ASC sells The Canyons

[drjeff]

One thing that is a big factor at Killington are the share houses. All those 20 and 20 somethings packing the Pickel Barrell and Wobbly Barn aren't home owners in the area or locals. They are mostly full and half share buyers in houses with 10-15 of their friends and peers. But the interesting dynamic is that while many if not most of those people neither know nor care what is going on this summer with prices/season length, they are not the ones who count. The people whos opinions count on this are the hard cores who organize the houses and corral everyone into paying etc... They are the opinion leaders and are undoubtedly following developments closely. If they lose their interest in making the effort to organize a house at K, that can have a multiplier effect amongst their house mates. Mt. Snow and Stratton could be the primary beneficiaries.

Bingo, this group of folks, who contribute quite a bit to the K bottom line in all reality would find major changes to how the Pickel Barrel, The Wobbly or Outback operate mcuh more disconcerning than the day to day operations of the resort. The biggest potantial negative that with respect to this that POWDR has done so far in considering moving up the Bear Mtn Mogul Challenge, since just about everyone in a sharehouse is up mogul challenege weekend, and the later you can have it(within reason) the longer you'll keep a larger group of $$ spending folks out there.

I really liken the concept though of K trying to become a family resort to that of Las Vegas trying to become a family destination. You'll have small pockets weher it will work, but the bottom line is it will always be more adult orientated than a family resort

 

[JimG.]

Bingo, this group of folks, who contribute quite a bit to the K bottom line in all reality would find major changes to how the Pickel Barrel, The Wobbly or Outback operate mcuh more disconcerning than the day to day operations of the resort. The biggest potantial negative that with respect to this that POWDR has done so far in considering moving up the Bear Mtn Mogul Challenge, since just about everyone in a sharehouse is up mogul challenege weekend, and the later you can have it(within reason) the longer you'll keep a larger group of $$ spending folks out there.

I really liken the concept though of K trying to become a family resort to that of Las Vegas trying to become a family destination. You'll have small pockets weher it will work, but the bottom line is it will always be more adult orientated than a family resort

Coming from Hunter, where people still think it's like it was in the 1970's and we all wear polyester shirts and platform shoes, this statement strikes a major chord in me. Brilliant comment.

They have an ingrained image that will seemingly never change. But Hunter has changed, alot. It's not at all like it was in the 70's, but the trick is getting people to first come back and try it and then change they way they percieve and talk about the place. And that's still a work in progress. But the image is changing.

My only criticism of your statements is the tone of impossibility you promote. Tough, yes. But nothing is impossible.

 

[Phildozer]

Rumor has it that the folks at Vail were *positive* they had The Canyons deal locked-up.

Sounds like they can join LBO in crying over lost deals.

 

[drjeff]

Rumor has it that the folks at Vail were *positive* they had The Canyons deal locked-up.

Sounds like they can join LBO in crying over lost deals.

I had heard that from a source of mine out in Utah whose rumor to fact conversion rate is usually in the 80%+ range.

Talisker definately caught me off guard, although as someone who owns a timeshare at The Canyons, I'm definately not complaining since Talisker has shown that they have some DEEP pockets with what they've already done in and around Deer Valley and the greater Park City area. Although since Talisker's CEO is Jim Thompson, the former pres. and CEO of Vail Resorts, I guess that could be some of the Vail rumor confusion.

 

[skiNEwhere]

wow, that hurt ASC's stock (AESK.OB), its dropped from 3 cents to under 1 cent now

I think I'll stick with vail (mtn)......

 

[kingslug]

Since I only hit the Canyons once a year I doubt any change would affect me. I really like the place, it's HUGE ! Never had a bad time there. Don't really like the gigantic houses right in the middle of things but if people want to spend 10 to 30 million on a place then who am I to complain. Now if they could come up with a better idea than having to change to in the parking lot and then taking a standup "bucket" to get to the slopes, I would be all for it.

 

[darent]

Isn"t Deer Valley next to Park City, the canyons is closer to park city and was known as park west at one time.

 

[Newpylong]

The Canyon's isn't impressive... it skis like a lot of smaller mountains stuck together.

 

[Phildozer]

The Canyon's isn't impressive... it skis like a lot of smaller mountains stuck together.

Ironically, just like Killington.

 

[RISkier]

Isn"t Deer Valley next to Park City, the canyons is closer to park city and was known as park west at one time.

Yes, Deer Valley and Park City Mountain Resort are adjacent. The Canyons is near but not directly adjacent to PCMR--separated by a couple of ridges, I'd guess. The Canyons resort area is probably 3-4 miles outside of Park City proper.

 

[darent]

riskier--thanks for info, I was confused by a post that had deer valley next to the canyons

 

[tirolerpeter]

Canyons Musings

Since I only hit the Canyons once a year I doubt any change would affect me. I really like the place, it's HUGE ! Never had a bad time there. Don't really like the gigantic houses right in the middle of things but if people want to spend 10 to 30 million on a place then who am I to complain. Now if they could come up with a better idea than having to change to in the parking lot and then taking a standup "bucket" to get to the slopes, I would be all for it.

There is a wide variety of good terrain at the Canyons. Unfortunately, to access it all involves a lot of skating around the base area. I agree with the "changing in the parking lot" comment. There really are no facilities for changing or storing gear. But then, it is my understanding that they really don't want "day-trippers." They want you to come and stay in their resort village. It is pretty damned inconvenient to spend a day there, especially when the weather is variable and you are trying to add or shed gear to match the conditions.

 

[big_vert]

There is a wide variety of good terrain at the Canyons. Unfortunately, to access it all involves a lot of skating around the base area. I agree with the "changing in the parking lot" comment. There really are no facilities for changing or storing gear. But then, it is my understanding that they really don't want "day-trippers." They want you to come and stay in their resort village. It is pretty damned inconvenient to spend a day there, especially when the weather is variable and you are trying to add or shed gear to match the conditions.

The Canyons is the best of the Rt 80 areas (although Deer Valley is boarder free which is a significant plus), and if adding or shedding gear is a problem, then a real area like Whistler (or even Vail or Keystone, or Breckenridge, or ... ) with multiple base lodges and levels will really get to you. Get a light pack, a Gore tex shell with a hood and an adjustable vent helmet and get on with it already.

The good terrain at The Canyons is simple - take either the 9990 lift or get over to Dreamcatcher glades. No need to skate around. Yes, it takes a while to get to, but it has the benefit that the gapers and "eastern experts" are afraid to venture too far from the gondola and their gear, so you get to leave the posers behind. If 9990 doesn't get your attention, then head out to the backcountry through the gates off the lift, or hike up into the bowl off the Super Condor express

Look, there's little as bad as traversing all over Klingonton, and I've known that hill for about 40 years now.