To expand on UnofficialNetwork’s headline from 2011, “The Empire Strikes Again (And Again.)” School is back in session, frosty nights are returning, ski & snowboard movie teasers are posted on the Internet – and naturally our collective thoughts begin to think about skiing and riding again. Snow related online forums are once again showing signs of life, much of it in the form of hatred for KSL, owners of Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows.
In a sense they have brought this storm on themselves. Reducing local mountain workforces, raising day ticket prices, forcing out local businesses…and that unfortunate episode of “Undercover Boss”. They all leave many of us feeling undervalued. The promotion of expansion plans that include roller coasters, yoga studios, furniture stores and the Grand Camp make it clear that someone at KSL has their priorities in a place that does not serve any of us well, especially those of us that love sliding on snow.
Back in April, we happily reported that KSL had secured approval for three replacement chairlift projects that would have reduced lift waits, lift ride times, and improved terrain access. Here’s a quick review:
• Alpine Meadow’s Hot Wheels Upgrade: Would upgrade Hot Wheels to a high speed quad and raise the termination point to allow direct access to the Sherwood side. We already reported that this project would be delayed for a year, with the assumption being that Red Dog was a higher priority.
• Squaw Valley’s Red Dog Upgrade: Would upgrade Red Dog to a high speed six and change the alignment to reduce the fear inducing “high section.” Red Dog is important part of storm day operations at Squaw and increased capacity would be welcome.
• Squaw Valley’s Granite Chief Upgrade: Would upgrade Granite Chief to a high speed quad and change the alignment to allow easier access from Shirley and improve the space at the top of the lift for unloading skier’s and riders. Granite Chief is a favorite of many Squaw Valley patrons seeking escape from the usual Squaw scene.
Sadly, as we turn the corner from summer to fall season, it’s clear that none of these projects have come to fruition. That’s right, not one. Where are the priorities? Alex Cushing, the father of Squaw Valley, was famous for the words that “Squaw Valley is in the uphill transportation business.” We now know that that phrase is no longer in the KSL lexicon.
You may have noticed that there is a pretty big push at Squaw Valley to instead promote a water park and other amusement park features, a huge new development of condos and shared ownership cabins, as well as the requisite shopping and dining opportunities. As pointed out in our last post, this development is really not intended for 98% of us. Local bloggers and community forums have debated for the last two years about whether KSL was here to manage ski areas or sell condos, or could they possibly do both? We appear to have an answer.
There was a great post today in the TGR ski forum. User “Enlosandes” pointed out that true terrain expansions have been few and far between in Tahoe lately. The two that come to mind first: The Chutes at Mount Rose and Crow’s Nest at Sugar Bowl. Strangely enough, these are two of the last privately owned resorts in Tahoe. The corporatization of resorts might be as big a fear as global warming to the snowsports world.
Now it’s not all bad news, there are improvements out there to appreciate…
Squaw Valley
• Reportedly has a new yoga studio, furniture store, condo improvements….and that’s all I have got. Maybe those other Unofficial guys will post a Squaw update when the skiing is not so epic in the southern hemisphere.
Alpine Meadows
• We previously reported on the new on-hill signage and parking lot improvements. Both of these deferred maintenance items were definitely needed.
• We also reported on snowmaking improvements back in May. We’re happy to report that reader Troy has sent us a few pictures of the work in progress. These pipes were being laid in the area of Loop Road. If you have ever hiked Alpine Meadows in the summer, you know that parts of the snowmaking system were in very rough shape. It’s tough to say whether this work represents more deferred maintenance, an expansion of capacity, an expansion of terrain coverage, or all of the above.
Kudos to the Alpine Meadows mountain managers for keeping the focus on the mountain experience. We appreciate it a lot.
Mark,
Thank you for the update. Your efforts are appreciated. I’ll keep this short so you hopefully won’t chastise me again. Even if deserved.
Everyone needs to keep this in mind when dealing with KSL: Character, integrity, arrogance. KSL only has one of these.
Keep up the good work and always question motives.
beartrack
Please, don’t feel chastised by me. I appreciate all views posted here, as long as they don’t contain personal attacks.
Elsewhere in the world the resorts, the tourism boards, government etc etc devise a masterplan for the region.
My hill gets government money for a gondola, mass transit hubs, underground day parking, underground overrnight parking, etc etc. Every facet is considered, eg overtaking lanes for traffic, reinforcing areas prone to landlines on roads, underpinning roads undermined by seeping water, recycling waste water into snowmaking etc. And marketing and consultation the idea well is in the masterplan too. Some naughty people ‘resigned’ when conflicts of interest and self interest surfaced ended up with a tax agency and others making roosters into feather dusters too. Ultimately The Ruling Elite get their condos, and the snowball throwers get their day lodge on a bunny slope. Yoverall its a win/win for every demographic. Squaw should, at least, put out a plan that addresses the common concerns of many, or they’ll find there’s a new town mayor.
Thank you, Mark, for the update on all.
I am saddened, though not surprised at all, that nothing new will happen regarding updates to either ski hill.
You don’t have to be very bright at all to clearly see where both the “intention” and “attention” of KSL lies.
None of this translates to good news for any of us on any level at all.
Upgrades to existing lift systems aside —- personally, I cannot, with clear conscience, support a corporate entity that spouts about their grand plans for their own future revenue stream, when that same corporate entity has, thus far, clearly proven that they are incapable of even composing an email blast that contains accurate information. Seriously?
Will this corporation find some way to instill confidence — ever ?
See you on the Lake………..c
Ksl should’ve only made the new big blue express a high speed detatchable quad. It is unnecessary to build a high speed detatchable six pack for its length. Also, red dog should be upgraded to a high speed detatchable quad instead of a six person because there are rarely any lines at that lift currently. Granite chief should be upgrade though also to a high speed quad. A water park is ridiculous too. Where would they put it?
A 6 pak is imo planning for the hordes of tourist types they hope will come to a hi priced waterpark hotel condo resort. They’re smart in my view to expand the attraction ……. but then they just do weird unfathomable things.
Can you imagine how many registered ,locals they peeved off? Dumb, dumb, dump. Checks for Puppies is nice. Checks for underemployed registered locals would be nice too. Checks to the Make the Lawyers & Glossy Postman Richer Fund was a big FAIL. They’re mad.