Big Burke announcement

[River19]

Alright, I'm calling it now.....this thing is officially a dumpster fire......

 

[thetrailboss]

This was in today's Snow Report. I don't agree with the decision, but appreciate "someone" at least diplomatically responding to the concerns:

Even though we welcomed new snow accumulation yesterday, overall the season has been challenging at best. We understand and appreciate your loyalty, commitment, and support by each and every one of you but sometimes, tough financial decisions need to be made. In an effort to consolidate product, labor and resources, Mid Burke Lodge and the Bear Den Lounge will remain closed for the rest of the season with the exception of our last hurrah, Pond Skim on Saturday March 26th. All food and beverage service will now be at the base lodge area with the Kingdom Cafeteria and Tamarack Sports Bar & Grille. The Tamarack will open for beverage service daily at 11am with the Kingdom Cafeteria operating its normal hours.

This was not an easy decision but one that required a cost analysis and a perspective of "what it will take" to dig deep, make sacrifices, and push forward through some challenging financial times. The Mid Burke Lodge will remain open during ski operations (9am-4pm) for bathroom and locker accessibility.

We appreciate all of your support.

 

[DoublePlanker]

Is it too small of a mountain with too few skier visits to profitably have 2 lodges with duplicate lodges/bars/restaurants? I know its always been that way so hard to change or deal with change.

 

[thetrailboss]

Is it too small of a mountain with too few skier visits to profitably have 2 lodges with duplicate lodges/bars/restaurants? I know its always been that way so hard to change or deal with change.

This was a mistake made in the late 1970's when they opened the lower lodge. There was a school of thought that said have the base stay at MidBurke so as not to duplicate services and costs. But the Mountain Manager at the time really, really wanted a new lower base area.

The issue is that the Bear Den was the apres ski spot by default since the QTamarack was not open and folks didn't go there. The Bear Den also used to be the local's starting point. With spring coming this is THE PLACE that people go for beer and to sit outside.

 

[DoublePlanker]

This was a mistake made in the late 1970's when they opened the lower lodge. There was a school of thought that said have the base stay at MidBurke so as not to duplicate services and costs. But the Mountain Manager at the time really, really wanted a new lower base area.

The issue is that the Bear Den was the apres ski spot by default since the QTamarack was not open and folks didn't go there. The Bear Den also used to be the local's starting point. With spring coming this is THE PLACE that people go for beer and to sit outside.

I guess in theory the hotel needs food/bev service too so there should be a way to make it profitable.

 

[from_the_NEK]

I see the reasoning for moving all F&B to the base for the remainder of the year. The upper mtn has been very quiet (especially weekdays). There are a lot more people using the base lodge during the day. The mtn has to be seriously hemorrhaging $ and at this point in the year closing the Bear Den down is only going to upset a handful of locals that are probably already upset anyway. I'm almost to the point where I could see them shutting down the mountain entirely for the season if next week's thaw is bad enough. Hopefully, they can get everything squared away and be ready for next year.
It is almost time to put a fork in it.

 

[VTKilarney]

I see the reasoning for moving all F&B to the base for the remainder of the year. The upper mtn has been very quiet (especially weekdays). I'm almost to the point where I could see them shutting down the mountain entirely for the season if next week's thaw is bad enough.

I don't blame them for consolidating food sales, but I don't see why they can't have someone serving a few beers in the Bear Den.

I'm surprised that they are making snow on High Meadows Pass. This is an indication that they plan on being open for a little while longer. It has to be diminishing returns at this point, but I guess you don't want to drive away season pass sales either.

 

[from_the_NEK]

With the hotel and new restaurant to be open next year (hopefully), I heard the plan for the Tamarack is to turn it into a Chuck-E-Cheese type venue (Q-E-Cheese). Make the base area totally oriented to kids. Compete with Smuggs for the families with kids crowds.

(note: I actually did not hear the above rumor anywhere, I'm simply trying to start one :razz: )

 

[Smellytele]

With the hotel and new restaurant to be open next year (hopefully), I heard the plan for the Tamarack is to turn it into a Chuck-E-Cheese type venue (Q-E-Cheese). Make the base area totally oriented to kids. Compete with Smuggs for the families with kids crowds.

(note: I actually did not hear the above rumor anywhere, I'm simply trying to start one :razz: )

While that wouldn't be a really bad idea the parking at the hotel is limited

 

[the original trailboss]

I can see the mid-day beer break guys loving the idea of tromping up two flights of stairs for a beer in their ski boots..... And, yes, March is (whoops, was) a huge Bear Den $$ month! And, knowing full well I am repeating myself, the word is Unsustainable -period.

 

[yeggous]

I can see the mid-day beer break guys loving the idea of tromping up two flights of stairs for a beer in their ski boots..... And, yes, March is (whoops, was) a huge Bear Den $$ month! And, knowing full well I am repeating myself, the word is Unsustainable -period.

I feel really bad for them. Walking up stairs to get a beer is typically at many other mountains.

 

[ironhippy]

I feel really bad for them. Walking up stairs to get a beer is typically at many other mountains.

You gotta go up 2 slippery flights of stairs to get beer at my local hill.

The interesting part is getting back down.

 

[steamboat1]

Let me see. At K Mahogany Ridge in K-1 is on the same level, maybe 2 steps down, bathrooms on the same level. At Skyeship base everything is on the same level. At Bear bar is on the same level but bathrooms are downstairs. At the Peak everything is on the same level, some walk down stairs to get there others ski to the side not requiring staircase. At Snowshed you do need to walk up one flight (not sure if there's bathrooms on the same level). Ramshead does not serve alcohol.

edit: forgot about the umbrella bars, I think they're 1 or 2 steps up, bathrooms on same level.

 

[yeggous]

Just off the the top of my head...

Wildcat is up two flights. Attitash is up one flight. Crotched is up one flight from most sides. Bretton Woods is up one flight. Sunday River is up one flight. Shawnee is up one flight. Sunapee is up one flight. Nashoba is up one flight. Wachusett is up one flight. Mt Snow is up one flight.


Sent from my iPhone using AlpineZone mobile app

 

[deadheadskier]

2 bars at Attitash are no flights. Cantina and Bear.

This is the sad state of our season. We are discussing vertical feet walked to and from the bar!!!

 

[steamboat1]

At Stowe the bars are in the middle of the damn base lodge both at Mansfield & Spruce. Octagon is one flight down. Not sure about Midway or Cliff.

 

[River19]

I would crawl to get to a bar.........just sayin'........I'm not proud......Don't judge me.......

 

[Cannonball]

At Copper there are escalators. First time I'd seen that one!

 

[jimmywilson69]

At Copper there are escalators. First time I'd seen that one!

So That's where Powder spent the money for the South Ridge Lift...

 

[MEtoVTSkier]

This is the sad state of our season. We are discussing vertical feet walked to and from the bar!!!

Haha! "Hey, how much Vert today?"

" 24500k/140' "

:lol::lol: