I think the only thing that might be added would be the runout from HG to the base. And normally when they make a run to the base it's on Coffee Run not Gondolier, Coffee Run much narrower and easier to pound. If Birdland was added it would only be to where HGT crosses. No LOG as there is no way to get there yet besides natural on DS-Domino Chute but LOG would also stop at HGT. There some big water bars in there.
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The "Sugarbush Thread"
- Thread starter thetrailboss
- Start date
vtski802
Member
- Joined
- Nov 29, 2024
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- 69
- Points
- 18
It's both hilarious and sad that they've updated the website snow report with their opening plans, but apparently forgot to take out the "we'll update you Wednesday afternoon about our opening plans" further down in the paragraph.
vtski802
Member
- Joined
- Nov 29, 2024
- Messages
- 69
- Points
- 18
Rain is forecast to be pretty minimal and further north. Short window of warm weather, then right back to cold. Not as gloom and doom as a week ago, praise Ullr.
oldfartrider
Active member
You guys should be happy there is limited info. You constantly complain there too many people on the mountain for what is open. I see on their home page Opening Day this Saturday. It's all I need to know, I'll find out the details when I get there. But I'll be elsewhere but I look forward to reading all the complaining on here after Saturday lol.
Hear me out...
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fulgoreXC
New member
Correct CR is usually done ahead of Gondo. CR has more hydrants than Gondo which is why it's preferred. Given the attempt this year to get a runout from HG to Bravo Gondo is the more direct route which is why they are doing that this year. Regarding Lower OG, it's the opposite. Open LOG from HGT down to Gondo. Given the low standards for opening terrain this is a high possibility.
you are undoubtedly correct and this is the crux of the issue. Almost half of their snowmaking capacity is stranded at Mt. Ellen. It contributes 'nothing to getting LP up and running. It is why even if snowmaking capacity is managed optimally (and I'm not arguing that it was or is) the early season trail count is going to pale in comparison to its peers to the north and south.
Maybe this question has been answered in the past but would it be easier to connect the systems vs. building a new pond? Seems like if they could enhance the water capacity, that would solve a lot of problems. Run a pipe across slide-brook. Totally realize this would be a big environmental undertaking.
Plowboy
Active member
From what I remember the original permit for the Mad River pond does now allow the water to be used at Sugarbush North at the time. Basically they can’t link the 2 systems.
There is plenty for people to be frustrated about right now, and I’ve voiced my own criticisms of Sugarbush many times. But with everything going on, I think it’s still worth taking a step back and being thankful that we actually get to ski this weekend. There are areas where the resort can and should do better, but there are also things that are simply outside of their control.
While Sugarbush has real improvements to make, it is also important to be realistic about the financial constraints they operate under. From a financial perspective, Sugarbush is not one of Alterra’s larger contributing resorts. This, combined with the broader macroeconomic backdrop, results in less capital being allocated our way and certain larger projects being pushed to the back burner. Alterra has to be tactical with its capital spending in this environment. A full snowmaking overhaul or multiple new lifts is unlikely when you look at how the company prioritizes investment across its highest-return properties. I am trying to get more insight into Alterra’s financials and will share anything useful that I learn.
With that said, snowmaking remains the single biggest improvement Sugarbush needs to make. Recent seasons have made it clear that the mountain has fallen behind competitors like Stowe and Killington in early-season capability. If Sugarbush continues to lag into December and especially the holiday period, it risks losing visitors to those mountains during one of the most financially important stretches of the year. This could create urgency for a meaningful snowmaking upgrade.
Even with all the shortcomings, there is still room to appreciate what we do have in front of us. We get to ski this weekend, and that is not something every mountain in the region can say right now. Hopefully Alterra sees strong performance across its big western destinations this winter and tourism remains healthy. A stronger financial year at the corporate level could ultimately translate into more capital flowing to Sugarbush, and with that, the improvements we have all been pushing for.
For now, I’m looking forward to making some turns and hoping this is the start of a positive winter.
While Sugarbush has real improvements to make, it is also important to be realistic about the financial constraints they operate under. From a financial perspective, Sugarbush is not one of Alterra’s larger contributing resorts. This, combined with the broader macroeconomic backdrop, results in less capital being allocated our way and certain larger projects being pushed to the back burner. Alterra has to be tactical with its capital spending in this environment. A full snowmaking overhaul or multiple new lifts is unlikely when you look at how the company prioritizes investment across its highest-return properties. I am trying to get more insight into Alterra’s financials and will share anything useful that I learn.
With that said, snowmaking remains the single biggest improvement Sugarbush needs to make. Recent seasons have made it clear that the mountain has fallen behind competitors like Stowe and Killington in early-season capability. If Sugarbush continues to lag into December and especially the holiday period, it risks losing visitors to those mountains during one of the most financially important stretches of the year. This could create urgency for a meaningful snowmaking upgrade.
Even with all the shortcomings, there is still room to appreciate what we do have in front of us. We get to ski this weekend, and that is not something every mountain in the region can say right now. Hopefully Alterra sees strong performance across its big western destinations this winter and tourism remains healthy. A stronger financial year at the corporate level could ultimately translate into more capital flowing to Sugarbush, and with that, the improvements we have all been pushing for.
For now, I’m looking forward to making some turns and hoping this is the start of a positive winter.
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