Big Burke announcement

[VTKilarney]

Burke can run anywhere between 15-30 guns at once. This is less than before they reduced compressor capacity. They've added water pumping capacity, so that's not the problem.

But it may be something else. The one new piece of the puzzle that doesn't fit is why they haven't run any other guns when the fan guns have been running.

The one thing that can't be disputed is that, for a resort looking to fill an expensive hotel, their snowmaking is WAY behind what it needs to be - whatever the reason.

 

[River19]

Plus with Q' Sr and Jr there is always enough hot air on the mountain to power anything requiring air...........

"Wait, we need water to make snow?......fine, put in a 'Phase 1B' and put an August 2016 groundbreaking on the new Q'holding Pond"

 

[steamboat1]

Burke can run anywhere between 15-30 guns at once. This is less than before they reduced compressor capacity. They've added water pumping capacity, so that's not the problem.

On the other hand Sugarbush has run as many as 92 guns at once this year before maxing out water capacity.

 

[thetrailboss]

On the other hand Sugarbush has run as many as 92 guns at once this year before maxing out water capacity.

Right, but that's not the point.

 

[the original trailboss]

Burke can run anywhere between 15-30 guns at once. This is less than before they reduced compressor capacity. They've added water pumping capacity, so that's not the problem.

But it may be something else. The one new piece of the puzzle that doesn't fit is why they haven't run any other guns when the fan guns have been running.

The one thing that can't be disputed is that, for a resort looking to fill an expensive hotel, their snowmaking is WAY behind what it needs to be - whatever the reason.

Several ex-Burke employees have told me that water storage capability is a huge factor, and, that it has been discussed many times in the past, including in various prior development plans. In fact, the Ginn golf course included a huge storage pond to be used for snowmaking in the winter and for golf course irrigation in the summer.

 

[steamboat1]

Right, but that's not the point.

What is the point? Sugarbush doesn't have the most awesome snowmaking system in New England? Sheesh!!!

Were they ever able to run 92 guns at once before?

Even in 2006?

You're losing me.

You belong in Utah. Save us your expertise.

 

[oldtimer]

IF I had planned to rent or stay in a hotel anywhere in New England for the Christmas week I would cancel today. Even with a penalty. The upcoming holiday is going to be an epic suck in terms of skiable terrain. One 72 hour snowmaking window between now and New Years. I am reminded of a few winters through the mid-80's.

Burke: lower training hill AND?

plenty of biking and work at the northern homestead for me over the break.

 

[River19]

IF I had planned to rent or stay in a hotel anywhere in New England for the Christmas week I would cancel today. Even with a penalty. The upcoming holiday is going to be an epic suck in terms of skiable terrain. One 72 hour snowmaking window between now and New Years. I am reminded of a few winters through the mid-80's.

Burke: lower training hill AND?

plenty of biking and work at the northern homestead for me over the break.

Over the weekend a few buddies and I were commenting on how we can't remember the last time we actually were able to hunt up to the season close of 12/31 in such bare ground conditions. The dogs are still loving it.

I think the fat bike might get more bare ground and mud work than snow......

To a certain extent the absolute horrible weather for snow has softened the crap storm that would be coming Q's way from pass holders, or at least postponed it.

I think once the weather turns favorable for snow making (assuming it does at some point), the fact that most other mountains can get terrain open much quicker than Q could cause the frustration to bubble back up however. With only 15-20 guns able to be run concurrently, that won't get things open too quickly.

But maybe they pull a rabbit out of their hat.

 

[VTKilarney]

The ground is pretty warm and wet right now. Once they get snowmaking going again, I wonder how much man-made snow will be lost to melting because of the ground temperature.

 

[oldtimer]

after last night, the ground in my yard is April/May like gush.

 

[from_the_NEK]

after last night, the ground in my yard is April/May like gush.

After a couple days to allow the ground to dry out, Burke should reopen the lift served bike park. :idea:

 

[VTKilarney]

Opening day now officially pushed back to December 25th or 26th.

My source tells me that they have known this for a while, but have been jerking people along.

We've now officially lost a month of skiing from the time they said they would open. I'm not blaming the weather on Burke, but just saying that the weather and lack of snowmaking has now had a serious impact. One month of potential skiing is now lost forever.

Even if they can get open by Christmas, they are going to have a heck of a time staying open through the vacation week. As fast as they can make snow, the warm temps are going to start attacking it.

 

[River19]

I think they just keep bumping it out 7 days hoping the weather reporting is wrong, but even the most optimistic of people would have to look at the 15day forecast and admit there is a very small window of a couple nights over the next 2 weeks to even make snow, let alone make enough to open anything by a snowman making contest.

Again, you can't blame Q for the weather, but we all know that if/when a 7 day stretch of true "winter" conditions comes along, they won't be able to blow enough to get a competitive mix of terrain open. IMHO other mountains with more snow making capacity will easily outpace the 15-20 gun snowball fight Q has going on.

I hope I am wrong for the sake of the local economy.

 

[VTKilarney]

My biggest fear at this point is the impact lost revenues will have on plans to upgrade snowmaking. They can't rely on BMA every year.

 

[thetrailboss]

Opening day now officially pushed back to December 25th or 26th.

My source tells me that they have known this for a while, but have been jerking people along.

We've now officially lost a month of skiing from the time they said they would open. I'm not blaming the weather on Burke, but just saying that the weather and lack of snowmaking has now had a serious impact. One month of potential skiing is now lost forever.

Even if they can get open by Christmas, they are going to have a heck of a time staying open through the vacation week. As fast as they can make snow, the warm temps are going to start attacking it.

It's a tough call for them. The weather can change and they don't want to over or under promise. Hate to be the marketing person on this one.

 

[thetrailboss]

After a couple days to allow the ground to dry out, Burke should reopen the lift served bike park. :idea:

Don't laugh. I wonder what they will do to try and offer something for entertainment.

 

[VTKilarney]

Well, they have gingerbread house making this weekend. And an ugly sweater party.

All is not lost.

 

[thetrailboss]

Well, they have gingerbread house making this weekend. And an ugly sweater party.

All is not lost.

I dare you to buy a Q hoodie or sweater from the store and enter the contest. At last check there were PLENTY of Q items in the store (seriously).

 

[from_the_NEK]

Don't laugh. I wonder what they will do to try and offer something for entertainment.

Who's laughing? I'm actually pretty serious about this. Why not try it over the holiday week if the weather stays snowless? Only lift served MTB in the East and maybe the US for a week? Or two?

 

[wtcobb]

I dare you to buy a Q hoodie or sweater from the store and enter the contest. At last check there were PLENTY of Q items in the store (seriously).

The winner gets a free stay in the hotel! Redeem for your stay during the 2017 season.