Back to the King of Spring debate

[Gilligan]

On another note...Killington groomed most of Superstar last night.

Seriously? Like when is Killington ever hurting for bumps in the Spring?

I think you need to see someone and talk through all of this Killington envy you seem to have.

 

[Cornhead]

The one "early" closing that's bugging me is Wildcat. Definitely think they could have gone another week - looking at their webcams but assume they elected to close due to economics.

I wonder if from their perspective, they figure the demographic wanting to ski this late is going to arrive in Pinkham Notch and ask "Tuckerman's or Wildcat?" and go with the Ravine.

I've had great days of late spring skiing at Wildcat where you had to cross patches of dirt and gravel...so kind of sad, they didn't push it. Looking out at Mt. Washington and Tuck on a warm spring day is very good for the pysche!

I've also skied SuperStar in late April over the last couple of years too and it's been good too but will say diversity of terrain (Sugarloaf) does help.

Finally, I guess this thread reflects our national character...to quote and take General Patton out of context "All real Americans love the sting and clash of battle. America loves a winner. America will not tolerate a loser.... Americans play to win." 5/17/44

I think it's all about economics. I skied Wildcat for the first time April 26th, 2011, they got 6" on the 27th, and closed after that weekend. They definitely had enough snow to remain open longer. What a crazy Spring that was, the back side of Sugarloaf was open on April 29th that year, insane.

As for the "King of Spring", who cares? I'm grateful for all the places that are committed to staying open late into the season, probably at a loss. I made it to Killington twice last Spring, hadn't been in ten years, had a blast. Only Superstar, and Skyelark were open, but both skied great, and it was fun skiing with cartoon characters, Bird Man, and Radio Ron, even the boys from Meathead Films were there with their neons and straight skis. I'm also grateful for Killington's commitment since they are five hours closer to me than da Loaf, and considerably closer than Jay too. June turns? That'd be a first for me. Long live the King, whoever the hell it is!

 

[St. Bear]

One thing to note about Wildcat is that they are under new management. While Peaks certainly is aggressive with them staying open, patches of dirt and gravel across the trail may be a bit much for their tastes.

 

[WWF-VT]

As for the "King of Spring", who cares? I'm grateful for all the places that are committed to staying open late into the season, probably at a loss

Not probably, definitely operating at a loss at this time of year.

 

[SIKSKIER]

Seriously? Like when is Killington ever hurting for bumps in the Spring?

I think you need to see someone and talk through all of this Killington envy you seem to have.

What are you talking about?I made no comment up or down about anything discussed on this thread.You are the one that needs to look in the mirror.I will however take a stand on this one.Btw,I like when wide trails are partially groomed so everybody gets what they want.

 

[Gilligan]

What are you talking about?I made no comment up or down about anything discussed on this thread.

You started this thread. Don't play dumb.

 

[mister moose]

Not probably, definitely operating at a loss at this time of year.

All depends on how you do your bookkeeping.

If you only track daily revenue from lift tickets and F&B, then quite possibly. What about revenue from spring pass sales? Those were bought specifically for late spring skiing.

And what about season pass holders? A pass holder that skis 20 days a year on a $1,200 pass brings to the resort a per visit revenue of $60. A 40 day per year skier brings $30. And a spring pass skier that skis 6 times brings $33.

Or you can just ignore your pass holder base....

 

[bigbob]

Or a pass holder who skis 120 days a year brings $8.75 a day.

 

[mister moose]

Or a pass holder who skis 120 days a year brings $8.75 a day.

That guy should buy a beer at the UBar.

 

[andyzee]

That guy should buy a beer at the UBar.

I never like buying any food/drinks at a resort. However, beers at the UBar are cool, taste good, Switchback has turned into a fav, and the atmosphere is great.

 

[SIKSKIER]

You started this thread. Don't play dumb.

Obviously you don't have to play dumb.I started the thread by asking a question,not giving an opinion.Lighten up lil buddy.

 

[dlague]

Can the Beast really be the latest king of spring when Sugarloaf still has over 1000 acres of skiing open to K's 137?Lets hear it.

I have no specific bias, We ski Killinigton as bookends to our season, we are also a fan of Jay Peak, I would love to try Sugarloaf but it is just too much of a drive but it sounds awesome!

I think the point here in terms of King of Spring is not so much about last open (technically that is what people see as the King of Spring) but at this point in time SIKSKIER has a point Sugarloaf definitely has more terrain open, Jay Peak up to mid week last week was 100% open. So for the weekend of April 27th and 28th who is the King of Spring?

BTW, Sugarloaf and Jay Peak did not mound up a HUGE pile of man made to stay open the longest. Killington did and bought the right to the title by making the snow! If that is what they want then good for Killington. I do think they will shoot for the first weekend in June on Superstar!

Personally - I really do not care! It is great that these resorts keep the season alive as long as they do! Whoever makes it into May are all King's of Spring! Oh one final point - the negative banter is not chill and in the spirit of our great sport and spring skiing/snowbording!

 

[jimmywilson69]

Oh one final point - the negative banter is not chill and in the spirit of our great sport and spring skiing/snowbording!

Welcome to the internet...

 

[SIKSKIER]

I do think they will shoot for the first weekend in June on Superstar!

I'd love to see the Beast get to June like the old days.Good for them.

 

[skiadikt]

guess "this week", killington is king of spring as they're the only ones open with mid-week operations. j, bush & loaf plan/hope to open next weekend. loaf hedging their bets about the following weekend. and then there'll be only one ...

 

[Conrad]

guess "this week", killington is king of spring as they're the only ones open with mid-week operations. j, bush & loaf plan/hope to open next weekend. loaf hedging their bets about the following weekend. and then there'll be only one ...

I would not be surprised if this weekend is the last of the season for Sugarloaf. With 60 degree sunny days all this week, it is really going to be a snow killer.

 

[andyzee]

The true king is back, watch the pretenders fall. LOL

 

[Gilligan]

The true king is back, watch the pretenders fall. LOL

+1

 

[ScottySkis]

+1

Glad that their back.

 

[SIKSKIER]

I would not be surprised if this weekend is the last of the season for Sugarloaf. With 60 degree sunny days all this week, it is really going to be a snow killer.

They claim they will be open next weekend along with Jay and Sugarbush.The low angle bottom of the loaf really hurts them in this weather.Congrats to The Beast.