Save the Whale

[deadheadskier]

Word is the gearbox is being held hostage by whatever company they chose to do the rebuild.

It really sucks after having spent so much time and effort trying to get that place back on its feet to see them tripping over themselves so badly year after year. I stand by my opinion that a wholesale board (and senior staff) replacement is the only thing that might lead to long term success. You see what other non-profits like Big Rock and BMOM are able to achieve with experienced board and management...

That would help for sure it would seem. I'm sure quality leadership for BMOM and Big Rock helps, but they also have funding advantages too I believe. Doesn't the state of Maine provide grants to both? Where as Whaleback has to rely solely on private donations.

 

[Newpylong]

BR and BMOM have definitely received large grants from entities such as the Libre Foundation (which focuses on Maine), but Whaleback has also received sizable grants from The Byrne Foundation, HKD, Killington World Cup Foundation, Share Winter, (just to name a few) and governmental funding such as the Northern Borders Regional Commission. Big Rock was able to install the quad not only through grants but very sizable private donations because they A) had a clear ask and B) have a track record of being able to execute so the Community was all in. Whaleback has neither and it's hard for the community to keep throwing good money after bad. I wish I had a better outlook but it's been 12 years now since the non-profits takeover and yes it's good to have the mountain open but there isn't much to show for it. The place is still falling apart, they can't make snow to save their lives (which severely limits usage) and they can't get out of their own way on both technical and capital decisions.