Storm Skiing Podcast with Vail Inc. Eastern Head Honcho

[Campgottagopee]

Look for the fastest guy on the mountain.

FKNA...I dig it baby

 

[Campgottagopee]

Long live Greek Peak

 

[MarzNC]

Is there an official industry wide standard for what’s a feeder hill and what is a mega resort? If not I propose these levels:

Feeder hill: up to 600 ft of vertical. Basically everything from Campgaw to Shawnee, PA.

Family hill 700-1100 vert, independently owned, modest acreage (ie. Plattekill, Catamount)

I don’t know what to call this one- basically an independent hill that is more or less full sized. Not necessarily bigger than a family hill but with all the trappings- hotel rooms or condos, bars, lodge etc. I’m picturing Greek

Full on resorts- big hills, lots of lodging, nice shops and restaurants etc… maybe owned by a big corporate entity

Mega resorts?

Any split has to be region specific.

Why not consider skiable acreage along with vert?

 

[Low Angle Life]

Is there an official industry wide standard for what’s a feeder hill and what is a mega resort? If not I propose these levels:

Feeder hill: up to 600 ft of vertical. Basically everything from Campgaw to Shawnee, PA.

Family hill 700-1100 vert, independently owned, modest acreage (ie. Plattekill, Catamount)

I don’t know what to call this one- basically an independent hill that is more or less full sized. Not necessarily bigger than a family hill but with all the trappings- hotel rooms or condos, bars, lodge etc. I’m picturing Greek

Full on resorts- big hills, lots of lodging, nice shops and restaurants etc… maybe owned by a big corporate entity

Mega resorts?

I don't think feeder hill needs particular limits on vertical in either direction. For me accessibility to major population centers that is one of the key factors for defining a feeder. Shawnee, Campgaw and dare I say even Mountain Creek fit, if there are high school groups night skiing it on a weekday it fits the feeder hill category in my book. I do really like your "family hill" classification, add in Bolton Valley, Wachusett, I believe Mt. Peter is also family owned if I'm not mistaken?

 

[tirolski]

I am not impressed. He has barely skied the East, if at all. And he's all blown away at the snowmaking systems that he now manages. Duh. But, not a fan of that company at all. I registered a few complaints in the comments, as though it will do any good. The really bad news is that the head of marketing has just been promoted to CEO, and I assume that she is responsible for launching those horrible websites for each mountain that all look the same.
I just wish they would stop buying mountains.
Go Ikon!

Fuck Vail.

 

[Benny Profane]

OK

 

[Low Angle Life]

OK

Sir, as others have pointed out, this is a Plattekill cult. Corporate ski shenanigans not welcome.

 

[Ripitz]

OK, I tried. I really tried. I listened to the Stormcast and just couldn’t finish. Snoozzzzer! Had to turn it off when Stuart asked him at 45:00 why Vail still charges crazy window prices when people can buy the Epic day pass for $70. Best non answer bullshit answer ever. Seems like he’s a nice guy. Never skied the East. I wish him luck. One thing he got right is Midwest and East Coast skiers have passion, loyalty, tradition and intense love for the sport. Good thing I didn’t take a drink every time he said “sustainability”. Actually I was drinking anyway. Goodbye Jay Peak. Long live Smuggs!

 

[raisingarizona]

i'm looking forward to trying to find my passion for skiing this season. That said, i told my daughter, who i do most of my skiing with that I will not be skiing any areas that take Ikon or Epic. F hunta this season, it will be all platt or nada..Nothing against Bell it's just to boring..
We are also planning on hopping over the border to ski the townships..Jame's article really piqued my interest...

For years now I’ve been saying that eventually the mega passes will have a positive impact for the little guys as people grow tired of the crowded, corporate ski areas.

I know I’m there. Hopefully the masses don’t catch on to Taos just yet.

 

[MarzNC]

I know I’m there. Hopefully the masses don’t catch on to Taos just yet.

Given how hard it is to get to Taos with the reduced flight schedules, I think Taos is safe for a few more years. Plus TSV wants to keep the winter vibe about the same. They are far more focused on building up the summer business in order to become a true 4-season resort. That's a much more sustainable business model. I want to go do the Via Ferrata.

Taos decided a while back NOT to build a lift up to the steeps above Lift 8. That says a lot about who they want as their regular guests.