Big Burke announcement

[thetrailboss]

Historically, they would be open at least one more weekend after Pond Skimming. But they also historically opened the first weekend in December and they didn't do that this year. I would not bank on it this year since $$$$ is the goal...specifically bottom line. The last few seasons there has not been much in late season at Burke. In fact, they've moved up Pond Skimming.

 

[from_the_NEK]

Thanks TB---realize you are being tongue in cheek but the info you provided is good----really helps me plan. I'll plan on being at Burke Sunday 3/30 to close out their season.

I'll likely be skiing one of those two days, depends on how much Qjr decides to screw with pond skimming day. Hopefully we have a stronger 2nd half of the season up here snow wise. The glades haven't been open at all yet this year (well Sasquatch was for a few days). I have seen Burke close down 100% open before.

 

[xwhaler]

Sounds good----I need to make the Sat night reservation in advance as well as get coverage for my dog so having this info in advance is super helpful.

 

[xwhaler]

Fairly safe to assume they would at least open that Sunday 3/30 after pond skimming on Sat? Most mtns usually close on Sundays I believe.

 

[thetrailboss]

Fairly safe to assume they would at least open that Sunday 3/30 after pond skimming on Sat? Most mtns usually close on Sundays I believe.

Maybe. I'd assume so, but remember the Killington fiasco a few years back? Q is reminding me of that.

 

[xwhaler]

I may push my trip up a week----another consideration is that we'll have my son with us in the lodge (mom + dad sharing a ticket and switching off between skiing/diapers)
I'd prefer to be w/ him in the Sherburne lodge which is more conducive/nicer layout for watching him. so need to have the lower quad running----enough snow late season dwn there.

 

[xwhaler]

I may push my trip up a week----another consideration is that we'll have my son with us in the lodge (mom + dad sharing a ticket and switching off between skiing/diapers)
I'd prefer to be w/ him in the Sherburne lodge which is more conducive/nicer layout for watching him. so need to have the lower quad running----enough snow late season dwn there.

 

[thetrailboss]

He's back:

http://vtdigger.org/2014/01/14/community-fears-history-will-repeat-q-burke-mountain/

Some pretty inciting comments I think...including naming the Mountain's former guardian angel Don Graham and then blasting him. And the whole Q thing IS arrogant....no way around it. Folks know Jay for Bill Stenger and Jay itself...not Q Resorts. Nobody has ever heard of Q Resorts.

 

[thetrailboss]

Another one:

http://vtdigger.org/2014/01/14/q-empire-man-behind-northeast-kingdoms-biggest-plan/

 

[fbrissette]

I think the first article does a pretty good job at outlining the situation and giving both sides of the story.

 

[thetrailboss]

I think the first article does a pretty good job at outlining the situation and giving both sides of the story.

True, but if he is that gung ho to keep it what it is, then why did they change the name right off the bat?

 

[fbrissette]

True, but if he is that gung ho to keep it what it is, then why did they change the name right off the bat?

No contest here. I think the name change was a terrible self-serving idea that served no greater purposes whatsoever.

The truth is that unless you're into mountain biking or a very hardcore skier, nobody knows Burke outside of Vermont. And outside of this thread, absolutely nobody knows Q mountain resorts.

 

[thetrailboss]

No contest here. I think the name change was a terrible self-serving idea that served no greater purposes whatsoever.

The truth is that unless you're into mountain biking or a very hardcore skier, nobody knows Burke outside of Vermont. And outside of this thread, absolutely nobody knows Q mountain resorts.

Yep. Exactly. The article also confirmed that Ary DID send "the infamous Email" back in December.

 

[fbrissette]

Yep. Exactly. The article also confirmed that Ary DID send "the infamous Email" back in December.

At this point, there was little doubt that he had indeed sent this email. Lucky he was the boss. Anybody else would have lost their job over this email.

 

[DJAK]

We have officially entered the twilight zone.

 

[from_the_NEK]

At this point I think I'm going to take the KingdomTele approach and let the cards fall where they will but I still plan on getting outside and enjoying myself.
Q Resorts has pretty much made it clear that with Ary in charge, they are taking a very hard line on the keeping the bottom line in the black. And they plan on doing it via the go it alone approach.
IMHO you can cut back to a bare bones operation but why stick a knife into the back of the community that you admit has kept the mountain completely out of the dustbin of NELSAP? Look at Magic and MRG. Those are pretty bare bones operations that thrive on passionate involvement from their communities.
In the other direction you have Ascutney's ownership/management and look where that ended up.

 

[thetrailboss]

I agree, FTN, that I guess they want to "go it alone", which is dumb. I fear that we are going to see this fail as well. Terrible.

 

[trackbiker]

15 of 55 trails open today. Doesn't look like they made any snow last night. Planning to go there next weekend. Never been. Looks like a couple weak clippers coming through next week but no major storms. Will they have much more open by then?
Any recommendations for budget accommodations for 2 or three people with a kitchen in the area would be appreciated.

 

[xwhaler]

http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p362573

I have stayed in this place before----owners are great and its nice/modern

 

[from_the_NEK]

15 of 55 trails open today. Doesn't look like they made any snow last night. Planning to go there next weekend. Never been. Looks like a couple weak clippers coming through next week but no major storms. Will they have much more open by then?
Any recommendations for budget accommodations for 2 or three people with a kitchen in the area would be appreciated.

I wouldn't expect many of the natural snow trails to be up by next weekend. Those little clippers aren't going to produce the foot+ of snow that is needed to get the currently bare trails skiable. Other than cold air returning, the weather models look pretty bleak for snowfall for the upcoming week. With the dry cold weather I would expect some of the snowmaking trails like Deer Run, Little Dipper, and MAYBE Upper Warrens Way to get some love. I just checked there report and they are making snow on Fox's Folly which is only takes a few hours to cover (narrow) and also means they will likely pull the hoses through the trees over to Warren's. They are also making snow on Ledges.