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Whaleback Mountain to cease operations
- Thread starter Nick
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jack97
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from their FB site... hmmm surface lift, sounds interesting. btw, still looking for donations.
Letter to the Editor - Valley News
RE: Whaleback Ski Area
The Upper Valley SnowSports Foundation (“UVSSF”) has developed a comprehensive strategy designed to preserve Whaleback Ski Area (“WB”) as a community resource. Your article on Saturday 7-6-13 accurately described our mission, with one small error. If UVSSF acquires Whaleback, our plans include one new surface lift, not a chairlift, as this improves daily ski access to the mountain and key trails.
While we believe we have an operational model for Whaleback that is sustainable, UVSSF cannot compete in a bidding war to buy the mountain. If we can reach an agreement to buy Whaleback, we believe we can raise sufficient philanthropic capital to improve snowmaking capability, restructure certain trails and improve the existing lift system. We also believe we can generate sufficient capital reserves to insulate future operations from the vagaries of New England’s winters.
While we could not accomplish many of the changes we see as necessary immediately, we would be ready to operate Whaleback during the 2013-2014 ski season.
UVSSF is in the quiet phase of a capital fund raising campaign and already has some strong supporters, but more funding would be required to make this happen. If you would like to find out how you could contribute, please write to UVSSF, PO BOX 606, Lebanon, NH 03766, or email us at info@uvssf.org
We have no doubts that the best use for Whaleback is to remain as a ski area. Together we can make sure Whaleback continues to serve the Upper Valley Community by providing affordable skiing for current and future generations.
Sincerely
John Schiffman, Chair
Upper Valley SnowSports Foundation
Letter to the Editor - Valley News
RE: Whaleback Ski Area
The Upper Valley SnowSports Foundation (“UVSSF”) has developed a comprehensive strategy designed to preserve Whaleback Ski Area (“WB”) as a community resource. Your article on Saturday 7-6-13 accurately described our mission, with one small error. If UVSSF acquires Whaleback, our plans include one new surface lift, not a chairlift, as this improves daily ski access to the mountain and key trails.
While we believe we have an operational model for Whaleback that is sustainable, UVSSF cannot compete in a bidding war to buy the mountain. If we can reach an agreement to buy Whaleback, we believe we can raise sufficient philanthropic capital to improve snowmaking capability, restructure certain trails and improve the existing lift system. We also believe we can generate sufficient capital reserves to insulate future operations from the vagaries of New England’s winters.
While we could not accomplish many of the changes we see as necessary immediately, we would be ready to operate Whaleback during the 2013-2014 ski season.
UVSSF is in the quiet phase of a capital fund raising campaign and already has some strong supporters, but more funding would be required to make this happen. If you would like to find out how you could contribute, please write to UVSSF, PO BOX 606, Lebanon, NH 03766, or email us at info@uvssf.org
We have no doubts that the best use for Whaleback is to remain as a ski area. Together we can make sure Whaleback continues to serve the Upper Valley Community by providing affordable skiing for current and future generations.
Sincerely
John Schiffman, Chair
Upper Valley SnowSports Foundation
Yeah that chair is pretty old....and needs some work. That is probably beyond the resources of a volunteer organization to manage, although the folks at Squaw could probably provide some insight.
And I'm pretty sure that back in the day there was a Poma Lift there that went to top but man, a new surface lift would be pretty steep.
And I'm pretty sure that back in the day there was a Poma Lift there that went to top but man, a new surface lift would be pretty steep.
4aprice
Well-known member
Ok TB we are showing our age. I think you are right that it was a poma area in the old days and it went under the name Snowcrest. I know there was a surface lift that went up the slope just to the left of the lodge. It was there but not in operation when I skied there back in the 70's. If that was the bottom of a 2 step lift to the top, the 2nd step would have gone up the east flank of the hill, not as steep as the main face the chair climbs now. Very pleased to see them survive and along with West hope to give them my business in the near future.
Alex
Lake Hopatcong, NJ
4aprice
Well-known member
My bad, just looked up the history and a T-bar did go up the Face. Would have been a heck of a ride.
Alex
Lake Hopatcong, NJ
Alex
Lake Hopatcong, NJ
Nah I'm just a ski history junkie. I forgot that they were Snowcrest for a while.....
Smellytele
Well-known member
I was thinking they could put a surface lift on the left side up spout but that do much but give you access to the slope style area. They say the surface lift would give access to key trails which that really wouldn't. Hmmm
I would assume so.
jack97
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IIRC, that chair lift has been causing the place grief when they reopen 7-8 years agos, every once in a while that lift would break down. During those eight years, once the chair goes, then it becomes, earn your turns. IMO, it would be smart to go put a surface lift first and eventually overhaul the chair lift if the funds are available. Then keep the two operation in case either goes bad.
btw, they prolly need to make sure the groomer is in good shape as well. They only had one when I was there and it was out of commission due to a needed part. I didn't mind of course but it made racing kind of a drag.
xwhaler
Active member
I could see value in putting a surface lift up the left side to access both the race trail and terrain park. It could also be a graduated step up from the carpet for beginners before going to the top.
Bostonian
Well-known member
Well I promised myself if they operated this year, I would visit them... In fact I think we should have a AZ mini-day trip to the whale to support them!
+1.
Smellytele
Well-known member
count me in
buellski
New member
New website is up: http://www.whaleback.com
dlague
Active member
That is awesome!
xwhaler
Active member
Nice! They are keeping the $15 Sunday AM deal which is a really nice way to get a bunch of vertical in quickly...just keep lapping the chair from 9-noon and you get a good amount of quality/diverse/challenging vert.
Certainly a place I reccomend ppl check out/support. Not sure I'd spend an entire day there but its real family friendly, great value, accessible, and a surprising mix of terrain for all levels.
Certainly a place I reccomend ppl check out/support. Not sure I'd spend an entire day there but its real family friendly, great value, accessible, and a surprising mix of terrain for all levels.
Where would the proposed surface lift go in? Going straight up from the base area would be a bit steep for many people for a surface lift no?
buellski
New member
This is pure speculation, but I would think they would put it on Spout and run it up far enough that you could access the terrain park on Scrimshaw. That way racers doing training on Spout and freestylers accessing the terrain park and jib port could get to where they want to go without using the chairlift.
4aprice
Well-known member
That's where they had a T-bar in the past. It was not in operation when I was skiing there in the late 70's but the lift towers were still there. It would not be a bad idea, however, Scrimshaw IIRC is pretty steep for it to have a novice rating. For the true beginner I think they had the right idea of moving it over to the right of the chair and up the small valley where Jawbone comes out. Easier pitch over there. Man I wish nothing but the best for this place and I hope I can get there to support it in the future. Such good memories, little did I know as a teen in boarding school how much I would come to appreciate it later in life. Go Whale Go.
Alex
Lake Hopatcong, NJ
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