New HSQ at Burke?????

[thetrailboss]

Locals I talk to say that the lift was put on hold. But now there are some reliable sources as well as other speculation that the "Willoughby Express" will be in place for this coming season. Any info on this?

 

[nek_crumudgeon]

Boss - I've heard much of the same - I think that they ordered the thing a long time ago anticipating knowing where it might go. However, what I would call THE source is telling me that the lift is on hold until they figure out, via Act 250,where the new construction at mid burke is going to be. I can't imagine that they're going to get approval that fast. However, I'd like to think so for purely selfish reasons . . .

 

[thetrailboss]

I just hope that Ginn is not having cold feet....

The new HSQ would be a HUGE improvement. I think snowmaking work is in order though...add snowmaking line up along Dipper Doodle, Powderhorn, and Wilderness as well as another line up Lower Dougs/Dougs Drop. That would cover most of the terrain.

Heard that the concern is over MidBurke and what to do for the development. IMHO they could leave the lift configuration unchanged and it will work fine...or they could drop the base terminal to below the pond and get most of the meadow (have the lift cross the pond like Sunday River's Barker Mountain Quad).

 

[nek_crumudgeon]

I know that everyone will say 'here we go again' with the delay of the HSQ. The reality of it is that Ginn is in it for real, and they're just making sure it syncs with any other plans they might have for a hotel, etc. If you look at traditional models for improving an Eastern ski area, most mgrs will tell you that a lift is pointless without upgraded snowmaking first. Also, it would be a huge mess to put it in and then find out via Act 250 that a hotel or condos or whatever are a no-go at mid Burke.

I'm sure the snowmaking etc will continue as planned. Maybe widening of some trails? I've heard a little of everything.

 

[thetrailboss]

But we have not heard official word from the Ginn-meisters :wink:

 

[riverc0il]

I'm sure the snowmaking etc will continue as planned. Maybe widening of some trails? I've heard a little of everything.

when i hiked up and skied down burke last wednesday, i noticed a HUGE amount of surveyor take along the trails, especially narrow areas such as upper willoughby, bear den, etc. i suspect trail widening will definitely be taking place up there unfortunately, unless they taped all those trees for another reason? kinda makes me want to uke: thinking about trails getting widened, but further confirmation that ginn is in for the long haul, i have no doubt on that. just a matter of timing at this point, i doubt they are going to rush ahead unless things are exactly the way they want them.

 

[AdironRider]

I have no problem widening high traffic trails,especially high traffic trails. But if its just uneccessary widening to create a more western feel, that just sucks.

 

[thetrailboss]

I saw that tape as well, Riv. Some of the tape was for property lines (state) and others for snowmaking presumably (where to put HKD Towers).

 

[maplevalleymaster]

Hsq

That would be wondeful if they got an HSQ replacing the fixed grip quad. It would really put Burke on the map especially after the Shelburne Express.

 

[thetrailboss]

Hmmmm....no news on this lately. We'll have to see what they say in their Challenge.