Wildcat on the block: Wildcat Sold to Peaks Resorts

[Angus]

Not sure if this was mentioned already, but Wildcat has eliminated their "ski free on your birthday" special.

too bad, my son took advantage of that deal a couple years in a row and Wildcat always got an adult ticket sale out of it. nice "bene" that made me feel good - for a guy born in late May!

 

[eatskisleep]

They got rid of more than just that... unfortunately...

 

[bigbob]

They got rid of more than just that... unfortunately...

I don't see the midweek two for one, is that what you are referring to??

 

[frozencorn]

Lifetime season passes
Wildcard
$9 Fridays
2 for 1
Free birthday
$25 Sunday afternoons
$39 your next day....

all gone.

 

[thetrailboss]

Lifetime season passes

I wonder if there is going to be a lawsuit over that.....:uzi::uzi::smash::smash::???::wink:

Wildcard

I'm sure that they will do something for a card and other promos...

 

[frozencorn]

Attitash and Wildcat have both been hinting about a new deal they're unveiling Thursday. So, wel'll see what that brings.

From WC facebook discussion:

Wildcat Mountain will not offer a discount bulk ticket program to EICSL to then re-sell to members. I can't say that you'll entirely reconsider, but I'm pretty excited about a product that will be announced at the Bo...ston Ski Show and will continue to be offered after the show that should suit the EICSL member and equally important NON-EICSL member who skis or rides ten days or less like you have profiled. You might see then that Peak Resorts, as it relates to Attitash Mountain Resort and Wildcat Mountain, is looking beyond just the EICSL group when it considers visitor growth and loyalty.

 

[billski]

From Wildcat's Facebook page:
See you at The Boston Globe Ski & Snowboard Expo?

If so, you can get a $125 gift card on sale for $100! Gift cards are valid at both Attitash Ski Resort and Wildcat Mountain. Offer is only available at the Ski Show from Thurs., Nov. 11 - Sun., Nov. 14. See complete details at: http://attitash.com/deals.html.

 

[Smellytele]

If that is the deal that is crap!

 

[frozencorn]

No, I think it's something else. Attitash has mentioned that deal, plus one they're announcing at the show tomorrow.

 

[billski]

No, I think it's something else. Attitash has mentioned that deal, plus one they're announcing at the show tomorrow.

You're spot on. On their web today:

New Product Being Announced Thursday, November 11
Be sure to get ready for the announcement of a new product at the Ski Show, which will be made available on our website as well on Thursday, November 11. Stay tuned!

 

[polariso]

Lifetime season passes
Wildcard
$9 Fridays
2 for 1
Free birthday
$25 Sunday afternoons
$39 your next day....

all gone.

:sad:

 

[billski]

The Attitash vibe at the show was really bad.
In essence, they see no need to discount.

I also noticed that Crotched, Attitash and Wildcat are not participating in the skiNH January learn to ski program.

As soon as a resort starts using the word "product" to describe skiing and boarding, you know you're in the corporate black hole of death.

 

[troy]

This development has added possibilties that we did not have before as Wildcat skiers, we're stoked!

 

[drjeff]

The Attitash vibe at the show was really bad.
In essence, they see no need to discount.

I also noticed that Crotched, Attitash and Wildcat are not participating in the skiNH January learn to ski program.

As soon as a resort starts using the word "product" to describe skiing and boarding, you know you're in the corporate black hole of death.

I'm not so sure of that corporate death sentence. As someone whose seen 1st hand now the last 3 full seasons what Peak Resorts "product" at Mount Snow has been, i'm completely satisfied with it (and I know i'm not alone). Does Peak in general get rid of a bunch of the discounts? Yes Does Peak focus primarily on the snow product instead of real estate/etc - yes. Does Peak also do their changes/upgrades and keep a great deal of the existing pre Peak staff in place - yes. So things need to he given a fair chance to see what Peak can do, since IF the old Wildcat business model was such a success, then it wouldn't have been for sale, let alone for what appears to be a firesale price
T

 

[Newpylong]

The Attitash vibe at the show was really bad.
In essence, they see no need to discount.

I also noticed that Crotched, Attitash and Wildcat are not participating in the skiNH January learn to ski program.

As soon as a resort starts using the word "product" to describe skiing and boarding, you know you're in the corporate black hole of death.

I don't agree with this. Despite having 4 major mountains under their belt in New England, Peaks is the last company I would consider "Corporate".

Discounts? ASC did a lot of discounts. Look at them now...

 

[deadheadskier]

since IF the old Wildcat business model was such a success, then it wouldn't have been for sale, let alone for what appears to be a firesale price
T

My understanding is that the family had been wanting to sell the property for quite some time. They bought it in the mid-80s, so that's a long run. I'm not so sure the sale has anything to do with the business model. Plenty of family businesses get sold for under market value when the owners want to move on and the next generation of the family doesn't wish to continue that line of work.

What was the price?

 

[billski]

I'm not so sure of that corporate death sentence. As someone whose seen 1st hand now the last 3 full seasons what Peak Resorts "product" at Mount Snow has been, i'm completely satisfied with it (and I know i'm not alone). Does Peak in general get rid of a bunch of the discounts? Yes Does Peak focus primarily on the snow product instead of real estate/etc - yes. Does Peak also do their changes/upgrades and keep a great deal of the existing pre Peak staff in place - yes. So things need to he given a fair chance to see what Peak can do, since IF the old Wildcat business model was such a success, then it wouldn't have been for sale, let alone for what appears to be a firesale price
T

No question, people willing to make longer-term, financial commitments to a single resort or group of resorts will benefit. They are narrowing their target market.
However, large, corporate-managed operations have a remarkably different vibe than independent areas. Never said it was a death sentence; it just marks the beginning of more institutional service. If you're happy with how they manage things, that's all that matters.

 

[EPB]

My understanding is that the family had been wanting to sell the property for quite some time. They bought it in the mid-80s, so that's a long run. I'm not so sure the sale has anything to do with the business model. Plenty of family businesses get sold for under market value when the owners want to move on and the next generation of the family doesn't wish to continue that line of work.

What was the price?

Deductive reasoning would suggest that the sale had to do with the price more than the business model. Wildcat is/was probably worth more to Attitash/Peak than any other buyer because of the bundling possibilities with Attitash. From what I can gather, the area was on the market for a good while before they could find a buyer. The last time I was there, I actually made an argument to my buddy that the salvage value of the lifts might have been worth more than the business itself. Don't get me wrong, Wildcat is one of my favorite places to ski. I just don't think anyone was itching to buy it while it was on the market.

P.S. I'd love to know what it sold for too. Hopefully the family was able to get a decent price out of Peak. Ski areas are about as illiquid as they come.

 

[ski_resort_observer]

According to my notes back in 2006 both Maple Valley and Wildcat were for sale for 2m. I assume for Maple Valley you own the land whereas with Wildcat your leasing the land from the WMNF.

 

[eatskisleep]

If only it was 10 years later and I was 10 years richer... I would love to own a mountain...