Just how good is Magic?

[Marc]

I'm considering Magic for a season pass next year, they want $400, which is considerably cheaper than other options still on my table (K, MRG).

According to their website they have a boundary to boundary policy, which kicks ass.

My only concern is their snowmaking. They are not in the VT snow belt, and years like last season really concern me being that far south. I want to be able to ski when there hasn't been a lot of natural.

The claim this on their website:

Do you have snowmaking?
YES! Magic can cover up to 87% of its terrain with snow. We have a new commitment to making snow and will be making as much snow as the weather permits. We have increased the number of snow guns on the mountain as well as the amount of water we can pump from our pond. Next summer we have secured permits to quadruple the size of our snowmaking pond. Work will begin in Spring 2007.

Just have the ability to cover 87% of their terrain does not mean they will. Who thinks the new owners can be trusted?

 

[Greg]

Magic is an awesome kick-ass hill. I've only skied it twice and both times were shortly after a pretty healthy dumping. I would imagine that it could get pretty rough there in a lean snow year. Abundant snowmaking is not that important to me however. What is important is whether a mountain is willing to officially open terrain even with marginal surface conditions. I have no problem with thin cover. I believe roark had a pass there last year and AFAIK he is getting one this year so he obviously think it's worth it. I think they're on the right track and could use your support.

 

[2knees]

I wouldnt buy into the snowmaking thing for next year. Some of the pipes on the mountain dont really look to be operational. If it doesnt snow, it can be rough. no way around it. Not only are they south but the summit is at like 2800 feet or something so they dont have any elevation advantage either.

that being said, for $400, even if you get 10 or 15 good days it would be worth it. the place just has that kind of terrain. In my opinion. others may disagree. You wont wait in line, and the place has a really cool vibe that you just dont find anywhere else in s. vermont.

 

[Greg]

the place has a really cool vibe that you just dont find anywhere else in s. vermont.

Agreed. All about vibe there. Similar vibe to Beast and MRG IMHO.

 

[Marc]

Well clearly they are attempting improvements to snowmaking....

Greg, I'm with ya on the thin cover, just look at the bases and edges (or lack thereof) of my one year old Scotts... but there has to be some snow to ski on...

I hate these mother farkin decisions.

 

[MRGisevil]

I'd say it's dependant on the weather. Although, a friend has been getting Magic season passes for a few years now and he says that every year he makes his money back and then some. I've been lucky: every time I've been there it's been after a big dump so I haven't been let down. If you're still on the fence, just get a season pass somewhere else this year and test it out, see if it's something you'd like to do next year. With $25 midweek passes that's not a bad option!

 

[roark]

I'm wait and see re:snowmaking. Last year was a little rough until there was some natural.

Magic has some of the best terrain in S VT IMHO. Usually no liftlines, and the red chair is well protected from wind (as are quite a few of the trails) are some more positives. When I met Greg and co there last year most of Sneaux was on wind hold and many trails wind scoured. Not so @ Magic.

The midweek pricing does make it a little tougher to commit to a pass. I'm always shocked that there aren't more people there with such cheap tix. But Magic is a place I would be happy to give my money to.

 

[pepperdawg]

Late to the party, but pretty much agreeing with all the points made above....


Can be rough when not a lot of natural - is unfortunatly is more frequent than not.
but when theres natural the payoff is definitly there - phenominal, rugged terrain...and tasty fresh lines can be found days---> following week after a storm due to the serious lack of crowds. I've **literally*** never stood in a lift line there during the week.

midweek = $25 tix cant be beat.

 

[Marc]

Yeah, I appreciate the advice, but I knew Magic has been sparse with snowmaking in the past.

I don't suppose anyone has any inside info about the new owners and if they really are making the improvements they say the are and if so, will they be ready for this winter...

Midweek pricing generally doesn't apply to me since I'm one of the working poor.

 

[2knees]

Yeah, I appreciate the advice, but I knew Magic has been sparse with snowmaking in the past.

I don't suppose anyone has any inside info about the new owners and if they really are making the improvements they say the are and if so, will they be ready for this winter...

Midweek pricing generally doesn't apply to me since I'm one of the working poor.

this post was on kzone today. maybe they really will follow through with the snowmaking commitment. Just hope they dont go way overboard with it though.

Hello everyone! Hey Steve! I don't post here often, but do stop by most forums on a regular basis. I was going to let the Magic discussion continue, but after the last post above I just wanted to step in and set the record straight. The "new owner" referenced above is actually part of the OLD ownership group. He has nothing to do with the new ownership and management of the area. Without going into too much detail, the person referenced above is not a good person and in my humble opinion is getting a little senile in his old age. He still tries to represent himself as an integral part of our team, but nothing could be farther from the truth. He along with the past management successfully ran Magic into the ground and put them into a TON of debt with just about every vendor, media outlet and industry partner possible.

The new ownership and management team, of which I am a part, are working as hard as possible to turn the place around and we are committed to making it work. We have a tough road ahead and last season's dismal start didn't help. That said, we ARE quadrupling the size of the snowmaking pond this summer, finishing the installation of the mid mountain lift, making big improvements to the snowmaking system, and overhauling most programs and systems on the mountain. All of these improvements will have a direct and readily apparent impact on our product. The amount of snow we blow (barring a start like last year) will be exponentially more than past years and we are aiming to open by mid December and continue as far into the spring as possible. This is in stark contrast to past years which included a Christmas Day opening at best and a closure in March due to not paying insurance. We will not follow this path.

Magic will be run by skiers who want to bring a true skiing (and riding) experience to our guests. I would love to see each of you give us a try next year. You won't regret it. Magic is a great mtn to ski and despite its small size has something to offer for everyone and an abundance of very difficult terrain both on the trail map and off. Heck, find me on the hill and I will show you around or take you off the backside provided you have touring gear. With even an average amount of snow this place rocks. Alright, enough biased commentary, have a great day and I hope to see all of you at Magic next season.

Matt Lillard
Marketing Director

 

[Greg]

I don't suppose anyone has any inside info about the new owners and if they really are making the improvements they say the are and if so, will they be ready for this winter...

I assume you saw this:

http://skiing.alpinezone.com/articles/challenge/2006/response.htm?resort=magic

Those response came in December so that's pretty current. I suspect Matt may chime in here.

 

[Marc]

Cool. Thanks for the info. It may be a toss up between Killington and Magic.

I really want bumps to ski too. Argh. FU ASC.


I had to get that out. Sorry. No more will be said.

 

[Greg]

I really want bumps to ski too.

Not sure how feasible it is as a day trip and whether you can stomach the Saturday crowds, but Loon has some of the best seeded bump runs around, or at least they used to. At least give them a few spins this season.

 

[JimG.]

Cool. Thanks for the info. It may be a toss up between Killington and Magic.

I really want bumps to ski too. Argh. FU ASC.


I had to get that out. Sorry. No more will be said.

I will certainly ski Magic a few times next season. Judging from the post 2knees made, this may be your best bet. It's too far for me to make it my season pass, but $400 for a mountain like Magic is a great deal Marc.

Why not contact the new ownership via e-mail and present your case for natural/seeded bumps; reference the discussions we have had here. I assure you your chances there will be very good.

 

[awf170]

Cool. Thanks for the info. It may be a toss up between Killington and Magic.

I really want bumps to ski too. Argh. FU ASC.


I had to get that out. Sorry. No more will be said.

Get a MRG pass...

 

[Marc]

Get a MRG pass...

See, we've been through this. I'd have to ski 15 or more days at MRG to make the $700 pass worth it. It's a loong drive (although, one we could split) but where is there to stay for cheap up there?

 

[Marc]

Ideally I'd like a pass to a place where a day trip is at least feasible, if not comfortable. I've done several day trips to Killington.

 

[awf170]

See, we've been through this. I'd have to ski 15 or more days at MRG to make the $700 pass worth it. It's a loong drive (although, one we could split) but where is there to stay for cheap up there?

Not sure about where to stay. There must be something cheap in the valley, right? Would someone from up there like to chime in?

 

[Marc]

I'm about ready to sleep in my car. Feck it, I've got a 0 degree bag now.

 

[snoseek]

had 30+ inches of untracked blower with below zero temps a few years back. maybe 12-15 people on the hill. very fun. still hit lots of rocks though. this place really needs good base imo. i won't forget that day.