A "community night" will be held tomorrow to "hear directly from management and the board." I'd be curious to hear what they have to say.
 
Newpylong

Newpylong

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The best thing the community could do tonight is show up and ask for the board to resign upon locating new members who have industry and/or business experience. There hasn't been any malice, they are just incompetent.

We were a mountain that was on the verge of breaking even and consistently upon from Mid-December to the end of March (with all snowmaking and night terrain open), to a mountain that struggles to even open for Christmas with inoperable lifts, lights, and a single trail (not even a green) off the summit for the entire season. It doesn't help to point fingers, but that board nor their staff are the key for success.
 
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A

AdironRider

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Newpylong said:
The best thing the community could do tonight is show up and ask for the board to resign upon locating new members who have industry and/or business experience. There hasn't been any malice, they are just incompetent.

We were a mountain that was on the verge of breaking even and consistently upon from Mid-December to the end of March (with all snowmaking and night terrain open), to a mountain that struggles to even open for Christmas with inoperable lifts, lights, and a single trail (not even a green) off the summit for the entire season. It doesn't help to point fingers, but that board nor their staff are the key for success.
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I'm not saying they are the best ski area operators in the world, far from it, but IME they mean well. You consistently have some pretty aggressive comments about their management so its obviously personal.

At the end of the day it doesn't snow there and they don't have the funding like Dartmouth or S6 do to backstop, so its a tough road to hoe. Whaleback going belly up is not unique to the current management either so lets just say its not just management's fault entirely.

But screw power hungry patrollers. I've never understood that mentality by the ones that are. Just go ski and keep me from bleeding out when called upon.
 
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