It’s been awhile since we have written anything about Alpine Meadows. There’s a few things we have run across to share. Since some kids are already heading back to school next week, some people are ready to think about winter again. If you know me, I am always thinking about winter.
You now may be a member of “Club TSP”. Sure, it rolls right off the tongue, doesn’t it? If you have the Tahoe Super Pass for Squalpine, then you’re officially in “Club TSP.” Yeah, it took a minute for me to get it too. Although we have always had some summer tram privileges at Squaw, we now have some limited Sunday only benefits. From August 4th until September 22nd, passholders can access the High Camp pool and roller skating rink for free. There’s also discounts on other activities that make them just expensive instead of “resort expensive.” Some people like the pool scene and evidently there is music too.
Food trucks are in the works for Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley. A talent search is currently being held for a manager for the trucks. It does not require an audition for Food Network’s “The Great Food Truck Race.” Simply find the employment ad at Craigslist. The theme of the trucks is up for grabs, but the ad mentions “organic and regionally sourced cuisine.” Hopefully Sysco is not going to be considered as “regionally sourced.” It seems like it may be a smart marketing idea for summer events. It’s hard to imagine how it pans out in the winter.
I’ve also been asked to give people a bump on the Squaw Alpine Foundation 10K Challenge on August 24th. We reported on the coolness of the SAF and the 10K Challenge in this post in early July. The early registration deadline is approaching on August 10th. Hurry over to the SAF site to register now. You’re also welcome to dawdle and pay $10 extra for registration. The Alpine & Squaw teams appreciate your generosity.
In the not totally confirmed department…..
• There’s some shakeup in the snowmaking department at Alpine Meadows. Word on the street is that Rasta is moving on to a new career and indeed, a snowmaking manager is on the list of current employment openings.
• Another word on the street is that the entire summer trail crew has been let go at Alpine Meadows. Apparently these duties are being handed off to Ski Patrol to handle in all of their spare time. This somewhat made sense during the last two dry seasons after seeing patrol make miracles happen to get runs open with very limited coverage. In a normal year, with normal coverage, it makes much less sense.
Really hope the information about the summer crew is incorrect. Past two seasons has clearly showed that keeping the vegetation trimmed and pruned allows for some of the major runs to open with very little man made snow. So why would KSL decide to make this decision that in the long term would create major problems is another example of bean counters running the place instead of trained mountain managers.