2006 Vermont Ski Resort Improvements

**Mit** · 09-19-2006, 10:29 AM

I came by this today on the Stellar website and thought I'd pass it on.

http://www.stellarmag.com/news/2006/09/18/0005

Vermont Ski Resorts Liks Improvements
Montpelier, VT – This season, Vermont ski resorts have expanded terrain offerings, made upgrades and renovations, built new lodging and increased snowmaking coverage. Following is a rundown of what’s new across the state for the 2006-07 ski and snowboard season:

BOLTON VALLEY RESORT

A year after Bolton Valley Resort completed the first major on-mountain upgrades in more than 20 years, including a brand new quad chair with direct access to the summit, the northern Vermont ski resort has now been named a Burton Learn to Ride Center, and one of only a handful of Women’s Learn to Ride Centers in North America. A brand-new fleet of Burton snowboards will be available that are specifically designed to help beginners master the basics quickly and get riding.

Bolton Valley has also added a brand new progression terrain park this winter for skiers and riders who want to learn and hone their freeride park skills.

BROMLEY MOUNTAIN

Last year, Bromley’s new lower lift ticket rates were a huge success and the deal remains the same this year with $25 midweek/non-holiday lift ticket and weekend and holiday rates lower than most other major resorts.

BURKE MOUNTAIN SKI AREA

New this season, Burke season pass holders will enjoy complimentary access to the Willoughby Summit and Sherburne Express chairlifts starting at 8 a.m. on weekends and holidays. Day trippers can also join in on the early bird turns for a $10 upgrade on a regular full day ticket.

Burke is also introducing a number of new programs and clinics for children and adults. Skiers and snowboarders just learning will benefit from smaller groups, and receive a complimentary lift ticket after completing four levels of lessons. Women-specific skiing and snowboarding clinics for all levels will also be available. Daily freestyle and freeride lessons with a focus on park safety and etiquette will also be offered to children and teens who want to improve their skills in our four terrain parks. Guided first tracks tours will also be an option either on freshly groomed trails or in the glades on powder days.

Burke now offers complimentary high speed internet access in both lodges, and a new Internet Café in the Sherburne Base Lodge. A significant investment was also made to enhance cell phone coverage in all areas of the resort.

All departments are now involved in the Ski Green effort at Burke from mountain operations & maintenance, to food & beverage and to office administration. Besides an employee recycling program, Burke uses energy efficient snowmaking guns, bio-diesel in certain vehicles, and works closely with Efficiency Vermont to reduce its carbon footprint.

JAY PEAK RESORT

Work on the back nine of the Jay Peak Golf Course allows easier access to the West Bowl – 250 acres adjacent to Tramside – that will be developed into intermediate skiing and snowboarding terrain. Current plans are to have entry and exit hiking trails cleared for the 2006-07 winter season.

Jay is planning for the development of a new Tramside hotel complete with updated skier/rider service facilities. While still in the planning phase, the resort expects to initiate Act 250 permitting this fall and hopefully begin construction as soon as spring 2007. The new hotel and other facilities will be funded primarily by EB5 investors.

KILLINGTON RESORT and PICO MOUNTAIN

The new Killington Grand Resort Hotel Spa features a Vichy Shower wet room and a complete menu of massage, facials and pedicure treatments.

On the mountain, guests will see an increase in snowmaking system efficiency with the addition of new low energy snowmaking guns, an upgraded grooming fleet of 21 snowcats, and new gondola ski racks to accommodate twin-tip and fat skis and snowboards. New family ski/snowboard zones have also been designated across the mountain. A new Family Adventure Center has been built at the Snowshed Lodge, featuring night tubing.

Over at Pico Mountain, visitors will find a new look at the Pico Mountain base area, including restroom remodeling.

MAD RIVER GLEN

Mad River Glen’s long-term capital plan calls for spending about $120,000 for the 2006-07 season. This amount is a bit less than in a typical year as the Co-op husbands its resources for the $1.54 million Single Chair renovation, slated for completion in the summer of 2007.

MAGIC MOUNTAIN

The Inn on Magic Mountain at the base of the ski area has been completely renovated. After a long day on the snow, relax in front of a roaring fire at Diamonds Lounge. Enjoy lighter fare from the bar menu or sit down to fine dining prepared by Chef Giezendanner in the all new Christies Restaurant.

On the hill, snowmaking improvements are under way at Magic and plans for the updated Hokus Pokus Terrain Park are nearing completion.

MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE SNOW BOWL

The Middlebury College Snow Bowl is undergoing its first major trail work in almost 20 years on the Bowl’s two most popular front side trails, the Allen and the Ross. Both trails will be expanded (1.25 acres on Allen and two acres on Ross) and recontouring will be done to selected areas on both trails. Snowmaking pipes will be moved to the west side of the Ross where a series of tower snowguns will be installed to enhance the snowmaking capabilities on the trail. These improvements will bring both of these trails up to USSA and FIS standards. The upgrades will also benefit recreational skiers, riders and telemarkers by adding snowmaking and grooming efficiencies and reducing skier density. The project will cost nearly $400,000.

MOUNT SNOW RESORT

At 4,940 feet, Mount Snow’s new terrain park has earned the distinction of being the longest park in the East. That’s nearly a mile of rails, jibs and hits with something for everyone. The new park is serviced by the Nitro Express high-speed quad, which whisks riders to the top of the park in less than five minutes. The name of the terrain park will be chosen with an interactive season-long contest involving guests and season passholders.

During Mount Snow’s new Nickelodeon Children’s Weeks, kids (and their parents) will enjoy days and nights filled with activities, special surprises, bands featured on Jack’s Big Music Show plus visits from SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer during special family weeks. Nickelodeon and Mount Snow’s Kid’s Snow Fest, offered December 22-25, includes three nights lodging (third night is free at participating properties), three days of skiing (with a free lift ticket on December 25) and all activities starting at $564 for a family of four (two adults, two children ages 12 and under). Kids Rule Adventure Week, presented by Nickelodeon and offered March 11-16, 2007, includes lodging, lift tickets (kids get a free lift ticket and clinic when their parent purchases a lift ticket) and all activities. Packages start at $381 for three nights for a family of four; a five-night package starts at $635.

For those who can’t totally disconnect, Mount Snow now offers wi-fi access in the main base area including the Main Base Lodge. That’s in addition to the wi-fi service already available at the resort’s 200-room Grand Summit Resort Hotel and Conference Center.

OKEMO MOUNTAIN RESORT

Okemo’s Big Bang and Eclipse trails are both being reintroduced this winter as they’re receiving snowmaking for the first time. Although both trails officially opened last winter, the lack of natural snowfall drastically limited accessibility to Okemo’s newest runs. This year, 50 new HKD tower guns will ensure ample snow coverage. Big Bang is Okemo’s only non-gladed double black diamond trail.

To support the new snowmaking, Okemo’s reservoir has been expanded to 155 million gallons. Four new Camoplast BR350 grooming machines have been added to Okemo’s fleet, including one rigged with a Sherpa direct pull winch.

In addition to 39 new fractional ownership residences in the Adams House at Jackson Gore, a new ice skating rink and a new fitness and aquatic center have been constructed at the area’s base facility.

**Mit** · 09-19-2006, 10:30 AM

part 2..

SMUGGLERS’ NOTCH RESORT

Smugglers’ is celebrating its 50th Birthday this winter by engaging guests in its history, stories and programs through special weekly presentations and events: a trail map for kiddies, Welcome Party with cake, fireworks and bonfire, Showtime Theatre’s 50th Birthday Revue, a Snow Ball and special vacation packages.

Up on Sterling Mountain, the popular Rum Runners’ Trail has been widened and contoured at its scariest spots to make this blue square run more forgiving for intermediates. Over on Morse Mountain, the Morse Highlands Terrain Park, entering its second season, shifts to the Log Jam trail for a longer, wider, and more hit-filled beginner run.

STOWE MOUNTAIN RESORT

This winter, Stowe debuts an inter-mountain transfer lift. The new lift, which is scheduled to open in December 2006, will provide transportation to and from the slopes at the bases of Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak. The new transfer lift is a Poma ten-person standing gondola that will span across Vermont’s Route 108. The length of the ride between the two mountains is approximately 1,500 feet, with a minimum travel time of one and a half minutes. The lift is capable of moving 3,400 people per hour.

STRATTON MOUNTAIN RESORT

For the 2006-07 ski and snowboard season, Stratton Mountain will be offering a children’s environmental program, called We-xplore. Designed from a global perspective, We-xplore will get kids out and about in the local environment and learning how our surroundings tie in with the greater picture.

SUGARBUSH RESORT

The new Lincoln Peak Village, the most ambitious project in Sugarbush’s almost 50-year history, features three new facilities, including a new Gate House day lodge and 61 new residences in the resort’s Clay Brook development.

**Boomer28** · 09-19-2006, 11:35 AM

"Okemo’s Big Bang and Eclipse trails are both being reintroduced this winter as they’re receiving snowmaking for the first time. Although both trails officially opened last winter, the lack of natural snowfall drastically limited accessibility to Okemo’s newest runs. This year, 50 new HKD tower guns will ensure ample snow coverage. Big Bang is Okemo’s only non-gladed double black diamond trail."

I'm not knocking east coast skiing since I grew up and live here, but Okemo having a "double black diamond" trail is laughable. I ski there all the time since I'd rather ski a flat, kid-filled mountain than nothing, but c'mon, Okeslow is probably one of the flatest "major" mountins in the east........

**iceman** · 09-19-2006, 11:53 AM

KILLINGTON RESORT and PICO MOUNTAIN

The new Killington Grand Resort Hotel Spa features a Vichy Shower wet room...

What on earth is a Vichy Shower wet room?

**dfinn** · 09-19-2006, 11:53 AM

whoa, whoa, whoa. hold the phone. flatter than mount snow?

inconcievable.

**BeanDip4All** · 09-19-2006, 12:35 PM

MRG actually cut costs. Cracks me up.

**Aldo** · 09-19-2006, 12:55 PM

MAGIC MOUNTAIN

Blah blah blah

_ translation _

" we've decided to turn the lifts again this year "

Yay!

**OldLarry** · 09-19-2006, 01:06 PM

Originally Posted by Aldo

MAGIC MOUNTAIN

Blah blah blah

_ translation _

" we've decided to turn the lifts again this year "

Yay!

lol- they really need to just get a bunch of people together and make it a club or association or one a then things. "Club" sounds too chi chi--

**SKISC** · 09-19-2006, 01:10 PM

Originally Posted by Boomer28

"Okemo’s Big Bang and Eclipse trails are both being reintroduced this winter as they’re receiving snowmaking for the first time. Although both trails officially opened last winter, the lack of natural snowfall drastically limited accessibility to Okemo’s newest runs. This year, 50 new HKD tower guns will ensure ample snow coverage. Big Bang is Okemo’s only non-gladed double black diamond trail."

I'm not knocking east coast skiing since I grew up and live here, but Okemo having a "double black diamond" trail is laughable. I ski there all the time since I'd rather ski a flat, kid-filled mountain than nothing, but c'mon, Okeslow is probably one of the flatest "major" mountins in the east........

At least you are in New England. I am forced to ski the hills in the high country of NC. They have a slope that they call a double diamond and it is about 100 yards long.

As for the vicchy shower I have no idea wtf that is but I do like the Killington Grand. I like Killington as far as the east coast goes. If you stay off The Great Northern you can avoid a lot of the crowd and have a pretty good day. Still it is nothing compared to the west.

**KnuckleDragger** · 09-19-2006, 01:17 PM

Originally Posted by iceman

What on earth is a Vichy Shower wet room?

I had to look it up, but this is Killington's biggest improvement?

http://www.spaequip.com/store/CO9152.jsp

I think I would respect them more if they just said they haven't improved shit.

**Aldo** · 09-19-2006, 01:36 PM

Funny haven't seen any chatter over at K-Zone regarding the new table showers! That would be about the only thing that would ease the sting of the ticket prices.

**BigDaddy** · 09-19-2006, 06:09 PM

STOWES NEW INTER-MOUNT'N LIFT: The length of the ride between the two mountains is approximately 1,500 feet, with a minimum travel time of one and a half minutes. The lift is capable of moving 3,400 people per hour.

Damn!... One and half minutes is hardly enough time for any inter-mount'n!

**Bluebird** · 09-19-2006, 06:21 PM

They are getting new ownership once again and this time the guy seems legit. I have heard some good things are in the pipeline. They don't need a lot to make it happen. Just lay down a nice base for when the snow comes and it could be great skiing for So. VT. I will be buying a pass for the good days.

Originally Posted by OldLarry

lol- they really need to just get a bunch of people together and make it a club or association or one a then things. "Club" sounds too chi chi--

**Benny Profane** · 09-20-2006, 12:41 AM

Which mountain is going to get some fucking snow this year? without some fucking rain 2 days later? That would be a huge improvement.

edit: I was contemplating getting another bronze pass to KMart as a default decision, but after that shower thing as an improvement, jezuz, fuck that place.

**sea2ski** · 09-20-2006, 03:18 AM

Originally Posted by KnuckleDragger

I had to look it up, but this is Killington's biggest improvement?

http://www.spaequip.com/store/CO9152.jsp

I think I would respect them more if they just said they haven't improved shit.

This is not to be confused with the Vichy Golden Shower Room where a bunch of French Facists pee on you.

**edg** · 09-20-2006, 03:32 AM

What the fuck is the point in the new Stowe lift? It's like a 5 minute walk?!

edg

**BigDaddy** · 09-20-2006, 05:08 AM

Originally Posted by edg

What the fuck is the point in the new Stowe lift? It's like a 5 minute walk?!

edg

If everyone thought like you, there'd be a lot less unused exercise equipment on Craigs List...

Call me a cynic, but it's all about money. Connecting Spruce to the main MT means the real estate around there is about ten times more valuable. For the record, I loved Spruce even though it's almost all intermediate. It was never crowded, took twenty plus minutes to get to the top and had no snowmaking. I had a lot of fun teaching the wife to ski there (while I learned to snowboard...!).

PS- I'd only go back if they put in on of those Vichy showers... on the new lift.

**Tuckerman** · 09-20-2006, 06:00 AM

BURKE MOUNTAIN SKI AREA

Burke now offers complimentary high speed internet access in both lodges, and a new Internet Café in the Sherburne Base Lodge. A significant investment was also made to enhance cell phone coverage in all areas of the resort.

So very Stratton or Killington of them. Maybe we'll have more people Café'n and less people skiing.

**uppernotmaster** · 09-20-2006, 06:43 AM

Originally Posted by Aldo

MAGIC MOUNTAIN

Blah blah blah

_ translation _

" we've decided to turn the lifts again this year "

Yay!

You'd be surprised Aldo, they're actually getting some things done this year.
Nothing that might help contribute to actual skiing, but some good things nonetheless.

They've painted the lodge, fixed the bathrooms, re-did the red chair ramp, & supposedly that worthless phoenix chair will be complete.

They're spending this new investors cash, I just hope they're not blowing the whole budget.