Back to the King of Spring debate

[Gilligan]

But they don't. So whoever is last with the lift running counts.

Absolutely. That is why I have been so mad at K these last few years when they shut down on a predefined schedule instead of waiting for the snow to run out. I like this year's attitude so much better. Wish more mountains would do the same.

 

[Nick]

Yeah I agree it's lifts running. People are still earning turns on patches of snow at Jay and others.

 

[deadheadskier]

Absolutely. That is why I have been so mad at K these last few years when they shut down on a predefined schedule instead of waiting for the snow to run out. I like this year's attitude so much better. Wish more mountains would do the same.

I actually don't wish more mountains would take the approach K is taking this season. I wouldn't mind seeing some areas scale back their midweek operations a bit earlier in the spring to extend their seasons by a weekend or two, but I think for the long term viability of late spring turns, it's best for all if only 1 ski area is doing it. Even though there are areas I prefer skiiing over Killington that have pushed for late seasons historically such as Sugarbush, Jay, Wildcat, Sugarloaf; I concede that Killington makes the most sense for all due to it's location. It's the closest mountain to the most people, so it has the best shot at being viable.

As cool as it was that Sugarbush offered free skiing last Saturday, I have to imagine at least some of those skiers and riders would have been at Killington paying for lift tickets had Sugarbush been closed. I'd rather see all of the revenue focused at one area, so that it's profitable (or at the very least not too unprofitable) such that the incentive is there for Killington to keep doing this year after year.

 

[andyzee]

I actually don't wish more mountains would take the approach K is taking this season. I wouldn't mind seeing some areas scale back their midweek operations a bit earlier in the spring to extend their seasons by a weekend or two, but I think for the long term viability of late spring turns, it's best for all if only 1 ski area is doing it. Even though there are areas I prefer skiiing over Killington that have pushed for late seasons historically such as Sugarbush, Jay, Wildcat, Sugarloaf; I concede that Killington makes the most sense for all due to it's location. It's the closest mountain to the most people, so it has the best shot at being viable.

As cool as it was that Sugarbush offered free skiing last Saturday, I have to imagine at least some of those skiers and riders would have been at Killington paying for lift tickets had Sugarbush been closed. I'd rather see all of the revenue focused at one area, so that it's profitable (or at the very least not too unprofitable) such that the incentive is there for Killington to keep doing this year after year.

Yeah, what he said.

 

[Gilligan]

I actually don't wish more mountains would take the approach K is taking this season.

I am not saying that other ski areas should blow all that extra snow and try to push their season longer. I was just saying that more ski areas should stay open longer, with the snow that they already have. Closing the lifts while the skiing is still good is insulting to your season pass holders. Stowe is one of the worst offenders in this area. Killington closing their Bear and Needles lifts before the snow ran out also offended me in this otherwise wonderful year.

I think the end of season 30 minute lift lines at Sugarbush and Sunday River show there is more demand out there than people may think.

 

[deadheadskier]

I am not saying that other ski areas should blow all that extra snow and try to push their season longer. I was just saying that more ski areas should stay open longer, with the snow that they already have. Closing the lifts while the skiing is still good is insulting to your season pass holders. Stowe is one of the worst offenders in this area. Killington closing their Bear and Needles lifts before the snow ran out also offended me in this otherwise wonderful year.

I think the end of season 30 minute lift lines at Sugarbush and Sunday River show there is more demand out there than people may think.

In K's defense, wasn't the Gondola scheduled to close last weekend in April, yet they ran it for one weekend longer.

The lift lines at Sugarbush and Sunday River on free ski days is a horrible barometer for measuring demand. I skied Sugarbush the 14th of April. All of the lifts were ski on.

 

[steamboat1]

If there was money to be made by staying open longer more ski areas would do it. It is a business after all. Obviously there's no money in it for the majority of areas. Offering free skiing & then saying look at all the people doesn't generate money. I read Sugarbush raised a whopping $827 for charity by opening Sat., probably a reason they decided not to open Sun. That's less than 10 day tickets at the normal mid season rates.

 

[steamboat1]

In K's defense, wasn't the Gondola scheduled to close last weekend in April, yet they ran it for one weekend longer.

Actually they ran the gondola for two extra weekdays & weekends past the originally announced closing date (April 14). It closed April 28. They also opened Bear for one extra weekend past what was originally announced.

edit: they also opened Ramshead one extra weekend.

 

[WWF-VT]

The lift lines at Sugarbush and Sunday River on free ski days is a horrible barometer for measuring demand. I skied Sugarbush the 14th of April. All of the lifts were ski on.

+1 . The combination of free and it being the last ski day for season pass holders gives a horrible measures of demand. Add in the fact that there is limited terrain and a single lift running - a slow double at Sugarbush - gives you a wrong impression on how many people actually are ready and willing to ski at this time of year.

 

[AdironRider]

I am not saying that other ski areas should blow all that extra snow and try to push their season longer. I was just saying that more ski areas should stay open longer, with the snow that they already have. Closing the lifts while the skiing is still good is insulting to your season pass holders. Stowe is one of the worst offenders in this area. Killington closing their Bear and Needles lifts before the snow ran out also offended me in this otherwise wonderful year.

I think the end of season 30 minute lift lines at Sugarbush and Sunday River show there is more demand out there than people may think.

Easy sailor. Guess what would be more insulting to passholders? Say running a business unsustainably in the red so they have to close permanently just so Gilligan's feelings wont be hurt.

 

[ScottySkis]

Easy sailor. Guess what would be more insulting to passholders? Say running a business unsustainably in the red so they have to close permanently just so Gilligan's feelings wont be hurt.

+1 I agree if I'm a season pass holder I totally understand and want the hill to make money not louse it, I don't want to see more Bobcats.

 

[andyzee]

+1 I agree if I'm a season pass holder I totally understand and want the hill to make money not louse it, I don't want to see more Bobcats.

 

[ScottySkis]

View attachment 8885

Great picture, I meant Bobcat the NY Catskills hill that close to Platty and been closed for several years now.

 

[Gilligan]

Easy sailor. Guess what would be more insulting to passholders? Say running a business unsustainably in the red so they have to close permanently just so Gilligan's feelings wont be hurt.

I did not realize that Stowe was so close to the edge financially. I would not want to be the cause of their collapse.

 

[ScottySkis]

I did not realize that Stowe was so close to the edge financially. I would not want to be the cause of their collapse.

Can you buy a ski hill please and keep it open so we can all make turns in July on your hill.

 

[laxski]

Thinking off skiing K Friday afternoon is there any walking required on superstar?

 

[AdironRider]

Can you buy a ski hill please and keep it open so we can all make turns in July on your hill.

Truth. Seriously, all ski areas should cater to freeloader Gilligan!

 

[Edd]

Truth. Seriously, all ski areas should cater to freeloader Gilligan!

:lol:

 

[steamboat1]

I did not realize that Stowe was so close to the edge financially. I would not want to be the cause of their collapse.

Stowe is a corporate playground subsidized by the corporation. Did you really think they were making money up there.

 

[Gilligan]

Truth. Seriously, all ski areas should cater to freeloader Gilligan!

If I buy a season pass, how does that make me a freeloader?

Is there anyone left on this board that you have not attacked?