Magic Summer Repairs/Improvements

[orangegondola]

Magic Summer Improvements from Matt posted on www.savemagicvermont.com. Matt was cool enough to give us a full update and report of some of the summer repairs and improvements on the list for this summer. There is alot to do and Matt, Todd, Jim and Tom are working hard to get as much done as possible.

 

[thetrailboss]

Those are very good improvements that will make a big difference. Having the Black Lift up and running is a huge improvement. Having another groomer up and running also helps them. The snowmaking work also sounds sensible and realistic. Obviously these aren't improvements that will make huge splashes for most folks, but they are very well planned out and realistic and sensible given their financial constraints. As OG said, this is a good sign for Magic folks. The worst thing they could do is to go overboard like some other their size did (such as installing a six-pack).

 

[orangegondola]

Thanks TB, I agree it is a good attack plan. One of the cool things they are doing is mapping the snowmaking system as they go with GPS to ensure quicker fixes in the future!

 

[skidmarks]

It's a good read! I find it amazing that Magic could be brought back to life after the dark days of Boston Concessions.

 

[TheBEast]

Excellent. Great approach. Workin' it right!

 

[deadheadskier]

The worst thing they could do is to go overboard like some other their size did (such as installing a six-pack).

Ragged?

that lift did bancrupt the former owners.

 

[thetrailboss]

Ragged?

that lift did bancrupt the former owners.

Yep. There are some differences, but the point is that Ragged had been financially prudent and then went out on a limb.

 

[4aprice]

Go Magic Mt go. Enjoyed my visit there(and meeting Matt et al) this past season and look forward to visiting in the future. I will wear my Savemagicmt tee shirt proudly all summer long on the lake to broadcast it.

Alex

Lake Hopatcong, NJ

 

[RustyGroomer]

Go Magic Mt go. Enjoyed my visit there(and meeting Matt et al) this past season and look forward to visiting in the future. I will wear my Savemagicmt tee shirt proudly all summer long on the lake to broadcast it.

Alex

Lake Hopatcong, NJ

Thank you Alex. Keep spreading the word & please let OG & I know next time you come back.

 

[billski]

Those are very good improvements that will make a big difference. Having the Black Lift up and running is a huge improvement. Having another groomer up and running also helps them. The snowmaking work also sounds sensible and realistic.

I guess I need an education, I thought I understood their ops, but from this, I must not.

Why do they need to get the Black lift up and running? Even with increased attendance this year, the red lift seemed to do the job with diminutive lift lines. Is this a plan to handle increased attendance? (I sure hope so!)

I like the focus on better trail conditions to bring the money in, so the rewiring for fan guns, mower for less snow to open and the smaller groomer all make sense. This will certainly improve their regional reputation for variable snow conditions.

What is going on with getting the town to permit them to draw (more?) water from nearby? I thought one of the biggest snowmaking problems was lack of water.

 

[neil]

Why do they need to get the Black lift up and running? Even with increased attendance this year, the red lift seemed to do the job with diminutive lift lines. Is this a plan to handle increased attendance? (I sure hope so!)

When I went to Magic I had no problem riding the Red lift until I hit the West side of the mountain. It was a pain for me to get back over to the Red lift without having to hoof it. Now maybe that's because I'm a snowboarder, but it was pretty annoying.

 

[orangegondola]

Bill, Thanks for the insight your questions are very valid. Hopefully I can shed some light.

Why do they need to get the Black lift up and running? Even with increased attendance this year, the red lift seemed to do the job

Most chairlifts (Even new ones) experience downtime during the season. If red goes down, Magic is closed until it is fixed. (Or we skin but most customers want a chair). Having the black will allow not only for backup but to give the red some downtime for regular scheduled maintenance. There were also quite a few weekends this year with 20+ minute lines (Good problem). The hill needs to cater to a slightly wider audience and while diehards don't mind the wait, we heard alot of "why isn't that chair running" comments in the liftline.

What is going on with getting the town to permit them to draw (more?) water from nearby? I thought one of the biggest snowmaking problems was lack of water.

This is on hold, there are a number of breaks in the lines that need to be addressed so that they are not pumping an increased amount of water and sending it into the ground. This summer's goal is to get the lines tight and right. You will see a marked difference both in quality and trail count from the planned repairs.

The pond work is a large capital expenditure which needs the partnership to go forward to happen. Once again, shares, shares, shares. So spread the word, save you pennies (we are) and buy lots of save magic tee-shirts and stickers and wear/stick them everywhere. Tell everyone what a good time you have had at the hill. The velocity is there and we must carry it through this season. Look forward to meeting you this year and Think Snow!

 

[bvibert]

Good stuff, thanks for posting. Sounds like they have some solid realistic goals for this summer. I hope everything goes smoothly.

 

[billski]

When I went to Magic I had no problem riding the Red lift until I hit the West side of the mountain. It was a pain for me to get back over to the Red lift without having to hoof it. Now maybe that's because I'm a snowboarder, but it was pretty annoying.

Excellent point.

 

[RustyGroomer]

Direct from Magic's Facebook page. Good work guys.

sorry for the lack of updates. We are in the midst of an epic search for the elusive trailside parking lot leak. Somewhere in that parking lot our snowmaking line for the East and West Side cross the fire suppression system/hydrant water lines causing a massive leak when we make snow. We have a monstrous hole dug at the moment and still nothing. This problem has been an issue since 99 and WE WILL GET IT SOLVED!!!!

 

[orangegondola]

Just put a more complete update with pics on Save Magic
Think snow, buy shares

 

[millerm277]

Direct from Magic's Facebook page. Good work guys.

sorry for the lack of updates. We are in the midst of an epic search for the elusive trailside parking lot leak. Somewhere in that parking lot our snowmaking line for the East and West Side cross the fire suppression system/hydrant water lines causing a massive leak when we make snow. We have a monstrous hole dug at the moment and still nothing. This problem has been an issue since 99 and WE WILL GET IT SOLVED!!!!

I have to say...I've never been, and hopefully that will change next year, but I love the spirit. People who care about their jobs and seem to actually want to get things done instead of just getting their paycheck. :beer:

 

[orangegondola]

The leak has been found, saw it with my own eyes this weekend! This is good, they can fix it and move on to the next project!

-D

 

[bvibert]

The leak has been found, saw it with my own eyes this weekend! This is good, they can fix it and move on to the next project!

-D

Great news! How big of a hole did they have to dig?

 

[billski]

Great news! How big of a hole did they have to dig?