Looking for a Home (Maybe)

[snowmonster]

ME is a great place to ski. Looking to maybe a big announcement today, re: Sunday River and Sugarloaf?

You bet. It's good to have all these ownership issues settled. I'm anxious to hear about the pass prices. It makes life easier to plan.

 

[thetrailboss]

You bet. It's good to have all these ownership issues settled. I'm anxious to hear about the pass prices. It makes life easier to plan.

Tell me about it....have got the informal spreadsheet made up with pass prices and options....still a big hole by Killington and Pico.

 

[hammer]

Tell me about it....have got the informal spreadsheet made up with pass prices and options....still a big hole by Killington and Pico.

So I'm not the only one who is crazy enough to do a spreadsheet file...

Mine has several worksheets...need to weigh the wants of the one (me) against the wants of the many (the rest of the family).

 

[snowmonster]

So I'm not the only one who is crazy enough to do a spreadsheet file...

Mine has several worksheets...need to weigh the wants of the one (me) against the wants of the many (the rest of the family).

That makes three of us. But mine's not even on a computer. Just an old fashioned chart -- paper and pencil and drawn with a ruler!

 

[thetrailboss]

That makes three of us. But mine's not even on a computer. Just an old fashioned chart -- paper and pencil and drawn with a ruler!

Mine is on a legal pad....hand written.

I imagine that the student pass at Killington will be in the $300 range. It is Ms. TB that I am concerned with there...but I am confident that if history is any guide, then there will be a reasonably priced Pico-only option. To be honest, this is what she wants...

 

[from_the_NEK]

TB, based on Ginn's moves in Colorado, I wouldn't be surprised if they eventually make Burke a members-only NEK ski resort. Raising pass prices (and maybe ticket prices) can be designed to appeal to a higher tax bracket and keep the riff-raff out (i.e., yours truly). There's a certain high-end feel to Burke nowadays from the look and feel of the Tamarack Grill to the creature comforts like ski and bag check-ins. It's the Deer Valley kind of experience that they hope will appeal to the hedge fund crowd.

I think this thread is beginning to make a mountain out of a molehill. Burke is still a relatively cheap adult season pass when compared to Stowe which is well on it's way to exclusivity.
It definitely sucks that Burke couldn't cut TrailBoss a behind the scenes deal. Just think, if they did give him a break and that it got out to the public that they made an acception for someone. They would have all sorts of season passholders looking for extra discounts on theirs based on this presidence. Sure the age limit is rediculous but what mountain hasn't made rediculous season pass decisions and I see no reason to not make your feelings known.
Hell, although I didn't bring in a huge group of people all at once, I have over the past several years brought in a lot of day trippers and talked a lot of people at work into buying a pass. I have submitted a lot of photos and videos to them to use on their website. I really don't think I deserve anything out of it. I did it because I wanted to, and like TrailBoss, I enjoy promoting my home mtn.
However, I feel this flaming :angry: of the mtn over a age restiction on a college student pass is very sad. Yea it's $300 but they don't deserve this level bashing (especially from a Burke diehard).
Maybe the pass restriction in question it is a sign of things to come, I just don't know. More reason to ski the mountain now BEFORE the major changes come along. I don't think they can take the mountain private since from the CCC road up is in the Darling State Forest (Land the Ginn company doesn't technically own and therefore can't resrict access to). Their Colorado facility is completely owned by Ginn so they can do whatever the hell they want. Additionally, the locals wouldn't stand for privatization. I have a feeling they/we would make it a nightmare for the Ginn corporation to try to operate (so much for the friendly "laid back" Vermonters ;-) )

 

[thetrailboss]

I think this thread is beginning to make a mountain out of a molehill. Burke is still a relatively cheap adult season pass when compared to Stowe which is well on it's way to exclusivity.
It definitely sucks that Burke couldn't cut TrailBoss a behind the scenes deal. Just think, if they did give him a break and that it got out to the public that they made an acception for someone. They would have all sorts of season passholders looking for extra discounts on theirs based on this presidence. Sure the age limit is rediculous but what mountain hasn't made rediculous season pass decisions and I see no reason to not make your feelings known.
Hell, although I didn't bring in a huge group of people all at once, I have over the past several years brought in a lot of day trippers and talked a lot of people at work into buying a pass. I have submitted a lot of photos and videos to them to use on their website. I really don't think I deserve anything out of it. I did it because I wanted to, and like TrailBoss, I enjoy promoting my home mtn.
However, I feel this flaming :angry: of the mtn over a age restiction on a college student pass is very sad. Yea it's $300 but they don't deserve this level bashing (especially from a Burke diehard).
Maybe the pass restriction in question it is a sign of things to come, I just don't know. More reason to ski the mountain now BEFORE the major changes come along. I don't think they can take the mountain private since from the CCC road up is in the Darling State Forest (Land the Ginn company doesn't technically own and therefore can't resrict access to). Their Colorado facility is completely owned by Ginn so they can do whatever the hell they want. Additionally, the locals wouldn't stand for privatization. I have a feeling they/we would make it a nightmare for the Ginn corporation to try to operate (so much for the friendly "laid back" Vermonters ;-) )

My only response is that it has not been handled well. My calls and E-mails before this thread went unanswered. In the one response I got several weeks ago, I doubt that anyone would appreciate the "we really like having you as a customer, now pay almost 3x more for your pass" line. That's just not good business.

For me this is a business decision as well. I have to stretch my dollars and want to spend them where they are wanted and valued. It makes no sense spending over $1,000 for a shorter season and for only one pass for my fiancee and I. Last season I skied from November through May on approximately $390 out of my pocket. Grand total for my season pass budget last year was $590 (over $200 was what I was given for Christmas and funded my Burke pass). My fiancee paid $365 for her pass. Business-wise, to pay that same amount for one pass and a shorter season (less days) does not work. I love to ski. I really do. But I have other bills to pay. I hate to do it, but I am going to vote my dollars.

Whether is is "bashing" or not, it is what it is. I have only pointed out the unintended consequences of this decision (limiting their market, cutting out non-traditional undergrads, cutting out mature students who are in college late because of the GI Program). Remember the reason for this age restriction was to "prevent abuse." The way to have done that would have been to require a certification from the registrar...which I have done for Burke every year.

This rule now is a roadblock to them getting my money. Why would a business do that? Makes no sense.

I think this is yet another missed opportunity for the mountain. You can't build condos and expand the place if you have less and less skiers and riders.

This is not the first time that I have strongly disagreed with a decision that was made there (such as selling $350 college passes when Jay sells the same thing for $199).

More importantly, I don't have that $300+. I am still a grad student living on loans. That is not a glamorous lifestyle.

As to the Stowe comment, it merely reflects that a season pass for me at Stowe is $425 vs. Burke's $550.

Enough editing and revising :wink: This was supposed to be a short post and a segue back to the other opportunities that may be available...

 

[andyzee]

I think this thread is beginning to make a mountain out of a molehill. Burke is still a relatively cheap adult season pass when compared to Stowe which is well on it's way to exclusivity.
It definitely sucks that Burke couldn't cut TrailBoss a behind the scenes deal. Just think, if they did give him a break and that it got out to the public that they made an acception for someone. They would have all sorts of season passholders looking for extra discounts on theirs based on this presidence. Sure the age limit is rediculous but what mountain hasn't made rediculous season pass decisions and I see no reason to not make your feelings known.
Hell, although I didn't bring in a huge group of people all at once, I have over the past several years brought in a lot of day trippers and talked a lot of people at work into buying a pass. I have submitted a lot of photos and videos to them to use on their website. I really don't think I deserve anything out of it. I did it because I wanted to, and like TrailBoss, I enjoy promoting my home mtn.
However, I feel this flaming :angry: of the mtn over a age restiction on a college student pass is very sad. Yea it's $300 but they don't deserve this level bashing (especially from a Burke diehard).
Maybe the pass restriction in question it is a sign of things to come, I just don't know. More reason to ski the mountain now BEFORE the major changes come along. I don't think they can take the mountain private since from the CCC road up is in the Darling State Forest (Land the Ginn company doesn't technically own and therefore can't resrict access to). Their Colorado facility is completely owned by Ginn so they can do whatever the hell they want. Additionally, the locals wouldn't stand for privatization. I have a feeling they/we would make it a nightmare for the Ginn corporation to try to operate (so much for the friendly "laid back" Vermonters ;-) )

I'm sorry, but I'm not seeing any bashing, I'm just seeing open discussion. Taking Trailboss out of the equation, I still think that their pricing for student passes is unfair. To me it truly is discrimination, why should there be an age limit for student passes? Whether young or old, school is a cost and funds are limited. True, a mountain may be within their right to do this, but doesn't make it right, doesn't mean we get voice our disapproval.

 

[thetrailboss]

It's simply a bad deal all around. I have done what I could to address it. No luck.

Back to the discussion of other places. So far these are suggestions:

* MRG
* Cannon
* SB (I think....)

 

[snoseek]

It's simply a bad deal all around. I have done what I could to address it. No luck.

Back to the discussion of other places. So far these are suggestions:

* MRG
* Cannon
* SB (I think....)

i would either get the cannon or sugarbush, with a mad card to supplement. what about jay?

 

[Greg]

I'm sorry, but I'm not seeing any bashing, I'm just seeing open discussion. Taking Trailboss out of the equation, I still think that their pricing for student passes is unfair. To me it truly is discrimination, why should there be an age limit for student passes? Whether young or old, school is a cost and funds are limited. True, a mountain may be within their right to do this, but doesn't make it right, doesn't mean we get voice our disapproval.

So, for example, if a 25 year old up and coming marketing manager making $60,000 a year begins his MBA (paid for by his employer), is he also entitled to a discount? I think Burke has every right to do this. At some point, it has to become expected that folks in their mid-twenties will pay an adult rate, regardless if they're a student or not. Don't get me wrong; it's great if someone decides to extend their education, but with that decision, must come some sacrifices.

 

[thetrailboss]

So, for example, if a 25 year old up and coming marketing manager making $60,000 a year begins his MBA (paid for by his employer), is he also entitled to a discount?

Actually, assuming that he was a full time student, he would:

(a) Not be collecting a salary, and more importantly:
(b) Not having this conversation at all because he'd take his business to one of the many other resorts who offer student discounts. Why? Because as a business man, he would know that could get a pass for much less $$$.

I think Burke has every right to do this.

Do what? Draft a rule to prevent themselves from getting $$$? That's what it is in this case! :lol: They certainly can do that....

At some point, it has to become expected that folks in their mid-twenties will pay an adult rate, regardless if they're a student or not. Don't get me wrong; it's great if someone decides to extend their education, but with that decision, must come some sacrifices.

I'd like to see that money that I supposedly have because I am a 20-something....

And as said ad-nausem, the majority of the industry does not see it this way. They simply want to make $$$ from a certain class of people and have rules and a program to do that.

 

[Greg]

I'd like to see that money that I supposedly have because I am a 20-something....

Silly post, TTB. I'm replying to andyzee's post that said, "Taking Trailboss out of the equation". I never suggested that was your salary. You've decided to invest your time in your education vs. working up the "corporate ladder". There's nothing wrong with that and it's quite honorable, but with that decision comes sacrifices.

I'd venture to guess there are many twenty-somethings making $60K. Newsflash: that's not a ton of money anymore, especially in SNE.

And as said ad-nausem, the majority of the industry does not see it this way. They simply want to make $$$ from a certain class of people and have rules and a program to do that.

And this is really your strongest argument. You made the effort; they didn't budge. Just chalk it up to one of the shitty things in life and move on. There's no sense in agonizing over it. I know it's a bummer especially given your history with the mountain, but just find a new one until Burke is within your budget again. It's not like you need to leave Burke forever...

Back onto the initial topic. Just buy the MRG pass as the Burke alternative already, won't you? Even if you only get in 5 days there, you're not losing any money. Surly 2007-08 is going to be an epic snowy season so you have nothing to worry about in terms of weather!

 

[thetrailboss]

Silly post, TTB.

Maybe...but it goes to the heart of your assumption. :wink:

You made the effort; they didn't budge. Just chalk it up to one of the shitty things in life and move on. There's no sense in agonizing over it.

I think you missed my segue that preceded your post :wink:

It's simply a bad deal all around. I have done what I could to address it. No luck.

Back to the discussion of other places. So far these are suggestions:

* MRG
* Cannon
* SB (I think....)

Surly 2007-08 is going to be an epic snowy season so you have nothing to worry about in terms of weather!

Shhhh.....don't say that! You'll jinx it!!!! :wink:

 

[awf170]

Back onto the initial topic. Just buy the MRG pass as the Burke alternative already, won't you? Even if you only get in 5 days there, you're not losing any money. Surly 2007-08 is going to be an epic snowy season so you have nothing to worry about in terms of weather!

I agree. Just buy the stupid pass. Even in a horrible season there has to be atleast 10 good days at MRG. Everyone always talks about how MRG is horribly unreliable, but has the mountain ever been closed for a long stretch in jan, feb, or mar?

 

[thetrailboss]

I agree. Just buy the stupid pass. Even in a horrible season there has to be atleast 10 good days at MRG. Everyone always talks about how MRG is horribly unreliable, but has the mountain ever been closed for a long stretch in jan, feb, or mar?

I think this past season it was closed during Jan or so.....

 

[Greg]

I think this past season it was closed during Jan or so.....

Oh just get the MRG pass already, willya...? Have you ever skied there, TTB? Great mountain.

If you score conditions like that next year, you'll forget all about Burke...

 

[thetrailboss]

Oh just get the MRG pass already, willya...? Have you ever skied there, TTB? Great mountain.

Skied it once in 2002 on a free ticket. Was not a stellar day, but that season was rough...

I do know some folks at MRG. Namely Mr. MRG Jr. who I went to school with.

MRG is one I am considering....

 

[awf170]

I think this past season it was closed during Jan or so.....

Oh, yeah I think it was closed during the first half of January. But this was one of the worst starts ever for them. Anyway look how it was after that. I have never skied MRG and live 3 hours away, and I'm still getting a pass there...

 

[thetrailboss]

Or you could go back to Pat's Peak and take up snowboarding :wink:

Have considered that.

The Pats Peak part that is...not the snowboarding....



Seriously. They are great folks there and the place is one hour from where we live.