The news keeps happening over the ridge at Squaw Valley. For the record, we have no connection with the Unofficial Squaw guys and we have no idea why they never post any real news anymore. Actually, we have a few ideas but we don’t really care. So in the interest of keeping people on top of things we offer three quick updates today from the land of our overlords.
Incorporate Olympic Valley Announces The Start Of A Leadership Team
Our friends at Incorporate Olympic Valley released some information today about their leadership team for the incorporation effort. If you have been attending the meetings or reading here, it’s not really “new” information. It definitely bears repeating for the many Olympic Valley residents that have not attended a meeting for IOV yet,
• Michael Colantuono has been retained as legal counsel for IOV. Mr. Colantuono was California’s State bar public lawyer of the year in 2010 and currently serves as the city attorney for Auburn and Grass Valley. He was appointed by the Rules Committee of the California State Assembly to the Commission on Local Governance and is an expert in Incorporate Law.
• Robert Van Nort will be serving on the negotiating team and in other capacities for IOV. Mr. Van Nort has more than 30 years of city manager experience including the resort towns of Bear Big Lake and Sun Valley, Idaho. He has been involved in the incorporation of four news cities, most recently in 2010. He is well versed in revenue neutrality negotiations and has been an integral part of other town incorporations
“We want to ensure our best chance for success and believe Michael and Robert bring invaluable expertise to our grassroots organization. Potential donors should take great comfort knowing that we have retained two of the best to advance our cause.” said Fred Ilfeld, IOV Chairman. About 30% of the incorporation costs have been raised so far. More information on IOV is available at heir site, which has also been recently upgraded.
KSL Pulls The Plug On The Mtn Kids Playcare Facility
The details are still sketchy on this one. KSL has pulled the plug on a new facility for the Mtn Kids Playcare program. Apparently, construction on the new site had already begun and the plug was pulled at the 11th hour. The facility would have provided a daycare/playcare facility targeted at both visitors and local residents. Plans were in place for play care, after school programs and special programs like camps and children’s parties.
There’s not a clear reason for the decision. We can only hazard a guess that it interfered with the soon to be announced revisions to KSL development plans in Squaw Valley. The fate of the program itself if unknown at this time. More information on Mtn Kids is available here.
Powder Magazine Releases KT Cheryl’s “Keep Tahoe True” Video Segment
A couple of weeks ago we reported on the “Keep Tahoe True” series at Powder Magazine. Squaw Valley local Cheryl Varner was one of several locals to appear in the article. Her video segment was released this week and it’s a little insight into just how laid back KT Cheryl can be. I’ll let you know now, the video seems to have filmed in the snowless spring season, so there are no shots of skiing powder in the video. After the last post, some Squaw people got their panties in a wad because they were not profiled in Powder magazine instead of Cheryl. So no, you will not be able to watch the video and then post some angry comment proclaiming you’re the best skier on the mountain. Actually you can still post that, we’ll just know you are not serious. I know I am happy to know Cheryl. She’s a fine representative of the true Squaw local. Here’s the video:
First, thanks for the vid on KT Cheryl. Yeah, I know it should’ve been me, the most awesome rad skier of all time, oh …. and Snowgod. 🙂
I hear the IOV Board appointed Jamie Schechtman to the IOV Board. Jamie is working with smaller resorts and their towns on a whole range of things, including solar power and recharging stations. We at Mt Utopia are pleased.
Hopefully KSL are paying heed and follow all the ideas , the social inclusion stuff, and tune in to Vail Resorts first quater results soon. Squaw really could be the Gold Standard. But please, no more half-baked ideas like $290 bus seats or plopping a museum where the bus shelter has gone in.
Ullr.
Will Squaw go down down down like Intrawest’s $1.13b loss?
“There’s a saying among skiers and snowboarders: “Go big or go home.” Intrawest Resorts, a giant in the skiing business, has chosen the former.
The Denver-based company has filed plans for an initial public offering shortly after one of the worst winters for snow on record and while mountain real estate is still digging out from the 2008 recession. The company’s plan to huck onto Wall Street could be a disaster.
Sure, Intrawest’s assets are impressive. It has stakes in seven North American resorts, owning outright Steamboat, Winter Park, Mont Tremblant, Stratton, and Snowshoe Mountain, plus half of Blue Mountain and 15 percent of Mammoth. The company also owns and operates one of the world’s largest heli-skiing outfits, Canadian Mountain Holidays in British Columbia, where it collects almost $2,000 a night from snow-crazed chief executives and other affluent guests. Finally, Intrawest operates a private vacation club, in which members can book stays at eight swanky resorts around North America.
VIDEO: Why Aren’t More People Skiing in the U.S.?
There are a lot of attractive things about the ski business. For one, barriers to entry are huge—literally and figuratively. The target market is generally affluent and—once they get to the mountain—captive. That makes it easier to sell them food and rent them gear. Meanwhile, technological improvements have made it easier than ever to make graceful turns in all kinds of snow conditions, from corduroy to corn to crud.
Still, skiing is anything but a growth area. Participation has been more of less flat for the past decade.
And the business’s supply chain—namely, nature—is incredibly fickle and inefficient. The winter of 2011-12 by some measures delivered the worst snowfall in at least two decades. Not surprisingly, Intrawest’s skier visits plunged 14 percent.
STORY: The Least Annoying Ski Weekend Ever
Resort executives generally have a couple of tricks to survive those tough spells: drawing more off-season guests for golf and weddings, and selling real estate. That’s what Vail Resorts (MTN) has done. Nuptials are pretty recession-proof, but real estate is not—especially buildings of the vacation-home variety. In the last three years, Intrawest took $156 million in impairment charges on its real-estate assets, roughly 10 percent of its revenue for the period.
Put an anemic snow year and a terrible recession together and you get huge losses for a resort operator. Inrawest lost money in each of the past three years, $1.13 billion in all. To make matters worse, a recent audit found “deficiencies” in its financial reporting system.
At the end of the day, the ski business is kind of like skiing itself: In perfect conditions, it’s glorious. But bluebird powder days are few and far between. Undeterred, Intrawest is casting itself as an epic investment opportunity. We’ll see if anyone lines up.”
http://bit.ly/I7O7DK
Squamish, like an interconnected Utah, will take Squaw’s slice of the pie, not the other way round, Mr Wirth.
Of the 25% of visitors to Tahoe, most are Canadian. Will they stay long at Squaw or move around the lake as they tour All of California.
Another large group are near JaPow – 3 to 12 hour flights – with $350 return flights on AirAsia to Japanese pow and Japanese culture. (We can stay in marginal snow and eat and reside at a McDonalds and Hiltons anywhere else).
Where will these destination skiers, green season people, and condo buyers come from?
Why will condo buyers chose SV over, say, about 100 acres on places at Kirkwood or the developments at Tahoe Vista and Tahoe City? Why buy in a resort when the lift company might screw up mtn ops or screw you in locker prices, paid parking, lift pass prices, or whatever.
And why is Mr Chevis working on a plan first before sitting down with those who might say “umm, but if you did this and that, we all come out winners”. Then devise the winning idea and present it as a truly collaborative effort.
For the life of me, I can’t see how KSL can get its ‘expert’ figures past the County.
Please buy in Tahoe City, they need the help.
How can KSL compete against
– half a BILLION dollars in France,
– the Vail Resorts passes in US, Switzerland, France und Austria,
– 1/2 a billion prject at Squawmish?
– Utah’s interconnect lift plans too.
– Kirkwood’s 70 acres that spans from the Inn to up the slopes for real ski in/out. lodging. (I’m not walking to a condo ‘at the back’ of SV for lunch if I ski in my balcony at Kirkwood!).
If you like, here’s the link to the article on Chamonix’s 1/2 BILLION project.
http://www.chamonet.com/events/news/chamonix-announce-half-billion-ski-area-investment.html
“The Epic Pass is key. For $729, people anywhere can buy the pass good for skiing at any of Vail’s 10 American resorts, plus 16 more in Europe. This year, Carrig said, more than 300,000 people in 80 countries bought an Epic Pass.
Because Salt Lake City International Airport is just an hour from Canyons, that could be big for Utah. It’s an easy hop from Los Angeles and San Diego. Minneapolis and Detroit also have direct flights to Salt Lake.
“We hope Utah is attractive in helping us get more penetration in the Southern California market,” Carrig said.
Bob Wilbanks, editor of The National Ski Club Newsletter, predicted Utah will see a big visitation increase because of the Epic Pass.
“All of that market they’ve developed on the West Coast and Colorado is available,” he said, “and you’ve got ski clubs all over the country who now have a reason to come to Utah.”
KSL has mega competition for the destination market, don’t they?
Andy wants to target the grassroots-to-the-Olympics club set of big spending regulars. He sees the pics on facebook, but can he do it?
Hey, saw the Curriculum Vitae for the IOV people. Tis nice to see a dedicated locals with lots of diverse experience assisted by a specialist lawyer and a very experienced town manager.
Incorporate Olympic Valley board members are a group of long time residents who believe the future of their community should be decided upon locally.
Tom Day has been a resident of Squaw Valley since 1984 and has been featured in many ski movies before finding his true talent behind the camera. He has filmed in every continent capturing some of the top action sports athletes in the world. A father of two, Tom hopes Squaw Valley will remain the beautiful place for future generations.
Lizzy Day’s Mom and Dad first built the family cabin in Squaw Valley in 1960, the year of her birth. Lizzie moved to Squaw Valley as a permanent resident in 1978, was hired as a ski instructor on the hill, and then earned a teaching credential. Lizzie and Tom’s two children, Danny and Leanore, were born and raised in the Valley and are 3rd generation Squaw skiers.
Nancy Elrod is a registered Professional Engineer, who has resided with her husband in Squaw Valley for 12 years. She has worked extensively on residential structural designs in California, and her work has taken her to Alaska as a transportation engineer for the Federal Government and as a private consultant. Skiing is her passion, and she competes in freeskiing competitions. She has traveled to many places in the world to ski, but enjoys being home and skiing at Squaw Valley most of all.
Dr. Fred Ilfeld Jr. is a psychiatrist and sociologist, retired from clinical medical practice, but still teaching psychiatric residents at the University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine. His interests lie in small group dynamics, conflict resolution, community development, and philanthropy. Fred has served the local community with ten years on the Board of the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation and is a past Board Chairman. He has been a property owner in Squaw Valley for 34 years and lived here as a full-time resident for the past 14 years. Currently he is the Board Chair of Incorporate Olympic Valley.
Jamie Schectman first watched the movie “Hot Dog” during high school and knew right away what he wanted to do with his life. In 1987, he moved to Squaw Valley to become a ski bum, first as a lift operator, then front desk/night auditor at the old Squaw Valley Inn and was part of the opening management team at the Resort at Squaw Creek in 1990. Over the past 25+ years he has witnessed the evolution of Squaw Valley and is excited to Incorporate as a town to help determine the future. Jamie is CEO and Co-founder of Mountain Rider’s Alliance.
Peter Schweitzer has been a homeowner in Olympic Valley since 1999, skier are Squaw since 1976. His early years were spent at Clair Tappan Lodge, skiing Signal Hill and Sugar Bowl. He founded and was President of Design Hotels from 1991 until 2001. He is the founder and owner of Tahoe Transportation and Schweitzer Pacific Tours (tour operator). He has extensive knowledge of hotel development and travel, both corporate, incentive and leisure. Peter is currently President of Appsolutehotels and The JPS Group.
Glenn Spiller has been a North Tahoe resident for over 35 years and has extensive experience in the bicycle industry. He was the founder of Olympic Bike Shop in Tahoe City in 1976. Glenn was also the General Manager of Benotto bicycles from 1983 until 1986 and was the founder and President of Sinclair Imports from 1986 until 2006. Glenn is now semi retired, but he drives a dump truck during the summer months and skis everyday at Squaw and Alpine during the winter. Glenn is a life long avid skier and cyclist.
good to see they raised about a third of the money they need too. $30,000 is like $15,000 per monthly meeting on average. Just wondering but our not for profits issue debenture promissory notes, like a loan, which could be repaid from the tot taxes the town will charge KSL.
In case fundraising is needed, the Cal Bar Association are soon holding a (free I think) webinar talk on tax and fundraising for not-for-profits.
Our group raised funds from BP (interest free) and from skiers to build a medical center, buy ambulances, staff the med center/patrol and build 2 tax free bars and tax free lodges and tax free restaurants. The funds were returned to donors with things like free lifetime season passes and free resort parking when lift companies wanted a bit of our land for a road. The the govt gave us free money every year around $400k per year to run events and build tourism. Is anything like that done in Norcal?
Mark,
didn’t the Hoedown raise $30,000, and aren’t LAPCO costs $25,000. Maybe FoSV need a hoedown, sell tee shirts, throw a bbq spit night, or something?
I don’t know the exact Hoedown results…not sure anyone does as there were so many different sources of money going in and out. The number is likely closer to 10K…but yes, something significant needs to happen soon.
MS Ink’s promo piece for the hoedown sheds a little light : “Fischer said he hopes to raise $15,000 to $25,000 with the hoedown; tickets are $50 for the weekend and are limited to 500 people. All profits go to the Plumas Ski Club.”
Totally agree that something has to be done, and its not like money spinning ideas weren’t floated before, at and after the town meetings.
The town people can of course delegate the organisational function for events, or are locals worried the overlord will git em?
We need a Hoedown, Throw down, to be come a Town! Stables ? Mitch?
How hard is it to organise a picnic or pot luck with a local band for a hoedown?
Someone should know the numbers! Dig deep.
Stand at the front entrance with a big sign saying “Cheap Parking $20; Valet Parking $100”. 🙂
Liking the positive posts and updates…I have been here for a while now, not as long as some but long enough to see the ebb and flow of the north shore. I may sound like a broken record but I am not hearing enough from other local business owners/concerned parties about the funneling of tourist dollars into KSL/Vail rather than local business (truckee/n.shore).
The last major squaw expansion KILLED Tahoe city, which has still yet to recover fully. I truly fear what will happen to us if Squaw and Homewood move forward to see their expansions come to fruition. This corporations have been hiring cheap labor from out of country, they siphon profits to stake-holders who live far far away and they aggressively handle the few local owned businesses left in their “villages” to keep them “under control”.
Any claim by KSL of increased skier visits/dollars has ZERO bearing on the vitality of our community. The Iron-man is a perfect example of a KSL monopolized event that killed north shore business’s. We all lost thousands that weekend…the 14million impact figure may have been true for the village at squaw but for the rest of us we got hosed.
rant over…it is snowing!
This politics-economics-lobbying-investigating is new territory and scarey for businesses and locals who wil ride the coat-tails of donors and public figures. Hire an external lobbyist imo.
Will the town planning bods need an economic review from experts in alpine, eg to query the occupancy and eco/road/water/infrastructure impact figures as put forward by KSL to date.
Most towns dictate that shops need a set number of free car parks depending on the shop use. A bar for example will need more spaces than a ATM machine. Spaces must be free to prevent people parking in side streets for free. Do you think KSL are designing free spaces. Also, if the condo sale managment agreement says “we can rent out the owners spot and his condo”, they won’t sell the condos imo. KSL better go back to the drawing board.
btw, SV reported they were ‘up’ 40% in occupancy. Other places that were ‘helped’ by SV Reservations say they were 98% full in the whole month of August ie SV can spread the love …but crowds prevented staff arriving at work on time or at all. Places closed!
Keep this in mind: KSL gathers YEARS of real data, not info from small online surveys. Imo the locals need to start thinking “What will the judge want to see one day” and then get the staff now. Likewise with local politics: go to festival carparks with fliers that ask “Will your resort’s parking bays and lift lines fill with Squaw’s refugees?”. Get email addresses (eg thru the IT behind comps like the Vote for ….in Powdermag’s Throwdown), get people talking at their resorts, and let the politicians know that every mistake (eg “the $200k” for ‘experts’) can be audited and publicisized.
One of the contractors mentioned to a friend that the Mtn Kids facility was pulled last minute due to a lack of an adequate fenced in outdoor play area. (How’s that for first, err, third hand knowledge) Could be totally false, but sounds plausible.
I believe there is more to it than that. The operating agreement for MK was also seriously modified, unrelated to the construction details.
but Gretchen thinks Sierra Watch broke the new on the pipe. ????Huh? We read that hear at least a month earlier, and on another site they say there were embrionic ‘discussions’ in 08 or 09. Keep on top of KSL. Sooner or later they’ll realise the jig is up.
– ‘Elliott Ness’
Here’s just one letter from MS which pre-dates the bus terminal pour near 7/11 and also pre-dates Sierra Watch’s story!
“Hello. Are you Americans talking to each other .. Is not the area of many acres in or around the 7/11 and the road intersection not earmarked for a) roadwidening and reconfigeration …d) a bus terminal with carparking and a pull off lane, and e) water pipes to the KSL condominiums from the Lohanton water pumping area, ie under the road? ..
Submitted by Gerhart on Sat, 10/12/2013 –
PS: say hi to KT Cheryl.
With luck, KSL will sit down and talk. Throwing a rumoured $80,000 away is a waste in any investors’ mind.
Is Andy back on deck yet?
Why aren’t FoSV handing out info in the carpark – look at the crrowd!!! http://snowbombfestsanjose.eventbrite.com/?discount=snowbomb
In your link there’s a pic of a skyscraper, rofl!!!!! Subliminal messaging maybe??? http://snowbombfestsanjose.eventbrite.com/?discount=snowbomb
Lol, that’s the pic Sierra Watch or FoS used to show HALF the number of beds in KSL’s compound.
PS: Saw the link to your site on tgr btw, Nice to see the poite and informative debate here.
http://unofficialalpine.com/?p=2302“
Dear UnofficialSqualpine,
Gee, that has a nice ring to it 🙂
Of course you could always see if “weloveKSL.com” is still available 🙂
The Unofficial Squaw blog is useless. Thank you for keeping us informed! How has KSL kept the news of Andy Wirths’ accident out of the media?
Unofficial Squaw Headquarters is not even in Squaw any more, try New York! And yea, what is the condition of the CEO?? Anyone?
With luck he’s simply recovering slowly and enduring the rigors of horrid physio. Don’t worry because they can rebuild him. The new and improved version might even have bionic ears to listen with
Steve Austin 🙂
Looking at http://ow.ly/r1kbX I recall execs like AW raving about a revelation to the effect that 14-17 year olds tell the parents where to holiday in the snow. However the 14 year old turns 17 in 3 short years while the folks approach 50 so I ask “Is there a big enough pool of these families to fill condos all year round? I also ask “Do the over 45 year old families with 15 year old kids really want a theme park in Squaw Valley instead of real cruises and real theme parks?”. Imo, no. But build programs and appealing family events – like those AW sees on facebook – and you’ll sell ‘the dream’ with the real estate, the team programs etc.
What do your readers think?
KT Cheryl embodies the spirit of the real skiers in a real place. You rock KT!
I remember the naysayers on another site saying ‘nay’ to the teenagers telling parents where to go but they scoffed at the ‘8 mile pipe’ idea, the amalgamation of boards, and anything else those armchair gurus couldn’t imagine was in the pipeline.
Noting the out of court settlement in the 80s (I think) about the Well, what rights do KSL to have to build over it, or is there some deal in the wings?
I thought to SVPOA said a well might be moved. Wasn’t the move tied up with a poo and water pipe idea raised a few years ago? threads claim there were talks in 2008 about extra plants going near the 7/11/School/Daves place so I think the County should’ve told the boS and Museum about it.
Hi
I know a warehouse that expanded to add a floor and shed over an aquifer. The floor supported forklifts and products for an importer. Over time, the soil fell in to to aquifer taking the flooring with it. The tenant, an importer, was taken to Court because fine print made him responsible for sitting on his hands while the floor sank and sank and sank.
With sinkholes in mind, I ask how can KSL build multiple storeys anywhere near the Cantina’s Well. Buildings after all weigh more than stacks of imports in shipping containers. I also wonder if fine print says condo owners will pay for fixing landslipe and cracks. Would you buy a house build over a big hole?
On an environmental angle, how can anyone justify building over a Well. 1. That shuts down a valuable resource at a time the developer is claiming global warming will get them. Wouldn’t a ski resort want water for snowmaking and a pool complex ..yet KSL wants to build over a Well?
Or are they going to pipe the Well to another place? If that’s the idea. there’ll be 300 gals a minute running through a building. Any mishap, like a earth-shake, could flood people in their beds or in the carpark, or should I stop watching those 1970 disaster movies? :
Cheerio
It defies belief that in all the consultations with unlicensed lobbyists etc that these jigsaw pieces weren’t front and center – things like the new bus terminal, the $290 bus seats, the wells, the museum, the kids camp, the 8 mile pipe, the regional water board amalgamation, road works, bike paths, the new fire station, the parking changes, the rerouting a road over a new (?) bridge in TC, etc etc. For crying out loud, where are tour buses to turn around? There’s no Tesla Superstation for recharging E Cars. – and Nissan is bringing one out and it’s a nice one that’ll appeal to Battlestar Galactica fans.
Does the BoS actually know what’s in the pipeline, or is someone redesigning stuff as they go along? Are KSL’s redevelopment team working in the social programs into the new design – core groups are great for steady regular business, summer and winter, midweeks and weekends. Are they aware that some of those business models and contracts ‘suck’, like the ones flooding the market.
Seriously, if I was an investor in KSL I’d be asking wtf is going on. How hard is it to sit down, talk with the neighbors, and devise a resort that deals with everything from underground poop pipes to palatial penthouses.
As 711CarnBay says, overlords ride rough over shop leases. Those following posts on another site about the lease litigation in Park City know that tenants need to be really really pro-active, know ‘the tricks’, and beat the game before cards are dealt. As I read the threads on that site and the updates in the Park City news, the lawyers in LA and Park City even changed the proceeding ‘coincidentally’ after posts raised legal ideas. SV’s tenants should be prepared for an overlord who will probably want them out of the way during construction.
Hi
One must ask if the CEO needs help when Google draws one to a litany of stories such as the story extracted below.
” It’s clear that KSL has made a lot of people unhappy in Locker Room 3 this week. We have received a number of complaints via email and in person on the subject of locker pricing for next year. Here’s the brief synopsis:
Locker renewal emails were initially sent out saying that lockers could be renewed at the same prices as last year. Everyone was happy, as this was the first year without an increase in recorded history. Later an “oops” email was sent out with revised pricing. The good news is that for 15″ lockers the price was actually reduced from $439 to $429. The terrible news was that rates for 12″ lockers were increased from $309 to $429, a raise of about 39%. This really does not come as a shock to me as KSL had no qualms about raising the price of a kid’s lift ticket 140% or in nearly doubling the fees for children’s ski teams at Alpine Meadows. There certainly seems to be some inequity in the pricing scheme that has some people angry. A 12″ locker is much smaller, especially in an era where fat skis and snowboards have become the norm.
Sadly, I have already talked to 3 different long term residents of Locker Room 3 that will not be returning. The sad part is that we are selling out to Squaw Valley. There is almost no doubt that the new tenants will be Squaw Valley ex-pats who have found that Alpine Meadows is a great mountain, with cheaper lockers and better parking. So Andy Wirth’s promise of keeping Alpine and Squaw as separate mountains….don’t get me started.
Update: One reader has reported that the team locker room (located behind the lost and found kiosk to the right of Viva Treats) will be eliminated next season for not being “up to standards”. It would be the loss of yet another Alpine Meadows institution.
I’ll end this report with one of the passionate e-mails I received on the subject. It says the same thing a lot of people want to say:
“Wow….
I just love corporate America.
So….. yes… your friend is actually completely accurate. Last year the fee for my 12″ locker was $309.00 — and yes, the request this last week was that I gratefully pay $429 for that same locker this year (f*** them) — a 38.8% increase over last year’s price — AND that I should be thrilled, pleased, grateful and happy to watch my neighbor buddy open his own 15″ locker (right next to my own) for which he pays the same (or even slightly LESS THAN???? — WTF???) price than last year.
REALLY?
The good news is that I have spent the afternoon/evening dwelling on my own miserableness which has been (today) dictated by this evil corporation who TELLS people what they want and makes them believe what they want. Hmmmmmmm…………… and I (AT LEAST) have come out the other side of the thought process with a basic and solid (if not…… sobering) and very real understanding that my own attachment to skiing has absolutely NOTHING to do with the little metal box in Locker Room #3 (OH HEY:!!!! price tag $429.00!!!! THIS YEAR ONLY!~!!!!!! —- get it while it’s a real deal — and expect that KSL will stick it all straight up your a**!!!! ) and the sober realization that —- that very real understanding and knowledge that that particular metal box does not contain my heart nor my soul regarding my passion for skiing (all forms), and, therefore, I am pleased and actually quite happy to cough up my little metal box to another, more wealthy (or clueless?) individual…..
Along with my own, personal, resounding rendition of: “F*** YOU KSL!!!!!”
I care little or not about the corporate intention and financial gain of this evil corporation who now runs the show here (WAKE UP TAHOE!!!!!). Although,I do care — ENORMOUSLY — about the environmental cost, the expense to wildlife, the sky….. and everything else that we will lose —– FOREVER —- —- (THE INCONVENIENT TRUTH — catchy little title, don’t a think?????) before our very uninterested eyes. I, however, do expect to be treated, personally, with fairness and truthfulness. (An apparent dream – given today’s corporate truthfullness and communication.)
And OH – hey! — FOR THE RECORD — IN CASE THERE IS ACTUALLY A HUMAN BEING MONITORING INCOMING COMMENTS (that would, of course, require a pulse) —- and not that anyone actually really cares:
I’ve been an Alpine skier/passholder for two (2) plus decades and have been a locker leaseholder of a 12″ locker leasehold commitment (for myself) the last entire two decades: (why do I picture the corporate reader of this writing yawining and rolling his eyes!!!) ALSO: in addition to my own 12″ locker rental, I have/had sustained a previously-committed to another (yeah — I know you don’t give a sweep rip!) ten (10) full previous years of leasehold commitments concerning a separate 15″ locker (previously for my then-ski team child — which was relinquished by myself last year in a professional, fair and orderly and timely manner in order to [one-would-think-rightfully] enable the mounton to expediently offer to another — due to my own lack of future need — kids grow up!) and — ALL IN THAT STINKY, SWEATY, AND SMELLY LOCKER-ROOM #3!!!!
Oh —- and yeah —- so you know: through all of those years (recited above), I was a single LOCAL TAHOE WAGE full-time mother supporting my child, entirely by myself ,and supporting her ski team participation.
And soooooooo:
NO.
I don’t expect to be treated specially by your incoming CORPORATION.
I don’t expect to receive a big award for my own life of choosing.
I don’t expect (or want) to be an unwilling participant on the “Under Cover Boss”.
Nope …. Not at all.
I do, however, EXPECT be treated with fairness and truthfulness.
When I read this article on how hard realtors work, I thought
– look at the massive slump in prices from 2006. That realtor became a cleaner because the slump was so bad,
– ‘Is SV Real Estate licensed as a realtor or can they sell their own assets themselves’? In other words, will the local agents get fat or miss out?
– will the market sour in KSL’s 15 year construction timetable?
– can a County say “you must build stage 1, then stage 2 and only if you met the folowing criteria of success.
http://www.moonshineink.com/columns/home-slice
PS: Have the IOV People ever seen Intrawest’s manuals that alter sales/marketing programs with every small change in the economy?
Mark,
Not far from me a county allowed houses on infilled land.
Years later gas bubbled up.
The small suburb was unliveable and the county was sued, I think. Can condo owners sue Ms Montgomery’s County and every county official for dereliction of duty in public office in the event something goes wrong with building on “disturbed infill” or is it best the infilled land be left alone?
On another note, how does one insure against building defects on places built on a marshy wet giant hole? If i understand correctly, the acquifer is only 61 feet below the surface. Surely no one built on it in the last 50 years because they thought no one will buy anything built on a swamp?
It is sad that such an amazing community of people are at the mercy of massive Corporations that have no real desire to improve anything then their bottom line. KSL had a five year lease agreement with Mountain Kids and they put the project on “pause” till April. After changing terms to “quit at anytime” not allowing Mountain Kids any options to secure the investment.
Mountain kids was for ALL of Squaw’s children , visitors, ski team, charter students, and preschool options. Designed to be at a level of care surpassing any program currently at any resort. Two years in the making and truly a community effort. A Green conscious movement with real activities for children to better understand impacts on Earth. Then play on a massive indoor structure and have FUN both with body and mind.
KSL tore down the foundation forms and called off 6 trucks with cement coming to complete foundation. There was no licensing issue. KSL broke the agreement …. Sad and true
“Money is like manure if you spread it around good things will grow. If you pile it up it just stinks”
But but but ….imagine how many parking spaces are needed for all those poor ol’ armored car guys carrying all the heavy bags full of creche money from KSL’s own kids center. Those poor KSL people have private school fees so they really need the money.
Now ask yourself “What if I ran a nice fat juicy diner or bar that’ll compete, or which might sue the landlord for interference?
You guys need to be vigilant and tough, or move.
Before any team goes in to negotiate, carry a big stick, gather as much info as possible, and get fund raising asap.
I was reading the legal papers in Park City’s anti trust case over Canyons/Park City, and then Park City MR added all these extra defendants with allegations about ‘backdated’ revised draft Credit facility agreements: there were 3 hush hush rewrites of the 5th hush hush Agreement! Anyway, what laws protect small business tenants from resort-owned shops and from developments like food trucks?
Mark-san
Dr Henevel’s or Dr Ifleld 9 point plan and letter in the POA News are very well written.
On the other hand, Jennifer Montgomery’s letter says its too early to say anything. When is a good time, Jen?
I think there’s too many balls in the air for her to keep an eye on, or she’s not on the ball.
All the tenants should ask themselves “does the landlord drool over the money he could make if he takes my place over’.
If I was a tenant, I’d want any grand jury in this entire affair to dig into things, “When, if ever, did KSL first think “Hey, we could be sued for economic loss or get injuncted for ruining business with construction unless we take these dining places over for ourselves’.
I’d also want to know how a landlord can allow food trucks to take business away from his tenanted shopkeepers.
I’d also ask my leasing lawyer “Are you insured for not telling me ‘look out, after all landlords compete with tenants and also take over places – like ski hires – for themselves’. A smart tenant asks himself “What would Gordon Gecko do if he sees me succeed with this type of restaurant?”
Circus, I know you, you are right on.
The locker thing was the last straw for me (of many).
I can get full passes at Donner for my family of 4 for about what it would cost me for a smelly 12 inch locker in room 3.
Going to Donner, and then graduating to Sugar Bowl.
See you there, D
Thanks Dana.
KSL needs to hire better ‘undercover bosses’. As an ex VP, any staff member or customer – and that’s kids in teams to members of the NY Club who carried Commcast’s exec off a hill in New Zealand – could talk, whine, whatever. Good ideas were implemented. Often there was a nub of merit in gripes too. Corruption was stomped on early. Liability under employment law or bullying was stomped on – early. We rode buses from cities to talk to travellers, and put them in affordable lodging if they wanted to convert from day tripper to regular. And more.
KSL have to ‘walk a mile in the shoes of’ , say, a newcomer to the region who’ll opt for a car to carry ski luggage with plans to tour the region, instead of that bus.
They have to look at road encroachments, their plans to overload sewerage from Areas M & N & P, the parking etc etc.
I have grave fears about the “peer review” by “masterplan planners” – we sacked ours and sent the cops and tax office after them.
Rant over.
Here’s a recent letter fyi:
Hello friends and neighbors! We hope your excitement is growing in anticipation of the upcoming ski season. Here’s hoping for a return to “normalcy” with regard to snow fall.
As most of you are aware, for the last few months we paused our pursuits of entitlements for the expansion of the Village at Squaw Valley to complete several important tasks:
Review and analysis of the volumes of input from our community outreach efforts that included over 300 meetings and over 5,000 visits to Base Camp.
Third party peer reviews of our current village plan by other qualified mountain master planning firms, and
Development and thorough analysis of several alternative plan scenarios that incorporate many of the sage recommendations from you all and other stakeholders.
Our key objectives from these valuable reflective exercises is to emerge with a revised development plan that:
Addresses the majority of concerns and objections to the current plan, while
Satisfying our most critical needs of expanded quality bed base and four-season attractions.
While we have been working diligently on the process above, we are still several weeks away from completing same.
You’ve been speaking, we’ve been listening and now we’re executing. We are confident that you will be proud of the results.
Chevis
Yup. A saw that letter a few weeks ago. I was asked not to publish it at that time. But now is not that time and I am just posting your comment. 😉
I saw it on facebook feeds.
Mr Chevis’ letter is still there thanks to a facebook link. I hope people know about googlecache, timemachine or printing things off when the things can still be found.
I see they mention 300 meetings …some with those unlicensed lobbyists perhaps?
I see they met 5000 people at Base Camp. Were the 5000 as informed as the readers on teton (33,000 views), UA, MShine (20,000 views), Sierra Sun and SF Gate/Chronicle?
I see they had masterplanners review things – like the $290 bus seats that crashed when NS and counties stopped writing checks?
I don’t see any mention of them sitting down with the reps of about 300 to 500 signatories to petetitions and surveys.
I don’t see the ‘vanished’ 2nd parking area that disappeared in version 2. Where is the parking/employee lodging area near SC Road. Where’s this, where’s the pipe, where’s the cambered road fixes and bus stops etc etc. Where will the Well go?
Where is the upgrade to sewer lines in areas MNOP?
Where is the parking for walkers through Shireley Canyon where a dozen houses will be?
It will be good to see how well thought out the new plan will be.
Hey Mon,
Are dem rasta jamiacan medicos buying on a river near the AM Rd?
Do the condos on the other side of the river know who their new neighbour might be coz I hope the neighbours like Reggae, Mon.
…as a comment to an op-ed.
At least KSL sound like they’re taking ideas on board but I hope the sale contracts aren’t the type that Schumann tried, unsuccessfully, to sell to millionaires. He dumped them on the market in the end. Oh, he bought 2 Canadian resorts, where it snows, rather than build more condos, an airport and things like KSL seem to be doing.
I can’t find that letter now on MShine.
Is it top secret
The letter was on that other site too, along with the Minutes about the grant to assess the now infamous ‘8 mile pipe’ under the road where the Museum might go.
Btw, how can a County give $200,000 for “experts” to select one site (the rest weren’t for sale) that was earmarked for a freaking big pipeline one day? Can Jennifer Montgomery say why she wanted the Museum on the 7/11 side, or are the pipes supposed to go through the middle of an intersection and hold up more traffic than necessary?
Sierra Watch wrote: “Martis Water for Squaw Development?Squaw Valley water providers are looking to Martis Valley to meet growing water supply needs.
Initial studies are assessing the possibility of running an eight-mile pipe from under Martis Valley, across the Truckee River, and up to Squaw.
The work is apparently being conducted independent of KSL’s development proposals. But there would clearly be a relationship between that kind of infrastructure and any new development. After all, in California, as the saying goes, water flows uphill – towards money.”
Why would something be ‘independent of KSL’s development proposals”, was it mentioned at the public cosultations, and was the Board of Supervisors telling the Museum people about all things relevant? Finally. why aren’t the locals aware of these things until snippets appear.
Hey that’s good news, the bit about them revising plans. There’s a lot of plain ol common sense in Dr Ed’s 9 points and all the other letters.
Apart from, for example, fixing the poor and dangerous camber on the bends (while laying the 8 mile pipe) they should look at walking bridges over the creek near the Extended Stay Condos (where the old green place is near the entry to the Canyon).
They should loock at ways to build the community – they are better ‘salesmen’ on the net than any PR firm – with ideas that will make the once-a-week visitor want to stay every weekend, including summer.
Operationaly they need to think like real skiers and, as importantly, think like the newcomer.
Keep up the good work!
As tourist, dear Uunofficialalpine. I’m looking forward to the sales of surplus rooms that’ll make beds really attractive and cheap. Tak, Tourist.
…some people think KSL’s new specific plan thing could be released mid Decembre.
What exactly did the 5000 visitors know when they saw the model. Were they aware the meeting faciltators were fined for unlicensed lobbying? Were they told the model is 15% lower because the scaled height was different to the scale used for the base? Were they told there’s no free parking, or that the slopes will become an elite destination for the 1%.
Were they told bus seats cost $290 per seat to run – and that was before Washoe and others bailed out of the plan.
I suspect there are lots of things the 5000 might’ve said asked if they were truly consulted.
Let’s hope KSL’s next set of plans embrace the common sense in Dr H’s 9 points and FoSV’s Values document.
http://www.moonshineink.com/comment/25412#comment-25412
PS: Moonshine’s op-ed has more than 11000 views. The momentum is growing don’t you agree?
As I reflect on the life and achievements of JFK, I read how he approved the $1.4m loan that started Park City ski resort in Utah. will Andy Wirth do down in history as a Cushing, a visionary and unifier, or as a real estate saleman? Let’s make Squaw the Gold Standard of ski resorts for ALL.
Hmmm, this legal newsletter seems to say the condo developers can sell places that will never have water or utilities …and the buyers can’t escape?
“On September 26, 2013, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2600, which would exempt the sale and lease of condominium units from certain requirements of the Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act (ILSFDA). The bill awaits further action in the Senate, where is it being reviewed by the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee.
ILSFDA is a consumer protection statute originally adopted to prohibit fraud arising out of the sale of land without access or utilities or that was unbuildable. ILSFDA regulates the sale of “lots” by imposing registration requirements as well as anti-fraud provisions. Unless a property qualifies for an exemption, ILSFDA generally requires that the property be registered with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which took over oversight of ILSFDA from HUD. ILSFDA also includes anti-fraud provisions that impose various requirements and prohibitions with regard to advertising and sales.
ILSFDA includes full exemptions and partial exemptions. If H.R. 2600 becomes law, condominium sales will be entitled to a partial exemption.
***** Under this partial exemption, condominium developers will no longer be required to register their projects under ILSFDA, provide property reports to purchasers, or, most importantly, face demands and claims for automatic contract rescission for failure to perfectly comply with the ILSFDA registration requirements. *******
The exemption represents a major victory for condominium unit developers in light of pro-consumer judicial interpretations of ILSFDA in recent years that called into question whether it was possible for a condominium to be built and sold in complete conformance with ILSFDA. Condominium unit sales will continue to be regulated by state and local registration and disclosure laws.
Because some state registration laws exempt projects that are subject to ILSFDA, the new exemption may actually impose new requirements on developers depending on the state or states involved.
ILSFDA and its registration requirements will continue to apply to the sale of subdivided lots. The CFPB is expected to issue new ILSFDA regulations within the next year that may significantly affect the sale of traditional subdivided lots.”
Seems messy 🙂
to quote Moonshine’s editor in her “Human Nature” story,
“Nearly two years after first submitting its plans for Squaw Village redevelopment, KSL has changed its mind. Not about the project but about how to get through the public process. The change in strategy has left many stakeholders confused and frustrated, see story here. While KSL doesn’t offer up a clear explanation for the shift, the company has made clear that the project hasn’t changed. So why the friction?”
I ask if KSL can really claim there were 300 meetings and 5000 visits to the Model when the game changed as much as it has. Take the bus plan as a case in point. There’s buses were slashed from 5 to 2, and the 2 only run in the morning and early evening. Also the other counties and resorts over at NS and Incline cancelled their support. Homewood is only contributing $2500 for the buses. In other words, there were 300 meetings and 5000 base camp talks that didn’t disclose how frail the bus plan was. Are KSL saying they can rely on these ‘consultations’? If I recall, even the BoS Supervisor was either in the dark or kept silent. If she was in the dark, so were the 300 meetings. Or if she kept secrets, the meetings were mere window dressing. What do you think a Judge or Grand Jury will make of things?
Oh, are Grand Juries free and do they get answers under oath?
It’s appalling that KSL claim they consulted so many people when the model is lower than the actual heights in the real world. Con-sulting ain’t consulting.
Dear US, All these wasted meetings and ‘consults’. All these plans going to waste – all because someone won’t sit down with the people who really count, namely the locals. Are those designers immune from negligence? I ask because one day they might be in a planning court and for several years, design and construction professionals have been awaiting word from the Washington Supreme Court regarding whether aggrieved parties are limited to remedies set forth in their written contracts or whether they can pursue common law negligence claims.
When the President spoke to people last week he mentioned that lots of planning cases end up in the 2nd District where his nominees were fillibustered. He sounded undelightful. Anyway on November 14, the court decided Donatelli v. D.R. Strong Consulting Engineers, Inc., that negligence claims could be pursued in certain circumstances unless the parties’ clearly and specifically preclude them. (The result demonstrates the importance of including specific terms in the contract which delineates claims that the parties intend to either limit or preclude).
The plaintiffs in Donatelli entered into a written contract with an engineering firm. King County issued a preliminary approval for the short plats that was good for five years, but the project was not completed during this period and the approvals expired. Subsequently, the engineering firm assisted the Donatelli’s in obtaining new preliminary approvals, but the real estate market collapsed before they could obtain final approval. The Donatelli’s ran out of money and lost the property to foreclosure. They sued the engineer for breach of contract, negligence, negligent misrepresentation and violation of the Washington Consumer Protection Act (“CPA”). The engineer moved for summary judgment on all of the negligence claims, asserting as its sole basis for the motion that the claims were barred by the economic loss rule and on the CPA claim. The trial court granted summary judgment on the CPA claim but denied summary judgment on the negligence claims. The case went fom there and it was decided that, yes, people like enginerrs and building designers can be liable in negligence. So I ask, are all these changes affecting investors and why was everything ‘wrong’ despite 300 meeting and despite 5000 talks with people. Sounds to me that these consults and meetings might backfire, what do you think?
Seems to me that KSL should sit down and talk to people who can agree on an acceptably designed project.
Evening, guys
The new visit cali ads are on the tellie over here. 🙂
The ads show your open top cadillacs, beaches, the Golden Gate bridge and things like that, but not your famous $290 bus service!!!
hey, thank you for paying $697,000 to advertise the whole State.
c u soon
That’s a good observation – Placer really pays (or wastes) $697,000 to help big resorts to market themselves??? Mon ami, the resorts should use their own money don’t you think, and the new town could wisely use that $697,000 better,.
Yes, the predicted surplus + not paying $697,000 to PR firms would put a cool mill into the town surplus every year. KSL can then pay, out of its cash registers, those realtors to market their own condos.
In Sth Lake, an easement for ‘open access’ to forest stopped construction. http://t.co/dtwKtuVciB
Aren’t there court settlement agreements about access to water wells and weren’t we allowed an easement of access ever since the Blythe Area fell down?
:That can’r be right’, I’ve heard. Well a court told the Vu family in SLT that TARP Regs mean they must rip out the foundantions beause people had rights of easement over their land from BEFORE they bought it. So I ask: did KSL buy land affected by old easements, or did the Judge in Vu’s Case make this TARP law up?
…in the SV POA’s newsletter is lame.
“It’s too early to comment”, she says. Really? Come on, Jen, spill the beans. The voters can see thru that ‘answer’.
She says Placer provide services like, uuum, the a Design Review Committee. Hmmm. I recall Moonshine Ink revealed the County wanted the DRC to comment on paint colors rather than anything controversial. Luckily the print media and your site asked questions and forced the County to pay heed to a Real DRC with real ideas.
Please get your reporters to ask Ms. Montgomery hard questions. Thanks.
Dear UA:
The Property Owners Association Newsletter is here for digesting.
http://squawvalleypoa.org/uploads/Newsletter_2013_Fall.pdf
Can you fill us in about the Wells, and the relocation of one of them? I thought that Well was a ‘defect in title’ ie KSL bought the land with a natural feature which can’t be moved or closed down, but people in the valley will know more.
According to the newsletter if I read it right, there are I400 property members. A $50 donation each = $70,000.
The POA should ask their members to support the incorporation, especially if the TOT revenue stays in town for the town.
Anteloppe Butte raised over $32,000 towards reopening their ski area and Johnsonville had $30,000 in the bank and added maybe $10,000 or more from a hoedown. What are the people of SV doing this season to raise funds? Is there an events manager on the committee.
$400,00: that’s what a car company paid for grassroots race sponsorships over 3 weeks at several resorts. A Arabian Airline and a partner of General Motors, a premier Spa, ski companies, and two Canadian resorts and other guys also wrote checks and awarded prizes.
4 kids are sponsored by a small club.
And the developer-lift company built Soul and apartments, roads, new lifts and parking and a deal with an airline $69 one way with free bags. .
KSL can’t or won’t even say if they’re aiming for $50 a night visitors or $2,000 a night high rollers.
Come on, fess up. We know you gave projections to the investors. Vail Resorts meanwhile is steaming ahead.
Hey,
Was just reading about the IOV’s hopes for a 3rd expert to join Van Nort and Peter to negotiate revenue neutrality with the County.
Someone better step up to the plate. Must carry a big stick. Be like a rottweiler with a bone, and a ferret after facts. Be adept, smell bull from miles away, and be great with the jigsaw puzzle pieces that affect KSL, water board amalgamations, Wells, court agreements filed to date, etc etc.
The town should keep the $697,000 marketing budget imo.
I think Beartrap suggesting recruiting a lawyer in the valley.
Squaw’s souls need design-intervention 🙂
– ‘Linda Blair’.
I like this idea as seen in the SVPOA Newsletter as its how I got my tyke into skiing:
This winter, Squaw Valley
is offering a new program
called Teaching Tykes, designed for parents who want tips
on how to teach their little one (ages 3
–
5) to ski or
snowboard. Available for $169, the price includes a one
hour lesson for parent and child, beginner lift ticket for
par
ent and child if 5 years old (ages 3 & 4 are already free)
and kids ski or snowboard rentals
Mark,
Upon reading the SCPOA news, thanks to FoSV’s facebook link I see this –
Squaw Creek / Aquifer Interaction Study
The District completed the
Olympic Valley Creek /
Aquifer Interaction Study. The results of the Study can be
downloaded from the District’s website (
http://www.svpsd.org
).
Staff and its consultants
will present
the results
at
two
presentations, Nov.
26, 9a.m. and 6 p.m.
The completion
of the Interaction Study satisfies several of Squaw Valley
PSD’s long term goals and objectives. It allows the
District to manage its operations better and to balance its
role as the community’s water supplier and envir
onmental
steward”
Is this part of the 8 mile pipe/transmigration pollutants./water plan and Well thing that we’re reading about on your UnofficialAWESOME site?
Mark,
I finished reading Jennifer Montgomery’s blurted list of all the services – extracted below – by the whole County bureaucracy when I looked a facebook pics for a Squaw skier. He’s got pics and documents on almost everything on that list.
J. Montgomery lists these services fyi.
“The
services the County now provides to the area include:
•
Law Enforcement
•
Criminal Justice (courts, prosecution, jail, probation,
etc)
•
Human Services (child protective services, adult
protective services, welfare, etc.)
•
Health Services (medical care,
mental health, public
health)
•
Environmental Health (restaurant inspections,
hazardous materials, septic systems, wells, etc.)
•
Parks
•
Planning and land use
•
Libraries
•
Public Works (snow removal, road repairs and
maintenance
•
Animal Control
•
General gover
nment (assessor, treasurer
–
tax collector,
clerk
–
recorder, auditor
–
controller) Economic Development
•
Elections services
•
Veterans Services
•
The Squaw Valley Municipal Advisory Council
•
The Squaw
Valley Design Review Committee”
I agree with the IOV letter in the POA’s newsletter. I can’t see 500+ non resident owners in KSL’s towers voting to seede, but I can imagine KSL one day drawing up a management agreement – I haven’t seen any in California lie this though – that purports to allow it to vote on the owner’s behalf.
Anyway the new town must think years ahead like Gordon Gecko more than like John Muir.
Squaw’s nice but our ski team skis a region in Nov-December when airfares and lodging is affordable. Who do KSL think they’ll attract when the Vail Resorts places and Park City are really really nice to destination skiers. This is a vid from Pete Sonntag at Heavenly – its ok. They don’t have KT22 and feet of fresh pow but something is better than nothing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=29xfpXtiMdw
Mark,
The POA Newsletter says donations to IOV are TAX DEDUCTIBLE.
The newsletter also says: “The newsletter is sent in the spring and fall to approximately1400 Squaw Valley property owners . Membership fee of $30”.
There’s obviously a lot of scope to seek tax deductible donations. Look at the maths with Crowdfunding: 1400 donate $5 a month on the credit card automatically, that raises $84,000 in a year. Yep, $5 a month adds up.
I know their board knows how to Crowdfunding.
Add a few potluck dinners, a hoedown or a apres party at a local restaurant with door entry, and the town has enough to rock n roll.
Hey
political fundraisers/supporters are kept up to date thru an internet web-radio system called Mixlr. The town meetings could could use the same system. I’d give you the link to try but then I’l have to shoot you 🙂
Just saw this on facebook Mark!
“Everybody wants in on the act ” – Jimmy Durante
http://www.parkrecord.com/news/ci_24582606/pcmr-presents-woodward-park-city
Says the SVPOA “In an effort to continue the winter program, the District will likely commission a
professionalsurvey this spring to measure community support for a property tax assessment to fund the program. Without it, the future of Bike Trail Snow Removal in Squaw is uncertain”.
Wtf!
Excuse me but where will KSL pile up snow that fills the laneways?
Will lanes need widening to fit pedestrians, a fire truck on an emergency run to the Towering Inferno, and stay away from the millionaires’ parking bay?
Will snow be piled up on a few lawned areas so there’s no ‘park’ in winter.
Long ago someone stopped SV from piling snow in the creek.
The grader has wiped snow from the window ON THE 1st Floor which make me ask “Where will KSL pile the snow in huge storms? I couldn’t see snow pile areas on the plans but maybe I missed something.
thanks UA
Dear UA
While I’m pleased KSL have a few e-recharge stations on the Cantina (which will be bulldozed!!!!) I have to ask if KSL’s stupidly expensive tax-payer funded mass transit plan – with only 2 art time buses now – is designed by buffoons.
The new condos will, in time, need massive retrofitting – plan ahead Mr KSL – for e-cars.
Battery power is here, and there’s also a Prius of Space in the works at NASA.
Solar and wind and recycling need forward thinkers.
KSL’s architects should fire Fred Flintstone and look to what the Soviets at Sochi are doing, the Slovaks at VW Vienna-Bratislava and the Snowtrains run by Tim the Trainman of Squaw Valley. Yes, you have a very brilliant part time resident who knows trains backwards.
You also have the Aerial Tramcar people, and of course access to engineers from Dopplemeyer. And NASA. have “real rocket scientists” Mr Wirth.
Where are the snowtrains running – over the 8 mile (or longer 🙂 ) pipes over the wider road or along the USFA land (via the new Fanny Bridge) ALL THE WAY BETWEEN HOMEWOOD, past JMA’s new front door at AM on the river, to Truckee.
Where are the regional ideas for utilising the airfield better?
Fire the real estate ‘experts’
Turn an operationally substandard resort into a Gold Standard, Mr Wirth.
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/dawn/news/dawn-20070913f.html
Regards
“Put a rocket under them”.
Apple’s new circular building is ALL solar panels. KSL claim they’re green but I can’t see a solitary solar panel on their model.
Mark
I saw on facebook these ideas.
Imagine you drive your Tesla e-car to Squaw and swap the empty for a full battery in 90 seconds! The full batteries are recharged by solar panels on Squaw’s roofs until needed for swapping into a car. KSL save a fortune in power bills by not needing power utility power too. Drivers don’t have to park all day in a few recharging bays (that KSL will bulldoze when the Cantina goes). There are solar arrays that defy snowfall on them …like the ones used to power solar chairlifts as seen in a blog on Mountain Riders Alliance facebook page.
How genuinely green are KSL?
Let’s hope the Redesign Team think ahead and solve problems pro-actively.
Regards and best wishes.
The transmigration of hazardour pollutants is something the water boards must evaluate.
KSL’s ad about possessing Souls is positively wicked.
Can they soundtrack “Hotel California” over it with words like.
“On a dark dingy highway, ….where the mission smells,
Once more for KSL
this could be Heavenly or this could be hell ….
🙂
Using the Soul idea from locals sounds like plaguerism to me btw.
Under Agenda Item 6F do we take water from Truckee, pump it down to MC and then pipe it all the way up hill into the Valley. Seriously? Will the people in other water regions notice? http://www.svpsd.org/pdffiles/9-24-13_Regular_Bd_Minutes.pdf
Also, will Tuesday’s ‘water’ Meeting know what those Jamican Doctors want with a place where the river meets the road.
For those who don’t do facebook, this background info appeared.
http://www.incorporateolympicvalley.org/about-us/
You want to google Schweitzer’s The JPS Group hotel company and the roomrez.com hotel booking service for a bit more. It’s terrific to see a hotel person on board the team.
Dear Unofficialalpine,
KSL’s Andy Wirth wanted SaAlpine as Nth America’s biggest and best, but there’s an article http://t.co/GfjWhqKAde on things “just up the road” in UT. (There’s also the Park City Woodward complex, and a new pool at Truckee). Do you think KSL can turn Squaw into Numero Uno? Will KSL bellyflop like Intrawest’s dealings? I dunno but they can’t even keep a bus away from the fiscal cliff.
Dear UA:
How will the Amalgamation of Water Boards near Truckee, and 8 mile pipes, affect things in those Regions if Squaw has 1100 condos and if JMA and Vail Resorts do this thing:
Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE:MTN) subsidiary RockResorts and developer JMA Ventures, LLC have signed a management agreement for Constellation Residences at Northstar, a spectacular collection of ski-in/ski-out boutique residences located mid-mountain at Northstar California Resort adjacent to The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe resort, to be managed by RockResorts.
Constellation will complement the RockResorts portfolio of Colorado and Jamaica resorts with its offering of vacation rental and full-ownership opportunities. In tandem with this agreement, JMA Ventures also announces plans for the final phase of development at Constellation, which includes building and selling 50 new mid-mountain residences over the next three years.
This expansion into Northstar’s luxury lodging market demonstrates RockResorts’ commitment to expanding lodging offerings at the base of mountain resorts and Vail Resorts’ commitment to delivering the experience of a lifetime for guests, complete with the ultimate Lake Tahoe vacation destination — unparalleled skiing and snowboarding, year-round activities, shopping, dining, entertainment, and now, high-end, luxury accommodations. Beginning this winter season, the property name will officially change to Constellation Residences at Northstar, A RockResort.
“We are thrilled to add Constellation to our portfolio of RockResorts boutique properties,” said James O’Donnell, chief operating officer of Vail Resorts Hospitality. “The RockResorts brand represents the hallmark of casually elegant properties with exceptional service in mountain resort locations. At Constellation, we are excited to deliver extraordinary service and experiences to our guests that are unparalleled in the Lake Tahoe region.”
Building upon the success of the first phase of development, the 50 new mid-mountain residences will bring the true vision of the property to life with a mix of redesigned two-, three- and four-bedroom residences including more spacious interior and outdoor living spaces, open floor plans with entryway mudrooms ideal for families who ski, and contemporary fixtures and finishes.
Owners and guests currently enjoy exceptional amenities including ski-in, ski-out access to 3,100 acres of mountain terrain, an exclusive ski valet service, private concierge and valet parking, and family and kids programming; access to shared amenities at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe resort, which is accessible via sky bridge and offers a 17,000 square-foot world-class spa and fitness center, three dining outlets including a signature restaurant Manzanita and elegant Living Room lobby lounge, heated swimming pool and hot tubs with private cabanas and lounge areas, and outdoor fire pits and s’mores toasting area; and a direct-access gondola to the Village at Northstar with outdoor shopping, dining and a movie theater centered around a year-round skating rink.
Expected additions to the existing amenities include more-private community spaces such as an indoor/outdoor theatre, a kids zone, a fireplace lounge, outdoor fire pits and hot tubs, a new fitness center, and a year-round backyard play area.
Additionally, with Northstar now open for the 2013-14 winter season, Constellation owners will also enjoy an array of new value-added benefits such as access to first tracks, which allows them to access the mountain before it opens to the public; discounts at Vail Resorts-owned outlets; exclusive deals through the rental program for other RockResorts; and a host of other benefits.
“As the developer and an owner at Constellation, the agreement with RockResorts is particularly meaningful to me both personally and professionally,” said Todd Chapman, chief executive officer of JMA Ventures, LLC. “This agreement marks both parties’ shared confidence in the Lake Tahoe market as well as our commitment to the community. With Vail Resorts by our side, this final phase of development will realize the full vision of the Constellation community.”
Five remaining first phase residences are currently for sale by JMA Ventures. More information can be found at http://www.constellationnorthstar.com.
Northstar California Resort offers an unmatched mountain experience in the Lake Tahoe area with the region’s best snowmaking and grooming, legendary gladed terrain and seven award-winning terrain parks spread over 3,170 acres of terrain. Known for its laid-back California sophistication, Northstar is home to top-rated family programs and guests from around the world enjoy the resort’s signature s’mores served daily in the base area.
Wow, First tracks for the 5 star owners at JMA’;s other hill, Northstar.
If they do that at Squaw, no first chair for you!
Another reason why I don’t give Vail Resorts my money….even though Northstar is 7 minutes from my house.
Will they serve popcorn at the water update meeting tomorrow or does everybody already know all this stuff. I mean I don’t see the water regions marching on town with protest signs or anything 🙂
Dr Helevend was right to say that KSL should build one area at a time. They;re up against a lot of competition plus Chamonix’s 1/2 Billion development, Squawmish’s 1/2 Billion, utah interconnecting lift plans, and Epicpasses adding Canyons and Euro Destination skiers to the epicpass.
KSL might find the towns moaning about them ‘stealing’ water via the Nstar water board amalgamation.
Some might even think that JMA, as partners with Nstar and KSL, would love to see water go into AM and Squaw. It’s be even better if there was road widening, eg to that new proposed road from Hwood thru USFS land near a new Fanny Bridge, water and poo pipes from a Caldwell Hotel and from SV, and a light rail electric tramcar or e-buses by Ford.
Word on the street is that JMA may be the buyer for the River Ranch…yet another competitor for the higher end market. A flood of investors hoping to get rich….
Dear Unofficialawesome,
I’ve followed this whole KSL business starting with Golana’s Case – a future town is’t bound by whatever a County permits. Now we’re reading that permits expire with law suits against design engineers …all because KSL didn’t listen at 300 meetings. I think I read that “people” were instructed to appear as having listening ears on, but KSLs hearing aid was turned off. My head swims in storeys about water pipes, Wells and flooded markets.
As Northstar and Utah plow ahead with grand plans, KSL better get it’s act into gear. Seeing the FoSV people might be a good start.
Leaks. KSL are full of holes.
Hey, I liked reading those things about federal cases.
Greetings
Do these KSL and Northstar people realise that foreign currency rates, and oil/airfares, affect where destination skiers chose to spend a ski holiday, or chose to visit in summer. The last time the pound plummeted, tour companies cancelled tours with dire consequences as your hotels very well know. Please ask your friends at KSL if they know if the $US is going to price us to chose Canada or Europe, Japan perhaps.
Euro Exchange Rate
The Pound Canadian Dollar exchange rate broke to its highest level since the start of 2010.
Dear Unofficallyawesome
The KSL VP, Hosea, says they’ve been listening and now the new plan is just weeks away. http://www.tahoedailytribune.com/northshore/9076468-113/squaw-valley-survey-plan
Let’s hope they read the Op-eds and Letters because I was told that KSL didn’t want to talk to certain organisers.
The revelations about the aquifer study drew a few cars this morning. Were there any fireworks or did the study rain on someone’s parade?
Anyone found yet to join Peter Schweitzer and the former manager for the ski resorts, Robert Van Nort.
There’s a guy from the southern hemisphere that seems to know which questions to ask 😉
The Mountain Kids debarcle hit facebook and there’s links to legal arguments from the Park City v Vail Resorts/Canyons lease case. Park City thought they had a lease but the landlord, they say, ‘changed his mind, orta like Mtn Kids maybe.
Over on epicski the Park City’s lawyers even changed their legal papers AFTER legal ideas were posted from the sth.
Stuff appeared like the finance agreements and back room deals too with banks secured over lots and lots of companies too. .
Those back room deals are interesting. Just imagine if Whelan went gold digging into whatever KSL was planning because you never know what tuens up. And I think legal docs at CEQA aren’t privileged so you can pull threads and find stuff out too. Should Whelan go gold mining, and depose lots of execs???