Would like to see some innovation around the season passes for families (think families of six, seven, etc.). The lower tiered mid-week passes are nice, but not practical for families with kids in school and a two hour drive to the mountains. Our only options are weekends and holidays. As a result, we have missed some school to get some economical skiing in, but for middle and high school this isn't a good option. PA offered a snow pass for 4th and 5th graders but was discontinued last year. This allowed three lift tickets at most Pocono hills. Skiing as a family is so awesome, no devices, quality time together. Would love to see mountains get creative to find economical ways to get families on the mountain together.
I think little Wachusett Mountain in Massachusetts has a number of great season pass tiers and has a benefit reciprocation program with other mountains in the fine print. But being so close to Boston, Worcester, and Providence can mean big crowds despite trying to limit it. They do offer an unlimited nights (with some blackout dates) 7pm-10pm from 12/25-end of seasons for $200. A great locals option.
Vail has taken a lot of heat this year for overcrowding, and a lot of the response online seems to be “I’m going Ikon next year”.
I haven’t visited a Vail mountain yet, but my 2¢ on that move is “the grass ain’t always greener” (at least in CO). Copper is regularly seeing 45 minute lines on Saturdays at American Eagle, parking people at the Conoco station since the lots are full, etc. Similar story at Winter Park: all the free lots full by 8:30 (paid lots now cost _5x_ what they did last season), regularly running lifts they typically only used during holiday crowds (Iron Horse, Challenger, etc.) every weekend, etc.
So I’m curious how it all will play out. Ikon basically didn’t raise prices last year (only the Base pass went up… by $30), but I would be shocked if that stayed true.
Stuart, Amazing how much info you pack into one journal! Superb! As a former Toggenburg regular, employee (race coach) your info on the current closure and status is consistent with what I hear. The current owner got a lot of bad press on the chairlift breakdown at Song which required the local fire department for the evac. It is true that mechanicals were removed and are now at Labrador and Song - snowmaking, lights, probably pumps. There is a group that is interested in buying Togg and operating it as a ski area which the current owners have said they will not allow. There are stickers at local restaurants proclaiming open Tog. There is a local group w petition attempting to open Togg. Probably the folks you’re talking to. Stay tuned - it could get interesting. Are forces lurking? The Shadow knows!
Great article as always. I'm curious to see what Indy Pass mountains will offer a season pass + Indy add on next year. I could see myself anchoring somewhere in the Poconos for easy drive time from NY, but would want to be able to explore a bit when I can. Rest up!
Would like to see some innovation around the season passes for families (think families of six, seven, etc.). The lower tiered mid-week passes are nice, but not practical for families with kids in school and a two hour drive to the mountains. Our only options are weekends and holidays. As a result, we have missed some school to get some economical skiing in, but for middle and high school this isn't a good option. PA offered a snow pass for 4th and 5th graders but was discontinued last year. This allowed three lift tickets at most Pocono hills. Skiing as a family is so awesome, no devices, quality time together. Would love to see mountains get creative to find economical ways to get families on the mountain together.
I think little Wachusett Mountain in Massachusetts has a number of great season pass tiers and has a benefit reciprocation program with other mountains in the fine print. But being so close to Boston, Worcester, and Providence can mean big crowds despite trying to limit it. They do offer an unlimited nights (with some blackout dates) 7pm-10pm from 12/25-end of seasons for $200. A great locals option.
Vail has taken a lot of heat this year for overcrowding, and a lot of the response online seems to be “I’m going Ikon next year”.
I haven’t visited a Vail mountain yet, but my 2¢ on that move is “the grass ain’t always greener” (at least in CO). Copper is regularly seeing 45 minute lines on Saturdays at American Eagle, parking people at the Conoco station since the lots are full, etc. Similar story at Winter Park: all the free lots full by 8:30 (paid lots now cost _5x_ what they did last season), regularly running lifts they typically only used during holiday crowds (Iron Horse, Challenger, etc.) every weekend, etc.
So I’m curious how it all will play out. Ikon basically didn’t raise prices last year (only the Base pass went up… by $30), but I would be shocked if that stayed true.
You are amazing. I don’t know how you do this.
One comment tonight, VIP lines suck. What are we getting to … rich vs. ultra rich? Must all skiers be jerks? I hope not.
Finally, hope that leg is healing well. I am from Maine and was so sorry to read about that.
John
Stuart, Amazing how much info you pack into one journal! Superb! As a former Toggenburg regular, employee (race coach) your info on the current closure and status is consistent with what I hear. The current owner got a lot of bad press on the chairlift breakdown at Song which required the local fire department for the evac. It is true that mechanicals were removed and are now at Labrador and Song - snowmaking, lights, probably pumps. There is a group that is interested in buying Togg and operating it as a ski area which the current owners have said they will not allow. There are stickers at local restaurants proclaiming open Tog. There is a local group w petition attempting to open Togg. Probably the folks you’re talking to. Stay tuned - it could get interesting. Are forces lurking? The Shadow knows!
Great article as always. I'm curious to see what Indy Pass mountains will offer a season pass + Indy add on next year. I could see myself anchoring somewhere in the Poconos for easy drive time from NY, but would want to be able to explore a bit when I can. Rest up!