KingM has me entirely depressed

[billski]

I just read Michael's blog from one year ago this Saturday:

"December 13, 2007

What a change a year makes. Last year, we had a great finish to the season, but it started very slowly. Instead of warmth this December, we have unusually good early season snows. Even Mad River Glen (all natural snow) is fully open and skiing incredibly on every trail. Conditions at Sugarbush are like February."



:angry:

​

 

[KingM]

I just read Michael's blog from one year ago this Saturday:

"December 13, 2007

What a change a year makes. Last year, we had a great finish to the season, but it started very slowly. Instead of warmth this December, we have unusually good early season snows. Even Mad River Glen (all natural snow) is fully open and skiing incredibly on every trail. Conditions at Sugarbush are like February."
​

Sorry.

Just remember that conditions in ski season are never as good or bad as they appear. You're only ever one weather event away from a total change. Think about 2006/2007, when things were so abysmal and then it snowed and snowed and snowed late season.

Thinking optimistically, all we need is a good dump tonight, followed by snow showers that linger with another half foot and weather that stays coldish. Any one of a number of things could happen to stop that from happening, but it's also quite possible that two days from now we'll be able to say the same thing that I did last year at this time.

Oh, and I've still got rooms available this weekend, and at early season rates, too. ​

 

[Zand]

I just read Michael's blog from one year ago this Saturday:

"December 13, 2007

What a change a year makes. Last year, we had a great finish to the season, but it started very slowly. Instead of warmth this December, we have unusually good early season snows. Even Mad River Glen (all natural snow) is fully open and skiing incredibly on every trail. Conditions at Sugarbush are like February."



:angry:

​

I'm not complaining. We've already had lots of good days, cold temps, etc. A few rainstorms thrown in to make it interesting. It's not an epic start, but I'll take it over many other starts we've had recently. It's unfortunate that MRG is having trouble getting open, but it'll come soon enough. Obviously if it's raining this much come January, there's a problem.

 

[JD]

Man, the day before opening MRG 07 is one I will never forget. Torso deep blower. No lifts.

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

It's one rainstorm..and now it's snowing at the bush..and MRG...they could get alot of snow tonight into tomorrow..

 

[cbcbd]

Dude, at least the resorts out there have had some for some time now

 

[thetrailboss]

I'm not sure why you are posting this now....Tuesday and Wednesday, OK. But we are getting pounded up here...8-14" is forecast.

 

[skiing is life]

i know. this is all very depressing. last year we didint see the ground from december 2nd to early april.

 

[ALLSKIING]

Its just dumping at K...already 6 inches down and at this rate it won't take long to get a foot or more.

 

[atkinson]

Uhh, Mad River Glen opens tomorrow morning. Get on it. Flat powder fun on some of the coolest terrain around. Did I mention it's been dumping for hours already?

John

p.s. I got turns weekly at MRG in late October and November. Castlerock opened on Tuesday and was sweet all natural goodness. Press restart with more snow for tomorrow. We've had the snow and still got the snow, why are you crying over old news when there's a winter storm warning?

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

This Thread is lame..Sugarbush vs Mother Nature..Sugarbush wins with fresh Poe..mad Edgar Allen..

 

[billski]

It's one rainstorm..and now it's snowing at the bush..and MRG...they could get alot of snow tonight into tomorrow..

Um, really?

well cbcbd, I had to work and missed all the early snow. Sorry dude!

I feel a bit vindicated.

 

[nycskier]

You think that is bad, Lake Tahoe is almost all closed! They have gotten almost no snow. Since mid November they have gotten less than 5 inches total at Heavenly.

My friends who work on the mountain there have been temporary laidoff.

Kirkwood has not opened yet. Heavenly has 1 trail open. Squaw has 1 trail open, Sierra at Tahoe is closed.

I know this because I planned to move out there for the season. Due to lack of snow I returned to NYC to take care of work stuff. People I talked to out there say it is the worst early season ever!

Now I am actually thinking of driving up to Hunter this weekend.

My luck, eh?

So don't complain about East Coast conditions!

 

[KingM]

Billski, I just have to bump this thread because, hey, what a difference a week makes. In the middle of a snowstorm, with two more on the way, it's feeling pretty good out there now.

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

Billski, I just have to bump this thread because, hey, what a difference a week makes. In the middle of a snowstorm, with two more on the way, it's feeling pretty good out there now.

I bet you're pretty booked up for the holidays!!!! Any rooms available new years weekend?

 

[KingM]

I bet you're pretty booked up for the holidays!!!! Any rooms available new years weekend?

Yes, we do, although the efficiencies are gone already. People have been more shy about booking far in advance for Christmas the last few years, since we've been bit by rain a couple of times. But the phone has been ringing a lot today with people from NJ, CT, and MA. It's almost like they looked out their window this morning and said, "Hey, look at that. It's winter!"

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

Yes, we do, although the efficiencies are gone already. People have been more shy about booking far in advance for Christmas the last few years, since we've been bit by rain a couple of times. But the phone has been ringing a lot today with people from NJ, CT, and MA. It's almost like they looked out their window this morning and said, "Hey, look at that. It's winter!"

I'm thinking of skiing Vermont New Years weekend..and I don't blame people for not booking so far in advance..because some past X-mas weeks were pretty dismal..but I'm so psyched for all the resorts and lodging establishments who should do well this Holiday season. I'll PM you sometime in the next day or so about a possible room.

 

[KingM]

I'm thinking of skiing Vermont New Years weekend..and I don't blame people for not booking so far in advance..because some past X-mas weeks were pretty dismal..but I'm so psyched for all the resorts and lodging establishments who should do well this Holiday season. I'll PM you sometime in the next day or so about a possible room.

We're always happy about taking reservations, but the best time to come to Vermont is the weekend before Christmas on a good snow year like this one. Everything is open, there are no crowds, and everything from lodging to lift tickets is a lot cheaper.

As for people waiting before booking for Christmas Week, that's probably what I'd do, too. It's a lot of money spend on rain days. But you always run the risk of getting shut out. Here's something I wrote a couple of years ago.

Guy calls, clears his throat. "Uhm, yes, I need to get some rooms. We've got a ski group coming up and I'm in charge of making the reservations."

"How many people do you have and what are the dates?" I ask, opening the reservation book.

"There will be twelve adults and eight kids," he said. "And a baby. We need December 26 through December 31. What options do you have available?"

"I'm sorry," I said. "We're just about booked up and I can't accommodate a group of that size."

"Oh, we're not picky. We can fit into whatever you've got available."

"Well, I have one room with two double beds for the 26th and 27th. Two different rooms, each with a queen-sized bed, for the 28th only. And nothing for the 30th and 31st."

"Nothing? I mean, nothing at all?"

"No, nothing. I'm sorry." I also know that everyone else is booked to the same level because I've been on the phone earlier. I tell him as much.

"But we have plans!" he says.

Did you think of mentioning these plans to anyone else?

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

We're always happy about taking reservations, but the best time to come to Vermont is the weekend before Christmas on a good snow year like this one. Everything is open, there are no crowds, and everything from lodging to lift tickets is a lot cheaper.

As for people waiting before booking for Christmas Week, that's probably what I'd do, too. It's a lot of money spend on rain days. But you always run the risk of getting shut out. Here's something I wrote a couple of years ago.

Guy calls, clears his throat. "Uhm, yes, I need to get some rooms. We've got a ski group coming up and I'm in charge of making the reservations."

"How many people do you have and what are the dates?" I ask, opening the reservation book.

"There will be twelve adults and eight kids," he said. "And a baby. We need December 26 through December 31. What options do you have available?"

"I'm sorry," I said. "We're just about booked up and I can't accommodate a group of that size."

"Oh, we're not picky. We can fit into whatever you've got available."

"Well, I have one room with two double beds for the 26th and 27th. Two different rooms, each with a queen-sized bed, for the 28th only. And nothing for the 30th and 31st."

"Nothing? I mean, nothing at all?"

"No, nothing. I'm sorry." I also know that everyone else is booked to the same level because I've been on the phone earlier. I tell him as much.

"But we have plans!" he says.

Did you think of mentioning these plans to anyone else?

That's great..we often have similar situations with my customers. They put off buying a monument for a loved one and then after a year they get crap from relatives and then with us it's a big rush..it's a final gift to a loved one..not a freaking pizza..people need to be patient..Dealing with difficult customers is always challenging..

 

[billski]

Billski, I just have to bump this thread because, hey, what a difference a week makes. In the middle of a snowstorm, with two more on the way, it's feeling pretty good out there now.

ooo la la! I'm doing the Snoopy dance right now. Snow was a tad bit later than last year, but we got it good for December. And to top it off, it's gonna stay cold and everyone's gonna win! Cha ching! I will be out monday and maybe even Tuesday. If it wasn't for all the commitments F-S-Sunday, I'd be out those days too. Definitely doing first tracks on New Year's day too when all the hungover folks can't get out of bed. Prolly that weekend too. Life is good... snow is good...