Sundown Gunny Plans

[Greg]

i don't know if the B or B comps generate more annual $$ for the mountain than racing, i'd suspect not. But i would guess that at this point in time that isn't the driving factor. Many (every??) mountains offer race programs, it is a popular activity. Sundown promoting and hosting B or B is unique and something they can use to differentiate themselves from the rest of SNE.

Yes, and the moguled terrain and the mogul comps don't impact the race season negatively in any way....what are we talking about again? :blink:

Listen, I'm sure Bob and co. have crunched the numbers, and it's obvious the mogul terrain is not impacting the bottom line in a negative way, despite some of the arguments here. While we're the most vocal group in regards to bumps at Sundown, I'm sure they are not catering solely to the relatively small group from AZ that skis there. When the bumps are good, people are all over them so we're not the only group that likes them.

 

[2knees]

I'm joining the race league next year. gotta see what all the fuss is about.

found a sweet deal on some spandex too.

 

[Greg]

Check out Mohawk's new Facebook profile pic and status:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mohawk-Mtn-Ski-Area/128644598236

 

[gmcunni]

Check out Mohawk's new Facebook profile pic and status:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mohawk-Mtn-Ski-Area/128644598236

sweet, wish i was ripping some of that right now!

(BTW, i hate the new way Facebook displays pictures, makes it harder to steal them)

 

[planb420]

I would even venture to guess that Sundown's terrain park attracts more $$$ than racing.

YOU GOT THAT, Its what brings me there as well...not to mention both parks are slammed from about 2pm till close on most days!!!! Sorry racers but you may have become the 3rd wheel on the mountain:beer: LOL

 

[gmcunni]

Sorry racers but you may have become the 3rd wheel on the mountain:beer: LOL

i don't know.. other than when the boarders cut the line in front of the racers i doubt they ever see each other ;-)

 

[planb420]

i don't know.. other than when the boarders cut the line in front of the racers i doubt they ever see each other ;-)

Its called get what you can when you can, if the skiers did not leave a gap for us to fit in we could not do it....so step yo game up or keep falling back LOL

 

[Grassi21]

i don't know.. other than when the boarders cut the line in front of the racers i doubt they ever see each other ;-)

Its called get what you can when you can, if the skiers did not leave a gap for us to fit in we could not do it....so step yo game up or keep falling back LOL

If we really want to start a flame war, I would go as far as to say that the little racer kids have the worst etiquette on the hill. They tear a$$ down every trail, cut people off in the bumps, and act like they own the place because the back of their jacket says "Ski Team."

 

[planb420]

i doubt they ever see each other ;-)

Oh I see them...as tiny blips for a second on my radar as I bomb past them on gunny while they are taking those wide ass turns:razz:

 

[planb420]

act like they own the place because the back of their jacket says "Ski Team."

LOL +1:smile:

 

[bvibert]

If we really want to start a flame war, I would go as far as to say that the little racer kids have the worst etiquette on the hill. They tear a$$ down every trail, cut people off in the bumps, and act like they own the place because the back of their jacket says "Ski Team."

Grassi is on fire today!

 

[Grassi21]

Grassi is on fire today!

I know... so not like me to jump in on these debates.

 

[gmcunni]

If we really want to start a flame war, I would go as far as to say that the little racer kids have the worst etiquette on the hill. They tear a$$ down every trail, cut people off in the bumps, and act like they own the place because the back of their jacket says "Ski Team."

AKA entitlement

 

[threecy]

YOU GOT THAT, Its what brings me there as well...not to mention both parks are slammed from about 2pm till close on most days!!!! Sorry racers but you may have become the 3rd wheel on the mountain:beer: LOL

I don't know what Sundown's financial model is, but I doubt that is true.

Racing (and season passes) are two of the only guaranteed forms of income an average New England ski area has. Home racers and their families will buy season passes and then potentially pay large sums in addition for race training. USSA races will bring an area thousands, generally regardless of weather. Local high school races and race practices also bring in thousands, generally regardless of weather. In addition, high school race programs can have recreational programs attached to them, bringing in thousands in lessons and rentals.

 

[2knees]

I don't know what Sundown's financial model is, .

you should've just stopped there.

 

[Greg]

I don't know what Sundown's financial model is, but I doubt that is true.

Racing (and season passes) are two of the only guaranteed forms of income an average New England ski area has. Home racers and their families will buy season passes and then potentially pay large sums in addition for race training. USSA races will bring an area thousands, generally regardless of weather. Local high school races and race practices also bring in thousands, generally regardless of weather. In addition, high school race programs can have recreational programs attached to them, bringing in thousands in lessons and rentals.

Racing is a component at Sundown, no doubt, but racing is far from one of only two guaranteed forms of income there. I would be willing to bet park generates the most revenue in the form of passes. That's likely the reason why junior (age 7-14) passes are only $50 cheaper than adult (15+) passes.

Don't doubt for a second that there's not a a huge walk-up day ticket contingent on weekends mid-season. Especially in a year like this one. The place has been mobbed every weekend since Christmas.

Ski school/lessons must count for a big chunk. When instructors congregate on weekend mornings, it can be shocking how many green jackets there are.

Finally, after school programs on weeknight evenings account for a big slice too as I understand it.

What should be reiterated is how well the mountain handles all of these skier types/abilities/terrain preferences given the limited real estate. Pound for pound, probably one of the best run ski areas in SNE.

you should've just stopped there.

Indeed. :lol:

Of course, my assertions are mostly based on casual observation not any real knowledge of the inner workings at Sundown, but when's the last time you skied at Sundown threecy?

 

[planb420]

you should've just stopped there.

Agreed...because there are ABSOLUTLY NO park riders that have season passes...and I'm sure there are NO park related events either to drive kids with parents that have money to spend to Sundown:razz:....NO money to be made there lol

 

[severine]

Yikes!

I don't ski bumps.
I don't race.
I don't do the park.

There's still something for everyone. Quit your bitchin' and just get out there and enjoy it.

I agree with Gary that the groomed half of Gunny kinds sucks come spring--the top especially since it gets scraped down to ice (not hardpack, ice) or rock. It is what it is. All ski areas have difficulties come spring with cover. Blasting Sundown for it is stupid. And if you're feeling so entitled that you knock down a ski area for their choice to try to offer something for everyone instead of just what you enjoy, then you need to re-examine your opinion.

That is all.

 

[threecy]

you should've just stopped there.

You should've stopped reading there. I'm just trying to bring some balance to this discussion.

Racing is a component at Sundown, no doubt, but racing is far from one of only two guaranteed forms of income there. I would be willing to bet park generates the most revenue in the form of passes. That's likely the reason why junior (age 7-14) passes are only $50 cheaper than adult (15+) passes.

The test for this how many season passes would not be purchased the following season if a) all racing programs were stopped b) all terrain parks were announced as cancelled. Some ski areas have curbed race programs in the past and saw a 5 figure loss in season pass revenue.

Don't doubt for a second that there's not a a huge walk-up day ticket contingent on weekends mid-season. Especially in a year like this one. The place has been mobbed every weekend since Christmas.

That's not guarantee revenue - through the window revenue is simply not there for a southern New England ski area in a bad winter (for instance, I believe it was January 2000 in which Massachusetts and Connecticut ski areas saw rain over 20 out of 31 days).

Ski school/lessons must count for a big chunk. When instructors congregate on weekend mornings, it can be shocking how many green jackets there are.

That's not guaranteed income, either. See above.

Finally, after school programs on weeknight evenings account for a big slice too as I understand it.

Indeed...and some of these programs are tied to after school racing programs.

Of course, my assertions are mostly based on casual observation not any real knowledge of the inner workings at Sundown, but when's the last time you skied at Sundown threecy?

I haven't skied at Sundown in quite a few years. I am fairly familiar with their school group market, though.

 

[Greg]

I agree with Gary that the groomed half of Gunny kinds sucks come spring--the top especially since it gets scraped down to ice (not hardpack, ice) or rock.

I can't say I've ever skied the top groomed side when there's bumps, but the times I've ventured off onto the groomed section down low, it's actually been pretty good. Corn snow for the most part, and even the "ice" peeled away. All depends on the day admittedly, and again, probably pretty good for the first few hours in the morning, but I wouldn't know since I never make an effort to get there early morning in the spring.