The Burke Update: All is Quiet

[riverc0il]

Next year, the Fresh Tracks Program will be offered for the first time. Both chairlifts will open at 8 a.m. for early skiing. Normal hours of operation are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This early hour will be free to season pass holders, Gwatkin said. Day pass holders will be charged an extra $10 to ski early.

I saw this in the email Burke sent out recently. I think it is a GREAT idea to open lifts to pass holders an hour early, that is a HUGE added value. Also, I think it is great to offer the same service to regular ticket holders for an added premium of $10. The lift ticket is cheap enough that on a powder day, that $10 could lead to three amazing powder runs (would be more like five or maybe six with a HSQ to the summit ). This is a really great idea, have any other New England areas done this? The biggest issue is that Burke already doesn't open to the public early enough, 9 AM is TOO LATE for a weekend to open the lifts.

 

[riverc0il]

The best part is when Burke gets some snow and Jay doesn't you will be able to see Steve skinning, and suffering under the lift while you cruise over him. :razz:

you seem to be suggesting that i am a late sleeper on a powder day or something??? :smash: :razz:

 

[awf170]

you seem to be suggesting that i am a late sleeper on a powder day or something??? :smash: :razz:

Actually, yes. I got to Jay the same time as you, and I live 3 hours further away. :razz:

 

[DJAK]

Re: First Tracks for passholders.
Yup American Skiing resorts do a First Tracks program for all Gold and Platinum passholders once a weekend starting in December. They've been doing it for a few years.

I got one Sunday Morning at Attitash 2 winters ago on the early chairs where we had about 11" of fresh. Of course, most end up being corduroy. It's usually guided skiing with management, if you're into that kind of thing.

http://www.allforonepass.com/

 

[thetrailboss]

I saw this in the email Burke sent out recently. I think it is a GREAT idea to open lifts to pass holders an hour early, that is a HUGE added value. Also, I think it is great to offer the same service to regular ticket holders for an added premium of $10. The lift ticket is cheap enough that on a powder day, that $10 could lead to three amazing powder runs (would be more like five or maybe six with a HSQ to the summit ). This is a really great idea, have any other New England areas done this? The biggest issue is that Burke already doesn't open to the public early enough, 9 AM is TOO LATE for a weekend to open the lifts.

In the "Northern Star" Days, the place opened at 8am on weekends and holidays for everyone. Season Passes were like $900 then too and you didn't get as much. I was shocked to learn that Burke 2000 rolled the openings back to 9am but I understand why....not enough demand and cutting back expenses. This is a cheap way to make locals (most of the passholders) and the regs happy. I think it is a good idea and certainly something I will appreciate.