Big news for Tahoe next season??? - Page 5

I agree with Phil's comments regarding the change in attitude, very positive at all levels.

With respect to Andy's email - imagine Alex or Nancy explaining any of their plans in advance with this level of detail.  We can debate the merits of their decisions (I think I can see some of the logic in what they are doing but also raises plenty of questions).  I give him high marks in the way he is communicating with us.

The other thing that struck me was that laying out the plans in this much detail was a pretty ballsy move - as far as I could tell none of the construction work had started as of 7/4/11, I wonder if they can get the permits they need in time....

Better replace KT before these crowds blow it up. That's the central point.

Jaytierney, only a handful of skiers can actually ski Squallywood lines for real. Too many hacks like me are already playing GNAR - the fun and popularity of GNAR's success have ruined it already. But we had a great time skiing the Fingers when there was so much snow a skier of my skill level could survive it. Or Palisades over the Fourth where it was so soft that anybody could edge on that pitch. I was the best skier on the mountain!

When I watched GNAR, I got that the enjoyment of being on the hill with friends was what really mattered. Challenging yourself and your friends within your skillsets is the spirit of GNAR. Obviously Squaw would need to tone down the risk of a GNAR theme which might kill it for the true elite. But using GNAR as a tool to get people to enjoy skiing in general and Squaw's assets in particular has a far broader value.

Eric

Quote:

Originally Posted by eleeski 

Jaytierney, only a handful of skiers can actually ski Squallywood lines for real. Too many hacks like me are already playing GNAR - the fun and popularity of GNAR's success have ruined it already. But we had a great time skiing the Fingers when there was so much snow a skier of my skill level could survive it. Or Palisades over the Fourth where it was so soft that anybody could edge on that pitch. I was the best skier on the mountain!

 

When I watched GNAR, I got that the enjoyment of being on the hill with friends was what really mattered. Challenging yourself and your friends within your skillsets is the spirit of GNAR. Obviously Squaw would need to tone down the risk of a GNAR theme which might kill it for the true elite. But using GNAR as a tool to get people to enjoy skiing in general and Squaw's assets in particular has a far broader value.

 

Eric

Yeah, I'm aware of that.  My point was whenever you take something that is very much not corporate and try to make it corporate, it almost never works out.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexzn 

I think KSL has effectively licensed GNAR given their active courting of the resident ski stars. Of course some elements would never get coopted, like BNs, leave those to Philpug:-(()).

Eleeski, yes Squaw is generally too steep for grooming, that was my concern. I like the idea of embracing Squallywood, do what NStar used to do- run free lessons Level 7 and higher once a day at 10 am or at 1 pm. Instructors should love those because they are fun skiing and you can still get tips. I know a lot of people who frequented NStar just because of those. I don't think they run those anymore.

Northstar still does them in the Spring...

Squaw Valley Outlines $50 Million Improvement Plan

http://business.transworld.net/69731/news/squaw-valley-outlines-first-two-years-of-spending-plan/

Here's my $.02.

As a Squaw passholder since 1987, I am disappointed with the list of improvements. IMO, the biggest issue Squaw faces is storm day operations. With the cheap passes and rockered skis, more people than ever are skiing on storm days, causing huge congestion on the lower mountain, specifically KT-22. With the exception of better communication, I don't think any of the improvements will improve the overall ski experience. In fact, with listing all the names on the trail map, I predict the slopes will be more crowded than ever.  

As a Squaw brat since 72 what a dissapointment this CapEx plan is.  A Granite upgrade in two years; BFD!  That's the most overrated lift at Tahoe.  I miss Nancy!!!!!

If they announce the purchase of Alpine and get Whitewolf on board for a connection, then that would be improving the overall ski experience.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SquawBrat 

I miss Nancy!!!!!

Shut yo' mouth.

The Squaw Valley Renaissance has begun

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjwDAVuIddk&feature=youtu.be

I like it, but expect that there will be some grumbling from those who like the way things are.  It represents a lot of investment in things that mean something to both frequent, and vacationing skiers, and a real investment in the mountain infrastructure.  Kirkwood should pay attention.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cirquerider 

I like it, but expect that there will be some grumbling from those who like the way things are.  It represents a lot of investment in things that mean something to both frequent, and vacationing skiers, and a real investment in the mountain infrastructure.  Kirkwood should pay attention.

I am a frequent skier and don't see anything, with the exception of real time communication, that will be beneficial. In fact, I'd argue that bringing more people to the mountain without addressing the big problem of lower mountain congestion, especially on storm days, actually diminishes the overall ski experience for many.

The #1 item on next year’s improvement list is right on the money to many. Several people I know have to buy a second season ticket to another resort because of that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hellside 

The #1 item on next year’s improvement list is right on the money to many. Several people I know have to buy a second season ticket to another resort because of that.

Could you clarify what the improvement would be? 

This reminds me of skiing in Virginia.

Quote:

Originally Posted by veteran 

 

I wish we had your problems with powder storms. 

I have one word: ratchet and socket, well that's two, but they go together. will publish socket size, ! (reference the surfers at Bolinas).
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by soulskier 

Here's my $.02.

 

As a Squaw passholder since 1987, I am disappointed with the list of improvements. IMO, the biggest issue Squaw faces is storm day operations. With the cheap passes and rockered skis, more people than ever are skiing on storm days, causing huge congestion on the lower mountain, specifically KT-22. With the exception of better communication, I don't think any of the improvements will improve the overall ski experience. In fact, with listing all the names on the trail map, I predict the slopes will be more crowded than ever.  

Quote:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cirquerider 

I like it, but expect that there will be some grumbling from those who like the way things are.  It represents a lot of investment in things that mean something to both frequent, and vacationing skiers, and a real investment in the mountain infrastructure.  Kirkwood should pay attention.

I am a frequent skier and don't see anything, with the exception of real time communication, that will be beneficial. In fact, I'd argue that bringing more people to the mountain without addressing the big problem of lower mountain congestion, especially on storm days, actually diminishes the overall ski experience for many.

 

I think the "improvements" are not targeted at the frequent or pass skier, but rather the vacationer and daily ticket buyer.  If you have a season pass, there is no reason that you would ever have dealt with the mouse maze and illogical traffic flow that is the ticket sales area at Squaw.  From parking, to tickets to mountain access, Squaw has been unfriendly to the non-insider.  On the other hand, a place like Alpine Meadows is very easy to deal with IMO.  The improvements highlighted in the video should help new  and infrequent visitors to the mountain, while improving access out of the congested Granite Chief basin which is popular with intermediate level skiers (as well as those who take more challenging unmarked descents).  The main concern with GC is the top of the lift area which seems to have limited room to disperse increased uphill capacity.

I agree the frequent skier and pass skier will likely not find a lot of value in these improvement, and may see it as drawing more people.  In truth, the people it attracts don't share the same terrain with you.  Hell, I've see you ski..I don't share the same terrain with you.

I like the direction and I think this is just the first two of a 3 phase project with Alpine being the third part. I'm excited. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cirquerider 

 

 

 

I think the "improvements" are not targeted at the frequent or pass skier, but rather the vacationer and daily ticket buyer.  If you have a season pass, there is no reason that you would ever have dealt with the mouse maze and illogical traffic flow that is the ticket sales area at Squaw.  From parking, to tickets to mountain access, Squaw has been unfriendly to the non-insider.  On the other hand, a place like Alpine Meadows is very easy to deal with IMO.  The improvements highlighted in the video should help new  and infrequent visitors to the mountain, while improving access out of the congested Granite Chief basin which is popular with intermediate level skiers (as well as those who take more challenging unmarked descents).  The main concern with GC is the top of the lift area which seems to have limited room to disperse increased uphill capacity.

 

I agree the frequent skier and pass skier will likely not find a lot of value in these improvement, and may see it as drawing more people.  In truth, the people it attracts don't share the same terrain with you.  Hell, I've see you ski..I don't share the same terrain with you.

I totally agree with that observation. The improvements are clearly directed at bringing in more new visitors. Unfortunately, many passholders, who give their money in the off season, don't appear to be considered in the improvements. That is, unless they open boundaries or connect with little brother, Alpine Meadows.

It is Terrain Parks
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by soulskier 

Could you clarify what the improvement would be? 

Oh right, the kids these days like that sort of thing 

Quote:

Originally Posted by hellside 

It is Terrain Parks