Bristol Conditions

Johnny V. said:
Gray skies, but still trails open if thin in many spots. Ran into some regulars, so I had people to ride the chair with and stayed longer than I thought I would. Just the Comet chair open, but U/L Galaxy, U/L Meteor,U/L Rocket, Comet,Challenger to lower Sunset, and the Loop. Very few people-pretty much had the place to ourselves.


Can't remember any half hour lift lines in the recent past. When things get backed up the triple is usually running, so that's an alternative. Yes, Swain and Hunt Hollow (during the week for the public) are alternatives, but neither has the terrain, snowmaking and infrastructure that Bristol has. Greek Peak is a good two hour ride from Rochester-nice once in a while, but not for a regular visit. This is no knock on the Indy Pass-it's a great concept and a good deal if you want to travel, but not really a substitute. Trust me-I've got plenty of little complaints about Bristol (don't get me started!), but I probably have 45+ days this year on a senior pass, so it pays for itself and I'll probably bite the bullet and buy again for next year.
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Yup I can complain about a lot but not lines. While I only went 5 times this year I don't remember long lines at any point either. Even when the Comet quad queue looks huge they generally have a line sheriff insuring the queues advance orderly and the chairs go up full. The big line does go quickly.

For you skiing 45+ times the season pass is a great value and no brainer and I'd do it also. Price increase for next year is fine at 3.9%. But I'd also not be happy if I showed up weekday mornings and they aren't running the Galaxy Quad.

But for card pack holders like me they've really left some of us wondering. I just don't see how they justify a 16% price increase on the 12 visit card pack. Out of principle I just might not pay into it. I wonder if others will finally feel the same? The window price is probably going to be $105-$110 next year. They've got to be approaching an inflection point, especially if the economy turns south.
 
But I'd also not be happy if I showed up weekday mornings and they aren't running the Galaxy Quad.
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The only two days they didn't run it this year (once the trails opened) were Mon-Tues. Actually it was great in some ways-those of us who were willing to do a little hiking/poling ( and/or tuck at the bottom of Northstar) were rewarded with fresh groomers. Sometimes you'd be the second or third tracks on the slope!

Bristol's competition on price is Holiday Valley and to a certain extent Greek Peak. Holiday is over 1K for a full pass and Greek is currently $599, which goes up to $799 on 4/1. Their day tickets are priced about the same if not more than Bristol's. However, Holiday's senior pass is half price if you've been a passholder for more than 5 years, plus they offer buddy tickets which would be a good perk to have. My wife and I have been Bristol passholders for around 30 years-it would be nice to see that rewarded, along with buddy tickets.

One thing that really irked me was seeing a charge for a new card and a "mailing fee" for the pass! This is the kind of nickel/dime stuff that pisses me off about Bristol. Assuming we renew (and we probably will) we're spending close to $2K for 2 senior passes and a locker. Don't insult me by trying to charge $5.00 for a card and $3.00 to mail it to me! I'm probably going to either mention it to Dan or Steve if I see them or email them.

OK, I'm done complaining!
 
Bluebird spring skiing day. Got out late (around 10:00) and found soft snow. Early guys said the groomers were nice at 9. Skied until around 1:15 and things were getting slightly piled up, but still lots of fun. Starting to get slightly sticky in a few spots, but old achy legs and knees said "time to quit".
Still open: U/L Galaxy,U/L Meteor, U/L Rocket, Comet, Challenger to the lower part of Sunset, and the Loop. Comet, Lower Meteor were getting very thin-not sure how long they can push things around to keep them open. Word is Sunday is the last day, although the next weekend is "TBD". With the upcoming rain and warm temps, I doubt they'll go past 3/30.

More crowded than Tuesday, as expected with the sun-I might have had to wait one or two groups to get on the chair.......... :)
 
No real change from yesterday except for no sun. Trails were slightly firm-I started earlier today and soon softened up. Skied until about 1:00-the Loop was getting slightly sticky in spots, but all else good if somewhat piled up. Bunch of diehards were enjoying the last few days of the Bristol season-I doubt that they will go beyond Sunday. Looks ugly for the next couple of days-probably no closing day patio party on Sunday..............:(
 
Probably the final day for the 2024-25 season. Closed M-F this week with "TBD" for the weekend, but the only trail that could possibly make it is U/L Rocket-the rest are too thin to survive. Didn't rain too hard, in fact there were a few periods without rain. Thin and mud on Comet and U/L Meteor. Rocket and U/L Galaxy were decent and the Loop had some thin and icy spots but was very skiable. Skied for a couple of hours and called it. A few diehards were out, but as you can imagine, no crowds. No patio party in the rain....................

Not a bad season, but it seemed to end quickly. Fond memories of skiing in the second weekend in April-like to see those days return.
 
Shot of Rocket from the Bristol webcam this AM. I'm gonna use the cliche' "The odds of Bristol opening this weekend are slim to none and Slim just left town"................

rocketcamstill.jpg
 
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