Anybody else hear this..........

[Greg]

Jim, my thinking was based on the economics of more 'skier/snowboarder visits = more revenue for snowmaking' at least enough to stay open during these sparse times as MRGs neighbors who do allow snowboarding have been able to (IE: Sugarbush, Bolton Valley, Stowe)

I should apologize as I came off a bit abrasive in my last reply to you. In any event, MRG doesn't do a whole lot of snowmaking so even if the "more skier/snowboarder visits = more revenue for snowmaking" calculation was true (it's certainly not that simple), it really wouldn't matter much. Financially speaking, MRG is just fine as it is.

 

[wintersyndrome]

Greg, I apologize for confusing you with Jim as well...no offence taken

 

[highpeaksdrifter]

Gotta love it...

For once, I'd like to not see the following progressions on a thread:

Warm weather in winter -> global warming
MRG -> snowboard ban issue
Accident -> helmet argument
​

They don't want more snowmaking, that's part of what makes it what it is. Their lack of snowmaking equipment isn't because they can't afford it...

Here's another progression that always happens:

MRG -> they don't make snow and somehow they should be admired for that.

 

[Greg]

Here's another progression that always happens:

MRG -> they don't make snow and somehow they should be admired for that.

I don't see this "debate" coming up all that often, in all honesty. But you bring up an interesting point. My feeling is 100% natural snow trails rock. MRG has a lot of 'em. Not sure where the debate is...

 

[Mr MRG]

Snowmaking at MRG

Snowboards wouldn't mean anything financially to MRG. Sure we might sell a few more tickets every year but the bottom line is that when conditions are good we are packed (and I am a marketing genius!). When it isn't ain't no snowboarders coming either (then it's not my fault, it's the weather!).

While it certainly stinks to be closed, snowmaking would only make a bad economic situation worse. The other huge issue in regard to this subject is that the fact is, MRG doesn't have the water to make more snow. If we did the previous owner would have installed it many years ago. We have 2 fan guns that pump out about 250 gpm. We run off the flow of the stream into our snowmaking "puddle" (see the attached image of it!) once it gets to its minimum flow we are done making snow. MRG is not like other skiers for many reasons and our decidedly minimal snowmaking is just another piece in that puzzle. When MRG's skiing is good, it is really good and when it isn't good, it isn't. And very often it is not too good elsewhere, there's just more of it. Most of our skiers would prefer to deal with the odd bare spot and obstacle than be bored to tears by overgroomed trails with no character. That is what makes MRG unique, it's all about the terrain. Sure snowmaking would extend our season but it would certainly not make us any more viable financially.

 

[JimG.]

Jim, my thinking was based on the economics of more 'skier/snowboarder visits = more revenue for snowmaking' at least enough to stay open during these sparse times as MRGs neighbors who do allow snowboarding have been able to (IE: Sugarbush, Bolton Valley, Stowe)

Im not trying to fight the 'uphill' batlle of Sowboarders at MRG...we already have a thread for that

I was questioning the Economic impact on the resort because of the ban

I really don't think that money is an issue for MRG...they're catering to a hard core niche.

Skiers only, skiing dependent on Mother Nature. For now, they be closed.

 

[bvibert]

Here's another progression that always happens:

MRG -> they don't make snow and somehow they should be admired for that.

Since that appeared to be directed at me I should point out that they don't want more snowmaking. I'm well aware that they do make snow in some areas. My point was that I don't think that their decision to not blow more snow is because they can't afford it...

 

[wintersyndrome]

Eric, thanks for taking the time explain MRG and the snowmaking issue...Its beneficial to hear everyones input regarding the MRG closure and be educated on their philosophy ...Its why this board exists and why I read it everyday,

The real shame is that its 60 degrees in January and early season conditions has shut down MRG (for now). these are events that none of us want to see...we can only hope that this is an event of cyclical abnormality and that this pattern will shift for our collective better luck...

 

[highpeaksdrifter]

Since that appeared to be directed at me I should point out that they don't want more snowmaking. I'm well aware that they do make snow in some areas. My point was that I don't think that their decision to not blow more snow is because they can't afford it...

Nope - not directed at you at all.

All ski areas have good and bad points and almost all take their knocks.

For example, regardless of how much Whiteface has improved their snowmaking system there are still those who insist on calling it Iceface. No matter how much Hunter’s demographic base has changed they will still take shots about being over run with yahoo NY posers.

MRG never takes a hit; there is a halo effect around them for some reason.

No snowmaking, that’s cool, single chair, that’s great, no snowboarders makes it perfect. Why do what would be considered negatives at any other mountain somehow get spinned as positives for them?

Read Mr. MRG’s posts and tell me there isn’t an elitist’s tone to them. Hell, their employees are so glad to be there some of them work for nothing.

Now watch and see how many hits I take for taking a couple of shots at MRG.

 

[SkiDog]

Nope - not directed at you at all.

All ski areas have good and bad points and almost all take their knocks.

For example, regardless of how much Whiteface has improved their snowmaking system there are still those who insist on calling it Iceface. No matter how much Hunter’s demographic base has changed they will still take shots about being over run with yahoo NY posers.

MRG never takes a hit; there is a halo effect around them for some reason.

No snowmaking, that’s cool, single chair, that’s great, no snowboarders makes it perfect. Why do what would be considered negatives at any other mountain somehow get spinned as positives for them?

Read Mr. MRG’s posts and tell me there isn’t an elitist’s tone to them. Hell, their employees are so glad to be there some of them work for nothing.

Now watch and see how many hits I take for taking a couple of shots at MRG.

Yer just plain mean...HA..... ;-)

Leave that poor place alone...

M

 

[Jean-Pierre Skier]

ooh, ooh!!!! I want to go first! :flame:

Elitist isn't the right word, here. MRG offers a type of skiing that has fallen by the wayside here in the East. There's no place to really challenge yourself anymore since everything's groomed flat and soft. Super for some, but tears-to-the-eyes boring for others.

Natural snow absolutely skis differently than man-made. It's a very different experience, even with degenerating conditions.

The single chair massively limits the on-slope traffic. You see the crowds at the base of the mountain and not on the trail. That's o.k. by me. I get fewer verticle feet each day, but the experience of uncrowded slopes on even the worst weekend makes it o.k. by me.

No snowboarders? Well, that might be a little elitist. :evil:

 

[Greg]

MRG never takes a hit; there is a halo effect around them for some reason.

No snowmaking, that’s cool, single chair, that’s great, no snowboarders makes it perfect. Why do what would be considered negatives at any other mountain somehow get spinned as positives for them?

Read Mr. MRG’s posts and tell me there isn’t an elitist’s tone to them. Hell, their employees are so glad to be there some of them work for nothing.

Now watch and see how many hits I take for taking a couple of shots at MRG.

Okay. I'll start.

Where's the elitist tone in Eric's post? I hope it's not his first sentence, as that's obviously made tongue-in-cheek. Maybe the part about comparing MRG's terrain to other resorts? Sure, I guess that could be interpreted as having an elitist tone. I've only skied MRG once so I'm not qualified to speak much about the terrain, but the one time I did ski there, I definitely felt the vibe and enjoyed the terrain I skied. Do you not like MRG's terrain, HPD? I would think you'd be all over that. Bucking all the trends that define the Northeast ski industry as it is today is what leads to MRG's uniqueness, and that's their biggest selling point. I'm not sure that's really all that intentional though. In all honesty, I think MRG is the way it is because that's the way the coop wants it. It's really that simple. If not, and this is all just Eric's master-marketing plan, then kudos to him! Any discussion about MRG here usually results in a pretty long and spirited discussion. Remember, all publicity is good publicity.

 

[JimG.]

Nope - not directed at you at all.

All ski areas have good and bad points and almost all take their knocks.

For example, regardless of how much Whiteface has improved their snowmaking system there are still those who insist on calling it Iceface. No matter how much Hunter’s demographic base has changed they will still take shots about being over run with yahoo NY posers.

MRG never takes a hit; there is a halo effect around them for some reason.

No snowmaking, that’s cool, single chair, that’s great, no snowboarders makes it perfect. Why do what would be considered negatives at any other mountain somehow get spinned as positives for them?

Read Mr. MRG’s posts and tell me there isn’t an elitist’s tone to them. Hell, their employees are so glad to be there some of them work for nothing.

Now watch and see how many hits I take for taking a couple of shots at MRG.

MRG is today what all ski areas were 40 years ago.

They decided to stay that way...it is what it is, and for me the nostalgia the place evokes means alot. Plus it's got some serious terrain to play on.

Some folks love the place, others despise it. There are a number of reasons.

I love the place. I brought my 2 oldest boys there last time I went and hired them a private instructor. They loved it too. The fact that it was their first real powder day helped, but they just loved the place. They still talk about it.

I understand why you feel MRG is dressed in teflon...I think that's the case because it does not pretend to be anything other than what it is...very old school. Take it for what it is warts and all, or don't ski there at all. I doubt the locals would get upset either way.

 

[ctenidae]

Sticks and stones, and the effectiveness of names.

That's MRG's Teflon coating.
You like them? They couldn't be happier.

You don't like them? Well, that's a shame, really it is, but maybe you'll come around someday. If not, well, no biggy.

 

[riverc0il]

MRG never takes a hit; there is a halo effect around them for some reason.

No snowmaking, that’s cool, single chair, that’s great, no snowboarders makes it perfect. Why do what would be considered negatives at any other mountain somehow get spinned as positives for them?

Read Mr. MRG’s posts and tell me there isn’t an elitist’s tone to them. Hell, their employees are so glad to be there some of them work for nothing.

Now watch and see how many hits I take for taking a couple of shots at MRG.

not going to take a hit at you, HPD... but i think your reasoning is flawed and one of your statements was somewhat incorrect. as this forum can attest to on many occasions, MRG takes A LOT of flak from snowboarders not being allowed to ride their. this is a positive for skiers that like it that way and a negative for riders (and skiers) that don't like it that way. that is what it is, no spin. that is what MRG is actually... it is one of the few "take it or leave it" mountains. the people that love no snow making, natural snow, single chair, no boarders, etc. love the mountain. the people that don't like those things don't love the mountain. for those that love the mountain, there is no place that even comes close to offering what MRG offers. not even close. as a mad card holder, i fully accept and respect MRG closing down due to lack of snow and not enough snow making efforts. i already ponied up monies to ski at MRG, yet i am cool with that. i also have a season pass to jay peak, and if they pulled that, i would called bull crap and demand a refund. it is a completely different beast and you can't measure MRG against other mountains. the skiers that pay to ski at MRG have different standards for MRG than other mountains. that isn't "spinning", that just is the way it is. different standards. and as MrMRG so clearly indicates without quite saying it this way (and bravo for a marketing director that says it the way it is and doesn't "spin" bad things!), MRG offers no apologies for the way it is and if it isn't your place, maybe those things are negatives. if those things are negatives, don't ski there, you won't enjoy it (not you specifically HPD, but you as in a general third person all encompasing term). i don't see MrMRG posts as elitist, at least he tells it like it is. love it or leave it, that is just the way with MRG. no spin, no bye, no free pass... just ski it if you can or don't, nothing else to it. MRG is such a oasis of new england skiing you really can't compare it to other areas on such terms as positive and negative effects of a lack of certain amenities, just doesn't really make sense, imo, cause that isn't what the mountain is about.

 

[AdironRider]

Perfect example of the MRG halo effect:

Look at the crap Tenney got a few weeks ago right here on this board for closing down. Now that MRG has done the same thing (this could quite possibly be for an entire season, especially given that they cant make snow), its a completely different story. Funny how with MRG its a "thats just the way it is, if you dont like it fine" where with Tenney it was the exact opposite.

 

[riverc0il]

Look at the crap Tenney got a few weeks ago right here on this board for closing down. Now that MRG has done the same thing (this could quite possibly be for an entire season, especially given that they cant make snow),.

WTF is with you people? please, ullr... make it snow so this will stop! how can you compare the tenney situation with MRG shutting down for a short while until the snow returns? this may come off as a rude response, but i am sorry, i can not help myself... the only thing making me sicker than the current weather situation is this type of non-sense being thrown around on the forums due to withdrawal.

uke:

 

[dmc]

Ya gotta have snow no matter who you let slide around on it.

The skier/snowboarder argument has no bearing on that.

How would allowing snowboards at MRG stop layoffs when there is no snow?

No - but as much as this would suck.. And I really mean that...

It would also kinda, sorta make me smile as well.. Thinking that a couple more seasons like this might get my one board riding ass a legal day of bombing Paradise cause they need my support($$)...

That being said - I doubt the rumour..

 

[dmc]

WTF is with you people? please, ullr... make it snow so this will stop! how can you compare the tenney situation with MRG shutting down for a short while until the snow returns? this may come off as a rude response, but i am sorry, i can not help myself... the only thing making me sicker than the current weather situation is this type of non-sense being thrown around on the forums due to withdrawal.

uke:

Nice rant...

Soon this will all be a greasy smear of a memory... I hope...

 

[ski_resort_observer]

One point that hasn't been mentioned, apologize if I missed it, is that MRG is owned by it's skiers, don't think any public ski area is set up this way. This a tough and loyal bunch, they will get through this better than most places.

I'm surprised that the seasonal staff has been working for the last few weeks, if that is true, tho, conversly, not surprised as Eric cares about his people. Now that I think about it things were looking up during the New Years weekend I think MRG had about 18 trails open, that was only a week ago.

Bottom line is that the co-op members couldn't care less what other people think..... they have heard it all before, year after year after year....... nor should they have to. They own the place, they have every right to run it any way they like, more power to them.