Early season under new ownership: Your scorecard

[sledhaulingmedic]

OK, we hope, prayed pleaded, bitched, flamed etc. about the management changes at all the resorts that changed hands this past year. Write your scorecard for how the new managment(s) have done so far. What's better/worse at Killington, Pico, Attitash, Mount Snow, Sunday River, Sugarloaf, Loon (who'd I forget?)?

 

[Euler]

At Mt. Snow, the snowmaking's definitely better this year. Also the new owners seem to be more in tune with granting the wishes of a wide range of skiers. They have consistently had a wide range of terrain open both groomed and ungroomed.

The wider trails with the fan guns have way better snow coverage than in the past, and this is due to the fan guns, not just the awesome early cold weather we've had this year.

 

[drjeff]

OK, we hope, prayed pleaded, bitched, flamed etc. about the management changes at all the resorts that changed hands this past year. Write your scorecard for how the new managment(s) have done so far. What's better/worse at Killington, Pico, Attitash, Mount Snow, Sunday River, Sugarloaf, Loon (who'd I forget?)?

I can only comment first hand on Mount Snow, but Peak gets an A+ across the board from me! Snowmaking even fan guns excluded has been more aggressive than ASC, with a much better trail roll out this year than in previous years. Fan Guns, fabulous, great snow quality and QUIET. "esthetic base area upgrades" great! From the new fire pit to the fresh coat of paint on all the buildings to the base lodge bathrooms to the multiple flat screen TV's hanging in the table areas, the place looks 20 years younger! You can really see the enthusiasm in the employees too! I honestly can't think of anything that's worse for me with respect to Mount Snow under its new ownership.

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

Killington is doing great..lots of good terrain the Monday after Thanksgiving..

 

[Vortex]

Said if before. The River has been spetacular. From opening on oct 31st to access to all peaks in early Decemeber. Making snow in marginal conditions and pouring it on while its been cold. Mangement pops in on discussion boards to answer questions and concerns. The weather has helped all areas. Could not be happier at the River.

 

[bvibert]

I can't comment on whether Mount Snow is better or worse since I've only skied there a few times ever. However I am impressed with their offerings the two times I've been there this year.

 

[Angus]

although I have not skied any of the areas, the lack of response to this thread relative to the pre-season condemnations - esp. for Killington is a perfect example of "it's easier to complain than to praise."

of course, the weather hasn't hurt either!

 

[millerm277]

Killington:
++++ for massive amounts of snowmaking.
-- for being completely inflexible with the schedule for opening lifts/lodges.

 

[davidhowland14]

Ragged Mountain

+ For improvements, etc
+ For new website
+ For actually making snow this year and opening before xmas
- for Snow Report (No update since opening day = bad
- for incomplete website
- for no trail map

 

[Method9455]

Mount Snow I think is clearly better. Killington is still arguable. The terrain roll out is good, some other stuff is bad. It is hard to say if the snowmaking is better - they didn't really change much equipment wise and this year was so good who knows what it would be like in a crappy year? And what if there had been a cold snap mid october and Mount Snow took advantage and killington didn't? People would be pissed. The cold rolled in all at once, on time for Killington's schedule, and stayed consistent. There was nothing hard about if for them. So I think the verdict is out until we see what happens end of season/start of a new season with more challenging weather. But for mid season, I think they will look better than ASC.

Who else has new ownership this year? Attitash?

 

[billski]

Cannon, Magic

Under new mgt.

Cannon: Kudos for their grooming discretion (i.e., not all trails are being groomed).

Magic: Kudos for their honesty

 

[Greg]

I only skied Mount Snow once, but it was very early with a a top-to-bottom offering so they get big props for that. From the reports I've read it seems they are striking a fair balance of groomed to ungroomed terrain and the willingness to open some thin cover terrain last week on TNF is a positive sign and actually makes me want to go back soon.

I skied Killington on a powder day so I'm probably biased, but the skiing was great. The terrain that had snowmaking was abundant. The snow on Superstar was DEEP. On mountain staff was very friendly and helpful and I though the food was good and was fairly priced, in ski resort food pricing terms at least.

 

[threecy]

Berkshire East (new ownership, same management)
- November snowmaking
- Opening Dec. 8 with legitimate novice, beginner, intermediate, and expert terrain
- Already making snow on Roundabout (1.5 mile beginner trail)

 

[billski]

Berkshire East (new ownership, same management)
- November snowmaking
- Opening Dec. 8 with legitimate novice, beginner, intermediate, and expert terrain
- Already making snow on Roundabout (1.5 mile beginner trail)

say what? I didn't know BE was sold? Will the old owner still stand in the lot directing traffic?

 

[bvibert]

say what? I didn't know BE was sold? Will the old owner still stand in the lot directing traffic?

IIRC BEast was owned by partners. One of the partners was able to buy out the others. I know there is more to the story, but I don't know the details...

 

[billski]

This thread brings home to me that a lot of resorts changed hands this year. Again....

 

[2knees]

i'll give the two thumbs up so far to snow. although weather has certainly been favorable, the fact they had a top to bottom expert run open in early november, ungroomed, is more then i could've ever hoped for.

 

[threecy]

IIRC BEast was owned by partners. One of the partners was able to buy out the others. I know there is more to the story, but I don't know the details...

B-East was owned by a corporation in Michigan. The General Manager was part owner. He and his family recently purchased the ski area and now enjoy full ownership and control. They've invested a lot in the mountain this off season and will continue to do so moving forward. They love the mountain and wish to make it as good as possible while still maintaining the same feel.

The GM will still be parking cars

 

[bvibert]

B-East was owned by a corporation in Michigan. The General Manager was part owner. He and his family recently purchased the ski area and now enjoy full ownership and control. They've invested a lot in the mountain this off season and will continue to do so moving forward. They love the mountain and wish to make it as good as possible while still maintaining the same feel.

The GM will still be parking cars

See, I knew there was more to the story.

Thanks for the clarification threecy.