Thoughts on Killington's shortened season (expected closing day is 4/13/2008)?

[Vortex]

I think you misunderstood...3 hours total each way is not terrible. But I wasn't referring to people who drove 1 1/2 hours going to 3 hours.

I was talking about folks who drive 2 1/2-3 hours now having to increase that drive by 2-3 hours more to get to Sunday River instead of K. Are people going to drive 4 1/2 to 6 hours each way to ski each weekend? Doubtful.

I got ya fair statement.

 

[Greg]

I think you misunderstood...3 hours total each way is not terrible. But I wasn't referring to people who drove 1 1/2 hours going to 3 hours.

I was talking about folks who drive 2 1/2-3 hours now having to increase that drive by 2-3 hours more to get to Sunday River instead of K. Are people going to drive 4 1/2 to 6 hours each way to ski each weekend? Doubtful.

I'm confused again. Why is it that people need to go to Sunday River as a replacement?

 

[Vortex]

I will say I bet Mt Snow is licking their chops and boyne is like We are not going to approch it like Powder did.

I agree with what Jim is saying more than most.. the core will stay core. The rest are going to at least think a bit.

 

[tree_skier]

Bob, are your legs really about a foot long as it show in your avatar????

 

[thetrailboss]

Bob, are your legs really about a foot long as it show in your avatar????

Gesh. You know the truth....Bob is Gap Kid's #1 customer!!!!!!! :wink:

 

[loafer89]

A month later than I thought. The way people from there have been bitching about it, you would think they closed the end of March.

At 3 hours, there really isn't a close by competitor to pressure them to stay open longer. And it's very possible that POWDR's plan simply concedes that later than 5/20 business to Hood.

I tell you, expectations are way out of line with reality.

This was a mountain that consistently skied into late June/early July until Powdr bought it. There probably was not enough profit to stay opened much later than late May, though when I skied it in May 1999, they ran the Pine Martin and the Summit Express, and two chairs gave access to 50% of the mountain, so it was probably not too costly to run, then again the place was deserted even with 100% sunshine and a 75"-150" base.

 

[JimG.]

This was a mountain that consistently skied into late June/early July until Powdr bought it. There probably was not enough profit to stay opened much later than late May, though when I skied it in May 1999, they ran the Pine Martin and the Summit Express, and two chairs gave access to 50% of the mountain, so it was probably not too costly to run, then again the place was deserted.

Very fair and objective info. I asked about Bachelor because I thought they tried to stay open until July 1.

I actually knew they did because this is being discussed over on FTO also. So POWDR really castrated their season.

But is it fair to compare 1 1/2 months to 2 weeks, based on recent K closings?

 

[JimG.]

I understand the whole this is business argument. I get it. But there also needs to be some balance. Many would argue Killington/Powdr is dropping the ball on the public relations front. Many people aren't going to sit back and just accept all this because it might ultimately be better for Killington's bottom line.

It's going to be an interesting season for sure.

Remember dude, I'm just stirring the pot.

Also remember that the same folks who are pissed were pissed about other things too that are directly related to a late season like snowmaking, and other things like trail expansion and improvement, better and less expensive food, and lower day rates. Those things cost money.

Who is going to pay? And shouldn't the folks who ski there the most pay the most?

Think about it.

 

[Greg]

But is it fair to compare 1 1/2 months to 2 weeks, based on recent K closings?

Again, you're trying to isolate this point and discuss it independently of the other events since Powdr's take over. Couple it with the other items (increased pass prices, lifetime passes, firings) and it's easy to understand why Powdr is receiving static.

 

[JimG.]

I'm confused again. Why is it that people need to go to Sunday River as a replacement?

I have to remind the editor?

Wasn't there a posting about SR offering a deal somewhat similar to the A41 for 07-08?

 

[Greg]

Remember dude, I'm just stirring the pot.

Also remember that the same folks who are pissed were pissed about other things too that are directly related to a late season like snowmaking, and other things like trail expansion and improvement, better and less expensive food, and lower day rates. Those things cost money.

Who is going to pay? And shouldn't the folks who ski there the most pay the most?

Think about it.

I know what you're saying and I guess only time will tell as to what the Killington experience will be this and in future seasons.

 

[JimG.]

Bob, are your legs really about a foot long as it show in your avatar????

That's the 2nd best laugh I've had in weeks!!!

Keep it up boys.

 

[Greg]

I have to remind the editor?

Wasn't there a posting about SR offering a deal somewhat similar to the A41 for 07-08?

Der. Gotcha. I think Snow's pass pricing is very aggressive and it's closer for many SNE and NY metro skiers. I'm betting they are ecstatic.

 

[JimG.]

Der. Gotcha. I think Snow's pass pricing is very aggressive and it's closer for many SNE and NY metro skiers. I'm betting they are ecstatic.

A different approach...they may be the big winner in all of this, on paper anyway.

But remember, no conclusion can be reached until the snow flies.

For me, the only real issue is the quality of the product under my skis.

 

[Greg]

A different approach...they may be the big winner in all of this, on paper anyway.

But remember, no conclusion can be reached until the snow flies.

For me, the only real issue is the quality of the product under my skis.

Agreed. 97 pole cats ain't gonna hurt 'em...

 

[Greg]

BTW, with this post, this thread is now tied with http://forums.alpinezone.com/8473-you-might-gaper-if.html as the 11th most active thread in the skiing forums! I guess the sharks took the chum... :lol:

 

[JimG.]

As much as stirring the pot is fun, I'm enjoying this thread tremendously. There is alot of good insight and emotion here.

 

[Vortex]

Jim Sr is lauding a value pass is coming.

MT snow has offered a pass at $499 pass I believe with Holiday black outs like the all 4 one Bronze had. http://www.mountsnow.com/seasonpasses.html


short jokes. Something I have never heard.

 

[Greg]

Jim Sr is lauding a value pass is coming.

MT snow has offered a pass at $499 pass I believe with Holiday black outs like the all 4 one Bronze had. http://www.mountsnow.com/seasonpasses.html


short jokes. Something I have never heard.

And now Bob R is tossing links in his posts! :-o We've come full circle, folks...

The blackouts on that classic pass are pretty minimal.

 

[madskier6]

I've got to say that I again agree with Jim G here. The people that own property at K will, for the most part, stay loyal and buy a pass or otherwise find a more affordable way to ski at K. They've got too much invested to just pull up stakes because K is shortening the season by 2-3 weeks. Those owners who have owned for many years will not be deterred by the price increase because, before ASC, they were used to higher season pass prices.

There will be other K property owners who will sell based on this info but that's because they are price sensitive. IMHO the people that buy shares in ski houses at K may be the group most affected by these developments. They are more likely than any other group to jump ship and look for more affordable alternatives.