Alpine Meadows has been the “Jan Brady” of this blog lately, with Marcia (aka Squaw Valley) getting all of the attention lately. But with the kids heading back to school and thoughts turning back toward an upcoming winter, there’s been a few things happening at Alpine Meadows to report on. One you will hate, one you will like, and the jury is likely out on the other.
The Alpine Meadows Logo Gets More Rare
It’s as if Squaw CEO Andy Wirth flipped the bird at the Alpine Meadows community and then shouted “How do you like me now?” The last two big Alpine Meadows logos were removed this week. We reported earlier this summer when the sign was changed at the bottom of Alpine Meadows road. But this week, the classic big sign at the entrance to the parking lot was removed, as was the large logo from the front of the lodge. The new replacements have not been put in place yet, but it’s an easy guess that it will be that stupid shield design that arrived with the KSL acquisition of Squaw Valley. You know the one…where the shield supposedly has a skier swish and not an S for Squaw?
Slowly but surely Wirth and his minions have chipped away to combine two brands into one. There’s still a few original logos out there and one wonders how long they will last. If it were only the logos that were changing, that would be one thing. Anybody that spends time at Alpine Meadows knows there’s been plenty of other changes that have truly changed the Alpine Meadows experience.
Gazex Installation Underway
The installation of two different Gazex avalanche exploders is now underway. We reported on the plans earlier this summer. A reader sent this picture from the top of D8 recently showing construction beginning near Peril Ridge. A second exploder will be located near High Yellow. Both exploders should bring a better margin of safety for patrollers that are starting early morning routes in otherwise uncontrolled terrain.
Another reader reported that lift towers had been repainted on Hot Wheels, reportedly in traditional Alpine Meadows green. Several people had bet that the next repaint would have been in Squaw colors. Others noted that if the towers were being repainted, it was a sign there was no immediate plan to proceed on the Hot Wheels chair replacement.
Lastly, construction is underway in Lot 4, where it looks like new piping is being put in from the snowmaking ponds. One would hope that that section of the lot will be repaved after the project, including the “sinkhole” near the entrance.
New Vice President Of Mountain Operations Named At Alpine Meadows
This news is actually a month old. We’ve just been neglecting the story with all of the attention focused on the Village project over the last month. SquAlpine announced that they have hired Casey Blann as the new Vice President of Mountain Operations at Alpine Meadows. Blank has worked at several resorts around Lake Tahoe, have served as the Mountain Operations guy at Sierra-At-Tahoe, Heavenly and most recently at Kirkwood. Blann will also be overseeing Risk Management and Loss Prevention for SquAlpine. The press release makes little mention of whether or not Mr. Blann actually gets out and enjoys skiing or riding on the mountain. We hope he does.
These two mountains have an incredibly rich history and diversity in terrain, and I look forward to celebrating that unique experience while maintaining consistent service to our guests at Alpine Meadows – Casey Blann, VP of Mountain Operations at Alpine Meadows
It’s a new era for Alpine Meadows. Blann was hired from outside of the Alpine Meadows organization, and to my recollection, it’s the first time that has happened. So much for knowing the history and culture that has defined Alpine Meadows since 1961. Industry insiders report that Blann is a “good guy.” We shall see what sort of changes he brings.
Mr Blann, along with other senior SVSH management, spoke up in favor of the proposed Village Development at the Planning Commission hearing. He suggested that Squawpine needs to keep up with South Lake Tahoe to remain competitive.
Isn’t Mr Blann the gentleman who was fired as GM from Kirkwood? Of course he is going to speak up in favor of the proposed expansion at Squaw. Job security for him. Sad position to be in.
At least he’s spent his life in the Ski Industry and not at Amex.
Is anyone really surprised KSL hand picked an outsider with no personal history or connection to Alpine to finish throwing dirt on the casket? No conflict of interest, no betrayal of friends and co-workers, just a guy with a fat title and fat paycheck who will be keen to follow the orders put in front of him by his new employer.
There will be much lip service about the “Alpine Customer” , but make no mistake, that is a forward looking demographic for what they want Squalpine to become, not the heritage customers who lament the ‘death’ of Alpine.
I built the original actual sign that sat on those posts coming into the parking lot the summer that Lakeview chair went in. Maybe 89 or 90, not sure, it was blue and silver letters on a natural wood back. Changed and updated through the years (I really didn’t like the black). Sorry to see the sign gone, not sorry I’m not there to see all the other changes. AM, always near my heart.
And you wonder why i suggest ksl be destoyed…
I meant destroyed. Sorry my anger made me commit a typo.
There is no use in getting mad at KSL. They are doing what private equity firms are supposed to do–make money for their investors, most of who couldn’t care less about skiing at Squaw or Alpine. As long as there is land to be developed someone, whether KSL or someone else, will develop it in the most profitable manner they can get away with. The responsibility for controlling growth in a manner compatible with preserving the environment and the quality of life rests with the county and town governments responsible for zoning, planning, permitting, requiring mitigation, and public transportation. There’s a reason developers are the biggest contributors to local elections. If we want smart, sustainable growth we need to elect commissioners and council members who support that goal.
I think it is alright to be mad at K$L. After all they are the ones who paid almost a million dollars so the locals would not have a chance to vote on their future. But I understand your logic. Placer county please cut us free.
Unfortunately, “we” make up a very small percentage of the county. The others are either indifferent, plain ignorant of what goes on above 3000′, or are wooed by the money trickling down the hill. It would be great if our local gov’t were really local, too bad IOV didn’t work, but I would be ok with a revolution in North Tahoe to secede from Placer County.
And, yes, I am mad at KSL. They can make money without screwing over an entire community and thousand of longtime patrons. While I can’t think of any, there has got to be some corporations with integrity. Right? Maybe?
I’m mad at the greedy bastards trying to ruin the area. No matter what their name or acronym is. Anyone who supports this project is a sad excuse for a human and should be ashamed of themselves.