VAIL SUCKS

[ThatGuy]

Elevation and what direction the terrain faces are probably the two most important factors in snowpack durability.

 

[thebigo]

One only needs to drive up the auto road in spring to see that elevation is clearly a factor in natural snowfall retention. Depth of snow is the single biggest factor in man made snow retention by a significant margin. Exposure is second, elevation third.

Wildcat base elevation is what 1000' higher than loon? Yet loon was open today with ample coverage while the cat was closed. Same with Sunday river.

 

[2Planker]

You picked the best year to get married there. Last year they made May previous was 07. In fact from 00 to 2010 they only made May in 07

You picked the best year to get married there. Last year they made May previous was 07. In fact from 00 to 2010 they only made May in 07

Yup.Best part was that they were still open, so we didn't have to Pay to rent the Lift, Lifties, Patrol...
Even the Justice and the Bagpiper were Passholders

 

[ThatGuy]

One only needs to drive up the auto road in spring to see that elevation is clearly a factor in natural snowfall retention. Depth of snow is the single biggest factor in man made snow retention by a significant margin. Exposure is second, elevation third.

Wildcat base elevation is what 1000' higher than loon? Yet loon was open today with ample coverage while the cat was closed. Same with Sunday river.

Was just at Okemo where there had piles of snow still…pathetic that Vail would waste it there over Wildcat. Then they would have a late season player to counter IKON, could sell a lot of passes on that alone…

 

[abc]

for those who say there is no money to be made late season,...

When it's late April and people are considering next year's pass, your competitor has several mountain open and you have none, you know it's going to hurt next year's sale...

Not that I had that much doubt in switching back to Ikon next year. But if I had any doubt, this situation right now would remove any of those doubts.

 

[drjeff]

When it's late April and people are considering next year's pass, your competitor has several mountain open and you have none, you know it's going to hurt next year's sale...

Not that I had that much doubt in switching back to Ikon next year. But if I had any doubt, this situation right now would remove any of those doubts.

The vast majority of folks buying passes these days, as witnessed by the lack of crowds at those resorts still open right now, frankly could care less about who is still open now as they're deciding on what pass to buy for next year.

Heck, it seems like way more of them are here at the theme parks in Orlando where I have been waiting in lines and dealing with mechanical induced ride down times with my family the last few days (sounds like a familiar concept to many of us skiers/riders ) for about what it costs per day for a higher end lift ticket. Orlando is packed right now!

 

[cdskier]

The vast majority of folks buying passes these days, as witnessed by the lack of crowds at those resorts still open right now, frankly could care less about who is still open now as they're deciding on what pass to buy for next year.

Yup...I bet you're right. I'd say especially for Vail's core target audience, the late season isn't a major factor in the decision to buy a pass. The percentage of pass holders that care about late season is probably a very small fraction of their overall sales. Yes there certainly are diehards that aren't happy about the lack of late season options, but unfortunately Vail just doesn't think it is overly important to keep those people happy. Some (or perhaps even many) of them will still get Epic passes anyway due to being locked into a particular mountain for one reason or another.

I'm very happy Alterra hasn't tried to change or reduce late season operations at places like Sugarbush. They seemingly have to be losing some money based on how few people are still skiing, but they still seem to want to show they care about those handful of diehards that ski until the end. I appreciate that.

 

[Kingslug20]

We diehards do appreciate it. April can be a snowy month..

 

[abc]

We diehards do appreciate it. April can be a snowy month..

Tell me about it!

Long before the mega passes, I discovered the joy of spring skiing.

A season pass on (a collection of) mountains without spring operation operations is something I just ignored.

(Vail’s Colorado mountains do have longer season. But if I were to spend April/May in Colorado, I’d be looking at A-basin more. Ikon allows spring access to Winter Park/Mary Jane. All around a more balanced product)

 

[Edd]

Heck, it seems like way more of them are here at the theme parks in Orlando where I have been waiting in lines and dealing with mechanical induced ride down times with my family the last few days (sounds like a familiar concept to many of us skiers/riders ) for about what it costs per day for a higher end lift ticket. Orlando is packed right now!

Condolences, nobody should ever have to go to Orlando, ever.

 

[kendo]

Agree with cdskier. Wonder what the operating costs are to staff & run 1 HSQ, keep a lodge open for restrooms only, patrol & groom.

I get Stowe closing to start the triple replacement - but they could probably stay open another week with the forecast and restrict access to the triple side of the mtn...

 

[abc]

The vast majority of folks buying passes these days, as witnessed by the lack of crowds at those resorts still open right now, frankly could care less about who is still open now as they're deciding on what pass to buy for next year.

I wonder those vast majority of people are probably not taking advantage of early purchase discount either?

(In epic’s case, there’s no discount, just buddy passes. So clearly, Vail had no interest in grabbing early renewal)

 

[RH29]

Even though there will still be a solid base and 12"+ of fresh powder, it's safe to assume that Stowe wouldn't reopen for an encore day, right?

 

[Kingslug20]

Nope..they dont care..
Ill be at K..then maybe 1 more at SB

 

[gittist]

I can understand people buying the full EPIC pass to ski Canadian Rockies & Europe in addition to the U.S.A. but wonder how many people go to Australia or Japan for skiing?

 

[ThatGuy]

I think people who live in Australia go to Japan for skiing. Probably their #2 destination after New Zealand.

 

[drjeff]

Condolences, nobody should ever have to go to Orlando, ever.

Honestly me and my family really enjoy theme parking in Orlando. Lots of fun coasters which we enjoy. Plus the people watching is always entertaining! Been kind of our family tradition to go to Orlando and then onto the beaches of SW Florida during our kids Springbreak week which often also serves as a dividing point between out ski season of the previous 5 months or so and our Summer receation endeavors.

Occasionally there is another ski day or two after we return from Florida

 

[drjeff]

I wonder those vast majority of people are probably not taking advantage of early purchase discount either?

(In epic’s case, there’s no discount, just buddy passes. So clearly, Vail had no interest in grabbing early renewal)

Vail seems to let their overall pricing vs IKON do their incentivising

 

[ThatGuy]

Occasionally there is another ski day or two after we return from Florida

Just got back from Florida myself.
Enjoy the sunny days and beautiful weather.

 

[drjeff]

View attachment 54163
Just got back from Florida myself.
Enjoy the sunny days and beautiful weather.

Velocicoaster at Universal Orlando certainly has some legit black diamond pitch and fun factor!

Happy Easter and/or Passover to all who celebrate