Magic Mountain ...

[thetrailboss]

It seems like it would be tough to staff the place for only weekends and holidays..I would figure the Magic employees would find employment elsewhere..the best Magic can hope for is if they are bought out by another ski resort..then they will get the necassary improvements to be able to have a chance at being profitable..

Probably unlikely. They have A LOT of infrastructure needs. Specifically, replacing multiple lifts, snowmaking, and a new lodge. It could be doable if, say, they only needed one thing (a new lift and/or a new lodge). They also don't have any condos or bona fide real estate, IIRC, so the income side is limited to the ski area operations. It is really sad.....

 

[Greg]

A very hypothetical question: if you had a few million dollars (not unlimited funds) and you wanted to save Magic, would you just buy the 200 shares they need to sell to keep going - and continue buying more so you own the majority - or just buy the place outright so you have full control?

Maybe Bob Switzgable (Owner of Ski Sundown) will get out his checkbook. Chris Sullivan would whip that place into shape in no time. :razz:

 

[Talisman]

It could be doable if, say, they only needed one thing (a new lift and/or a new lodge). ....

I agree that Magic has huge infrastructure issues, but a new lodge? The lack of snow making is biggest issue followed by lifts. Maybe I think this because I don't hang in the lodge enough, but it isn't terrible now there is a bar.

 

[thetrailboss]

I agree that Magic has huge infrastructure issues, but a new lodge? The lack of snow making is biggest issue followed by lifts. Maybe I think this because I don't hang in the lodge enough, but it isn't terrible now there is a bar.

Full disclosure: I have not been, but from the pictures I have seen it is rustic.

 

[snowmonster]

Lodge is fine as it is, I think. It isn't too shabby. As I see it, snowmaking and lift repairs will be key. I'd hate for this place to get NELSAP-ed.

 

[thetrailboss]

Just looked at some pics and the Lodge does look OK. I think that if you want to bring in customers though you would need to upgrade it since the neighboring resorts have pretty nice base areas. Probably not high on the list.

 

[St. Bear]

Full disclosure: I have not been, but from the pictures I have seen it is rustic.

If there is heat and electricity, and they sell food and drink, isn't that enough for the demographic they're going for?

I have not been to Magic yet (I'm making a big effort this year), and I know nothing about snowmaking systems, but how can a place like Black Mountain (NH) succeed with ~120 inches/year and Magic struggle with ~180? I went to Black twice last year, and they weren't exactly blowing the crap out of the trails. I know for a fact that after a long snowless streak last year most trails were showing dirt, yet it skied fine after the next big snowfall.

 

[RustyGroomer]

It's been awhile since I looked at the documents but I recall something about the existing owners retaining a majority % of the total shares... I could be totally wrong and I'm too lazy to look it up...

60% goes to shareholders, 20% to current owner, 20% to JLS LLC, Jim Sullivan.

I'm trying to stay positive but am a bit concerned. Hard for me to understand why so many people verbally committed & are now taking their time writing checks.

The time is now. Please contribute in any way you can. I want many more of these....

& days like this.

Edit to add it does not need a new lodge, the current one is actually pretty nice. The bar (Goniff's Den) is a great place for apres ski beers.

 

[thetrailboss]

If there is heat and electricity, and they sell food and drink, isn't that enough for the demographic they're going for?

Yes, but at 16,000 skier days, that demographic apparently is not big enough.

I have not been to Magic yet (I'm making a big effort this year), and I know nothing about snowmaking systems, but how can a place like Black Mountain (NH) succeed with ~120 inches/year and Magic struggle with ~180? I went to Black twice last year, and they weren't exactly blowing the crap out of the trails. I know for a fact that after a long snowless streak last year most trails were showing dirt, yet it skied fine after the next big snowfall.

Black Mountain is probably the best comparison when I think about it. They are similar size, similar niche, both are no-frills, have no real summer operation, and have very old infrastructure. Probably the biggest distinction I see is that Black has never gone bankrupt or closed for a season or two as Magic did. Once a ski area closes, it is very, very tough to reopen it because the infrastructure can rot/disintegrate quickly without maintenance.

I think it comes back to the fact that Magic does not have consistent snow as Black does. Black is further north.

 

[2knees]

offering opinions of the lodge without ever having seen it is rather strange, if you ask me.

the lodge has been renovated since they re-opened and is probably their most updated piece of infastructure. It has a bar, nice restrooms, plenty of seating for the Magic crowds, a nice deck with a full view of lucifer, or black magic, whichever its called now. The food is fine by ski area standards. and the staff is exceedingly friendly.

they need updated snowmaking, more water, and a reliable lift.

 

[roark]

Thanks for the clarification on the ownership % G.

Totally agree with most of the prior opinions - the lodge is fine. Goniffs is my favorite ski area bar I've been to in New England. The cafeteria food is far above average - often prepared to order and reasonably priced.

The only thing they truly need is the most expensive part - snowmaking. I couldn't care less about faster chairs - I'd rather have one that runs when it's windy.

Just wish I could swing a share - or a dozen...

 

[RustyGroomer]

whoops added the wrong pic, so here's a couple more. I think I posted that one earlier.

2Knees has got it right. Reliable snow, reliable lift, & i'll add a much better, dedicated learning area & the mountain is good to go.

 

[MR. evil]

and a reliable lift.

You got stuck on the lift

 

[thetrailboss]

I wonder if Peak Resorts considered buying Magic when they were looking at New England instead of Crotched? They bought Crotched in 2002 and spent a year rebuilding the entire place...from the bottom up. New lodge, new snowmaking, new (used) lifts, everything. You'd be looking at a similar thing here: snowmaking, lifts, and other infrastructure.

 

[2knees]

You got stuck on the lift

cant see flickr at work but man was that freaky.

still had a nice day at bromley but i was sooooo looking forward to skiing magic that day.

 

[MR. evil]

cant see flickr at work but man was that freaky.

still had a nice day at bromley but i was sooooo looking forward to skiing magic that day.

Its a picture of Nelson Muntz saying "HA HA"

 

[bvibert]

offering opinions of the lodge without ever having seen it is rather strange, if you ask me.

the lodge has been renovated since they re-opened and is probably their most updated piece of infastructure. It has a bar, nice restrooms, plenty of seating for the Magic crowds, a nice deck with a full view of lucifer, or black magic, whichever its called now. The food is fine by ski area standards. and the staff is exceedingly friendly.

they need updated snowmaking, more water, and a reliable lift.

Thanks for the clarification on the ownership % G.

Totally agree with most of the prior opinions - the lodge is fine. Goniffs is my favorite ski area bar I've been to in New England. The cafeteria food is far above average - often prepared to order and reasonably priced.

The only thing they truly need is the most expensive part - snowmaking. I couldn't care less about faster chairs - I'd rather have one that runs when it's windy.

Just wish I could swing a share - or a dozen...

Agreed, the lodge is in fine shape. It does seem a bit odd to be criticizing a place that you've never been TB. If more people just checked the place out instead of thinking they knew what it was like then Magic may not be in the position that they're in. As mentioned I find the lodge food above average, especially considering that it's in the lodge of a smallish ski area.

Improved snowmaking and a more reliable chair, whether that's fixing up the red chair, or installing a newer chair (hopefully of the same configuration and capacity), are the two big things that are needed. After that's taken care of then I'd move onto improving the experience for beginners and intermediates.

If I had the money I'd be in for several shares, but I'm broke, no possible way for me to swing even one share.

 

[thetrailboss]

Agreed, the lodge is in fine shape. It does seem a bit odd to be criticizing a place that you've never been TB.

Not sure how commenting about the area turned into criticism :-?

I have been by Magic many times, not skied there and I am familiar with the area and its history/issues and have followed it with interest.

I am comparing its infrastructure to that of its neighbors--Okemo, Snow, Stratton. Tough neighbors to have.

If more people just checked the place out instead of thinking they knew what it was like then Magic may not be in the position that they're in.

And that's the whole point. Folks don't visit because it is thought to have unreliable snow conditions, lifts, etc.

 

[RustyGroomer]

Lodge in question. ;-)

I know that my friends & family with kids love it. Great family atmosphere & just about impossible for the little ones to get lost. You can watch them tube in the park while sipping beers @ the bar.

 

[Greg]

Thanks for the clarification on the ownership % G.

Totally agree with most of the prior opinions - the lodge is fine. Goniffs is my favorite ski area bar I've been to in New England. The cafeteria food is far above average - often prepared to order and reasonably priced.

The only thing they truly need is the most expensive part - snowmaking. I couldn't care less about faster chairs - I'd rather have one that runs when it's windy.

Just wish I could swing a share - or a dozen...

I agree with just about everything you said. Hoping to be able to ski Magic this year.