Double Drat - The Secret is Out!

[billski]

In tomorrow's Sunday Boston Globe there is going to be a story on Black, Magic, MRG, Saddleback, Wildcat, Pico and Cannon. Very attractive photo portfolio.

Well, good news is to give some viz to some of the under-radar areas, keeping them in business is worth it. Then again, I think the mainstream skier may not venture away from McSki.

I am glad to see Black and Magic got first and second billing!

I swear they got the story idea from AZ!

 

[tmcc71]

good and bad

I hope these areas get enough business to survive, but not so much to create huge lines and crowded slopes. I love Magic, but would not if the general population finds it. half of it's charm is the lack of lines.

 

[Geoff]

POWDR fixed the pricing at Pico. It's pretty busy there on weekends now compared to a few years ago. You can buy a direct-to-lift pass preloaded with 3 days for $99.00. With that card, midweek days are only $29.00 and weekend/holiday days $39.00. They have a really good race-oriented junior program that several friends of mine have used. If you're trying to ski on a budget, Pico with lodging in Rutland is a very good value.

 

[riverc0il]

You can buy a direct-to-lift pass preloaded with 3 days for $99.00. With that card, midweek days are only $29.00 and weekend/holiday days $39.00.

Wow, that is an excellent value! How did I miss that one. I'll be returning to Pico this season for the first time in ten years. Last time I was there, it snowed two feet the night before we got there. After two powder runs through the Summit Glades, it was time to snowplow B Slope for a race. :-o That day was the best of times and worst of times wrapped into one. Hopefully, my one day streak of 2' powdery days continues at Pico this season.

Not sure I would include Wildcat and Cannon with those other four mountains. In their place, I would have included Burke and Abram. Even Pico is kind of dubious with its connection to Killington. Not exactly an unknown place even if it doesn't get the visits (though Geoff seems to suggest that they now do get the visits).

 

[orangegondola]

Thanks Bill, I never would have seen The Globe down here!

We can only hope the publicity Magic has been receiving creates a lift line this year. We don't want the lifts to stop spinning. I think with the improved grooming and snowmaking this season, skiers seeking an alternative to big crowds will come. You don't need 90 trails to have fun on a non powder day.

I have linked most of the articles here. If you know of another article please let us know!

 

[billski]

I added a Globe reader comment with a link to savemagicmountain.com

Agree with Steve, I missed the Pico 3 Pack too.

 

[billski]

Thanks Bill, I never would have seen The Globe down here!

We can only hope the publicity Magic has been receiving creates a lift line this year. We don't want the lifts to stop spinning. I think with the improved grooming and snowmaking this season, skiers seeking an alternative to big crowds will come. You don't need 90 trails to have fun on a non powder day.

I have linked most of the articles here. If you know of another article please let us know!

[FONT=&quot]Vermont Ski Resorts Prep Improvements for 2010-11
[/FONT][FONT=&quot]First Tracks
In an effort to save Magic Mountain in Londonderry and raise capital to invest in the infrastructure, the ski area has begun selling shares in the resort. ...[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]1 more site needed for Internet access
[/FONT][FONT=&quot]Brattleboro Reformer
For the residents of the Londonderry, Stratton and Winhall areas, ... Securing the sites near Bromley Mountain and Magic Mountain have made it much easier ...

http://www.skivermont.com/about-us/press-room/press-release/id/104

[/FONT]

 

[wa-loaf]

http://www.boston.com/travel/explorene/specials/ski/gallery/Chillsoul_07/

 

[UVSHTSTRM]

POWDR fixed the pricing at Pico. It's pretty busy there on weekends now compared to a few years ago. You can buy a direct-to-lift pass preloaded with 3 days for $99.00. With that card, midweek days are only $29.00 and weekend/holiday days $39.00. They have a really good race-oriented junior program that several friends of mine have used. If you're trying to ski on a budget, Pico with lodging in Rutland is a very good value.

I really like Pico, and if I hadn't gotten a pass this year, I certainly would have taken advantage of the great pricing at that place.

 

[orangegondola]

Anyone pick up a hard copy?

 

[billski]

Anyone pick up a hard copy?

Yep. I'm a print subscriber. It's in a special section called "Chill" (which, btw has all the answers to the Sunday quiz.)

The BG will be distributing copies of "Chill" at the Boston Ski and Board Expo this weekend.

 

[orangegondola]

I am glad we are one of the "Chill" headliners. This will be great press for the Mtn. My friend is related to Bernie who runs the show, I actually worked the door one year, it was alot of fun.

 

[bigbog]

I hope these areas get enough business to survive, but not so much to create huge lines and crowded slopes. I love Magic, but would not if the general population finds it. half of it's charm is the lack of lines.

It's often the two-edged sword, and these days it's really for the better that they become known.
An owner has to be making good money to be able to make changes towards eliminating crowds on the mountain.

 

[jrmagic]

It's often the two-edged sword, and these days it's really for the better that they become known.
An owner has to be making good money to be able to make changes towards eliminating crowds on the mountain.

WE only had "long" liftlines on a few Saturdays last season and they really weren't that bad. Those lines should pay dividends this year as the revenue from last year's increased skier visits was reinvested in fixing up the snowmaking system, the groomers and the black lift ampng other things. Once that is back online the mountain could handle a LOT more skiers without having long lift lines.Years back when both chairs were running simultanoeousIy there were rarely any sizeable lines.


I'm glad we're still getting some love from the Globe:-D

 

[billski]

WE only had "long" liftlines on a few Saturdays last season and they really weren't that bad.

And what lines there were, five, maybe (pushing it) 10 minutes in my experience.

Another very important Magic asset is the lack of wind holds. On the back end of storms, when so often the winds are high, the Magic lifts keep on spinning.

One day when my bud insisted on Mt. Snow, we arrived to find all lifts on hold for the day. Guess where we went?

 

[neil]

Is there any chance that the Black Chair might run this season?

 

[billski]

Is there any chance that the Black Chair might run this season?

Matt indicated that it would probably be ready by mid season. Whether or not they need to run it will depend on how many of you come out to party at Magic!

 

[billski]

I cannot believe that Black Mountain isn't making hay with the Sunday Globe article. I nudged them a little on Facebook.

 

[Talisman]

Years back when both chairs were running simultanoeousIy there were rarely any sizeable lines.

I think Magic skis best with both the Red and Black chairs spinning. Ski on to the lift, less traversing of the base area and fun to mix up the lift rides.

 

[orangegondola]

I think Magic skis best with both the Red and Black chairs spinning. Ski on to the lift, less traversing of the base area and fun to mix up the lift rides.

The sheaves are curently being worked on. When they are back the mountain will be doing all it can to get them up and inspected. Matt is hoping for MLK weekend but earlier if possible. He doesn't want to over-promise and under deliver.

FYI another employee was put on staff starting yesterday. He was a lift mechanic from a large nearby resort with a shopping village. The work team is growing and they appear to be making alot of the right moves.