The "Sugarbush Thread"

[Cheetah440]

Likely not, but think of all the trails that are "open to hiking" now! No NRX and Inverness not running even with a new drive... argh. Hike to Summit?? Can't tell if it's loading b/c the camera is iced over (but at least pointed uphill). From what I can make out, it's not running...

Maybe we need to go back to the beginning. Can we put a single back up the gondy line? Has MrG single ever been down? How bout we just take that albatross slide Brook and split it, half up the gondy and half up ME?
Or just shut it down and skin only, 100% open!!!

 

[djd66]

HG is now running and loading people. I might be a little gun shy when riding that lift until it spins 10,000 revolutions! I’m sure they are still adjusting and dialing things in.

 

[Lotso]

Both big lifts cranking along at MRG... I know, apple to oranges, 3 aerial lifts, none detachable v. 13 including 5 detach and 2 with carpet load, but this is really something.

 

[Cheetah440]

Both big lifts cranking along at MRG... I know, apple to oranges, 3 aerial lifts, none detachable v. 13 including 5 detach and 2 with carpet load, but this is really something.

And no lines ski right on.

 

[vtski802]

HG open now apparently, but summit just went down. GMX still offline. GS yesterday said Northridge "won't run Sunday"
Fascinating.

 

[Lotso]

ME basically closed. Lodge and hike park open; GMVS t-bar cooking along but that's on their nickel for the weekend program kids.

 

[nhskier1969]

I didn't realize the majority of Sugarbush lifts will be 30-year-old in 2025. Sugarbush needs a local independent group to buy them. With so much aging infrastructure a local group could buy Sugarbush for Pennis on the dollar. I believe Killington sold for $150 Million with an updated snowmaking and Lift system. The number of total updates needed at Sugarbush is probably pushing $100 million. Replace 7 lifts that are 30 years old, new snowmaking equipment, increase snowmaking capacity, new pond(s) etc. I know these projects wouldn't be fixed right away with a new owner, but it does devalue the resort at time of purchase.

 

[slatham]

I take to heart Wins comments that it’s easy to criticize, and agree that none of us here have all the facts on all the incidents. That said, as someone who’s spent 3+ decades in banking and finance, the continuous series of problems across nearly all aspects of operations over the past 12 months is a clear signal of serious management issues. I just hope they resolve themselves or are rectified soon.

 

[NYDB]

I didn't realize the majority of Sugarbush lifts will be 30-year-old in 2025. Sugarbush needs a local independent group to buy them. With so much aging infrastructure a local group could buy Sugarbush for Pennis on the dollar. I believe Killington sold for $150 Million with an updated snowmaking and Lift system. The number of total updates needed at Sugarbush is probably pushing $100 million. Replace 7 lifts that are 30 years old, new snowmaking equipment, increase snowmaking capacity, new pond(s) etc. I know these projects wouldn't be fixed right away with a new owner, but it does devalue the resort at time of purchase.

shot coffee out of my nose at 'penis on the dollar'

 

[KustyTheKlown]

HG open now and good lord ya just gotta poke around

 

[urungus]

ME basically closed. Lodge and hike park open; GMVS t-bar cooking along but that's on their nickel for the weekend program kids.

Status report shows GMX down but ME trails still counted as open even though there is no way to get to them

 

[Lotso]

Status report shows GMX down but ME trails still counted as open even though there is no way to get to them

One can hike, just like NL and CR trails at Linky P

 

[Hawk]

HG open now and good lord ya just gotta poke around

Don't tell me that lift ain't got no heart...........

 

[Lotso]

GMX loading again

 

[KustyTheKlown]

Holy castlerock. Going back.

 

[Cheetah440]

Holy castlerock. Going back.

View attachment 63878
View attachment 63877

jelly

 

[MadPadraic]

Brighton is far better than Solitude for a snowboard only or mixed group.

I disagree a bit, but given that both are on Ikon and they are next door, just try out both. Brighton definitely has the snowboarder rep, and Solitude has that crazy flat runout to get back from some of their best terrain. However, a lot of Solitude's terrain is a crap-ton of fun on a board.

I hate to say this, but I fear that some of us are no longer "the desired" demographic for them. A lot of areas are working on getting younger folks and, gasp, some of us are no longer "young" in their minds

I am definitely not part of that demographic! But think of who goes on the site to read the conditions reports,… it most us old guys.

So I'm not Gen-Z let alone Gen-Alpha, but I don't really think the ski reporter is actually catering to them. They are just a bit too self-indulgent with their reporting.

Sugarbush is kind of weird. Part of the demo is the Claybrook, Ricebrook, Gadbrook and House owning crowd that Win brought in or were already here. People in the 40 to 60 bracket with lots of money. Just look at the Rumbles Crowd. Part is the younger crowd drinking PBR's or their own beer on the Plaza each night and the day tripers. Three totally different groups. I think the younger group is mostly disinterested in a snow report. Something like that takes too long to read. If they don't see something on the app or on IG or FB it's not relivant. I had this exact conversation with my nieces and nephews. Two of them came up last weekend and said "I thought the whole mountain was open?" They had no idea what was going on.

I'd contend that basically all major eastern resorts have the same three demographics.

HG vs NRX is a dead horse topic. Personally I would have preferred NRX first but from a resort marketing perspective I agree with doing HG first.

Yeah its a dead horse topic, but debating that sort of thing is the reason that this forum exists.

bachelor is the one thing i gamed out that bordered on reasonable and worthwhile

I did a week at Bachelor last May. I do not recommend. Crystal, Baker, and even Stevens Pass are far better. Even though I have Ikon, when I do an Oregon trip later this winter, I'm planning on doing zero to one days at Bachelor and just paying my way at some of the Hood areas and Hoodoo. There are some caveats about my opinion on Bachelor, but I'd put it up there with Northstar in terms of "major destination resort that isn't worth traveling for."

anyone know anything about the new-ish madbush falls lodging/restaurant situation? looks pretty nice

The food and bar are very expensive by Valley standards. We haven't tried the food, but the cocktails are pretty good. I think both Hyde Away and Bluestone have better bar programs, but that is sort of nit-picking. Also, the bar is very cramped. Still, I'm glad it exists, and is a good addition to the Valley.

 

[teleo]

Upper mountain skiing is mighty nice. But no fire at allyns on a single digit day. This is the last straw

 

[1dog]

Running a high ticket, seasonal business is all about the details, the little things.

Unacceptable.

It's enough it's the only major resort w no upper mountain lodge w capacity.

( so add a GH/NL/SB lodge to that upgrade bill )

 

[MadPadraic]

It's enough it's the only major resort w no upper mountain lodge w capacity.

All they have is that North Peak/South Ridge lodge thing. Or are you arguing that the River is too short to have an upper mountain?