Crotched's snowmaking catch phrase

[Joshua B]

New England's highest production capacity snowmaking system!

What do you think of this claim? I understand they can cover their terrain very quickly, but the catch phrase leads skiers to think they can blow the most snow--more than any other New England ski area. I have to think a place like Okemo or Killington blows more snow and can potentially cover more area than Crotched. I think what Crotched needs to do is add "per acre" to their claim. Any thoughts on this or do you think their catch phrase is accurate as it reads now?

 

[skijay]

My interpretation:

It means it is the most effective system. If they have 100 guns to cover 10 trails and do it efficiently, without wasting snow (in the trees or off of the trail) than they can claim the title.

Have you seen their snow making equipment, that stuff is top notch!

 

[sledhaulingmedic]

I'll start off by saying, I'm impressed with the system. I think this is somewhat remenicient of SR's claim that White Heat was the "longest, widest, steepest, snowiest, craziest, most hyped" trail in the Northeast. I have to believe that Okemo, K, SR, Stratton and probably several others have greater overall capacity.

I would believe that the have the most capacity per skiable acre.

 

[riverc0il]

in a world of rediculous marketing claims, this really doesn't bother me at all, especially considering it is pretty much fact, just without clarifying the exact details. but that's what a catch phrase or buzz phrase is all about..... quickly communicating a message without any details.

 

[Joshua B]

rivercOil, let me get this straight. You believe that Crotched Mountain, with 17 trails and 875 feet of vertical has THE Highest Production Capacity Snowmaking System in all of New England?

 

[ctenidae]

Joshua B- I believe you have defined the next lawsuit against Crotched Mountain. Someone will hit a rock skiing off open trails, and will sue the resort because, despite the fact they claim to have the highest capacity snowmaking system in New England, they did not have the entire mountain covered in pillowy powder, ready to cushion the results of even the worst stupidity.
Unfortunately, they'll win, and either Crotched will close, or the price of lift tickets will go up $3-$5 to cover teh increased insurance costs.

 

[Joshua B]

I feel that your post questions the validity of my implied suggestion that Crotched's catch phrase is less than honest.

 

[JimG.]

Well, Hunter advertises itself as the "Snowmaking capitol of the world"; I've been to Eagle River, Wisconsin and they advertise themselves as the "Snowmobiling Capitol of the world". Do these phrases actually mean anything?

Not really, but it's nice hype. Hunter was probably the first mountain to use snowmaking extensively in the early 50's, so maybe it refers to that.

Who cares anyway? Even if Crotched's snowmaking system isn't the biggest and baddest blizzard maker in the world, as long as it pumps out great snow in enough quantity to cover this hill in a deep blanket of snow and it works when you need it, ya gotta love it!

 

[Joshua B]

Who cares anyway?

You're right. Next topic.

Even if Crotched's snowmaking system isn't the biggest and baddest blizzard maker in the world, as long as it pumps out great snow in enough quantity to cover this hill in a deep blanket of snow and it works when you need it, ya gotta love it!

I never said I didn't agree with that.

 

[JimG.]

I never said I didn't agree with that.

I know, and I was agreeing with you about the intense marketing hype and somewhat deceptive claims ski areas make. I guess I don't pay any attention to it since I'm in sales myself.

As always, the proof is in the pudding; personal experience will tell you if you like a mountain or not, and sometimes snowmaking isn't even an issue...look at Mad River.

 

[hammer]

The one part of ski area "marketing hype" that really bothers me is inaccurate, overly optimistic snow reports. Ski areas can make whatever claims about snowmaking that they want, but if I see a good snow report, make the effort to go to a ski area, and the report is not accurate, then I've potentially wasted a good ski day. :angry:

 

[sledhaulingmedic]

I haven't been to "the Crotch" this season, but I was at "Why Choose it?" yesterday. I always thought The Mighty Wa Wa had about the most capacity per skiable acre. While they had a lot covered and the surface was good, the reports I've read seem to give higher marks to The Crotch for their snowmaking: more trails open, full trail width, good base depth, good surface.

I like to compare these two mountains, not because they offer much that I personnally care for, but because I think (other than proximity to a major market) they are very, very similar.

 

[skidweeb.com]

Crotched is awesome. The snow there is thick plentiful.

Please don't tell anyone. I'd like to keep the short drive, short lift lines, and short ticket prices to myself.

I've been there 3 times in the last 2 weeks.

PS - you can even buy a full meal there for under $10!