Big Burke announcement

[thetrailboss]

If you want to know why mini-Ary is being shown the door, it's because he comes up with quotes like this:
Ary Quiros, who will be involved in running the airplane facility at Newport Airport and remain active at Q Burke, introduced Tim Tierney, the head of Kingdom Trails, as "my partner."

I thought that was a bit odd.

 

[VTKilarney]

And now the town of Killington is trying to emulate Kingdom Trails:
http://www.thevermontstandard.com/2014/05/town-seeks-grants-for-bike-trails/

Unless they can connect with the ski area, this doesn't appear to be any sort of threat.

It seems like lots and lots of places are trying to jump on this bandwagon. I'm glad that Kingdom Trails got there first.

 

[Masskier]

At Tuesday's groundbreaking people were talking about the mid Burke location being one of the nicest hotel sites in the state. Of course it was a beautiful day with a great view of the Gap. How many other hotels in VT have the ski in/out access and the views that mid Burke has? I can't think of any.

 

[from_the_NEK]

Very true. Most hotels are buried at the base of mountains in a valley. Burke's is going to be 1/4 of the way up the mountain above most of the lower surrounding hills.
The hotel at Bromley has a pretty good view.

 

[VTKilarney]

Does anything at Bolton Valley have as good of a view? It's been a while since I've been up there.

 

[VTKilarney]

How many other hotels in VT have the ski in/out access and the views that mid Burke has? I can't think of any.

I think that the skiing experience is going to be far more important to visitors. If they assume that people will come solely for the view, they are in for a nasty surprise. But it is a great view. ;-)

 

[from_the_NEK]

Does anything at Bolton Valley have as good of a view? It's been a while since I've been up there.

Not really. the base of BV is nestled in the valley. The best views would be southwest toward the mouth of the valley but trees block a lot of it. I've never been up in the hotel to see if it gets you above the trees.

 

[deadheadskier]

Views from the upper levels of the Sugarloaf Hotel are pretty bad ass.

 

[steamboat1]

Not really. the base of BV is nestled in the valley.

Bolton Valley has the highest base elevation of any ski area in VT.

Nice view too!.

 

[from_the_NEK]

We're talking about the Bolton's hotel at the bottom of the mountain which is actually still in a valley where the long views are limited. There is no argument from me about the top half of the mtn having a great view.

 

[dlague]

From the hotel at Bolton the view is lost'


i typed with my i thumbs using AlpineZone

 

[Smellytele]

At Tuesday's groundbreaking people were talking about the mid Burke location being one of the nicest hotel sites in the state. Of course it was a beautiful day with a great view of the Gap. How many other hotels in VT have the ski in/out access and the views that mid Burke has? I can't think of any.

I just wish I could actually be at Burke on a sunny day. I usually can't see more than a few hundred yards when i am there. Some day some day.

 

[thetrailboss]

I just wish I could actually be at Burke on a sunny day. I usually can't see more than a few hundred yards when i am there. Some day some day.

The views are amazing and from many different vantage points. Also the Abenaki name for Burke was "mountain with a long view". Quite appropriate.

 

[VTKilarney]

Vermont Ski Areas Association has reported flat skier visits compared to last year:
http://www.skivermont.com/about-us/press-room/press-release/id/651

If Burke's visits were flat, this suggests that Ary-gate was not an overall detriment to operations. On the other hand, there was no growth which is always a concern for Burke.

 

[thetrailboss]

Vermont Ski Areas Association has reported flat skier visits compared to last year:
http://www.skivermont.com/about-us/press-room/press-release/id/651

If Burke's visits were flat, this suggests that Ary-gate was not an overall detriment to operations. On the other hand, there was no growth which is always a concern for Burke.

Honestly I'm trying to focus on Steve taking it over......and fingers crossed that things will be better.

 

[VTKilarney]

Honestly I'm trying to focus on Steve taking it over......and fingers crossed that things will be better.

If he is allowed to give it the attention it needs, I am optimistic. Jay won two marketing awards this year (in the article linked above), so bringing somebody in from Jay sounds like a good thing.

 

[thetrailboss]

If he is allowed to give it the attention it needs, I am optimistic. Jay won two marketing awards this year (in the article linked above), so bringing somebody in from Jay sounds like a good thing.

It was what I thought they would do initially...until, well, you know.......

I do think that they need a manger onsite though.

 

[Masskier]

I've been up at Burke the past couple of days. They are making good progress on the Hotel site. Things are moving along nicely. Also they are busy finishing up the design on the Tennis and Aquatic centers and hope to start those next spring/summer.

 

[from_the_NEK]

I've been up at Burke the past couple of days. They are making good progress on the Hotel site. Things are moving along nicely. Also they are busy finishing up the design on the Tennis and Aquatic centers and hope to start those next spring/summer.

Any idea where they are going to build those?

Field above the Cutter?

Over near the x-Country center?

 

[Masskier]

Any idea where they are going to build those?

Field above the Cutter?

Over near the x-Country center?

Or maybe down by the lower base lodge. They are still looking at a couple of different options, but should be making the final decision soon.