Today looked a bit more like a normal “holiday day” at Alpine Meadows, and that’s a good thing. We always expect that Alpine Meadows should be crowded at this time of year on a weekend. With the traffic reported on 80 Friday evening and that we also saw flowing through the Martis Valley last night, we were sure that it was going to be a busy weekend. Clearly, the resort needs some of these days as snowmaking is not cheap at all, and we will be continuing to rely on the Alpine Meadows snowmaking team for some time to come.
What was quite different is that things were really quite busy right from the starting bell. Normally it takes a while for people to get moving. But the weather was clear and roads easy, so the masses were ready to roll right away. We suspect that a number of people chose to start the day at Alpine Meadows because they heard skiing was “crappy” at Squaw Valley yesterday.
High traffic levels and a brisk east wind scoured the top of Alpine Bowl pretty quickly this morning. The winds were consistent at 35 mph, with gusts in the mid-50’s for most of the day. I only took one run on the upper mountain this morning as I wasn’t quite dressed for those conditions. Two readers reported a lot of collisions in Alpine Bowl due to the combination of slippery slopes and high traffic levels. It probably would have been a good day to explore some of the alternative routes down the mountain.
There was less wind lower on the mountain, basically none. But that was made up for in sheer numbers of people on the groomed trails. At 9:15, Rock Garden and Dance Floor looked like Highway 80 at the busiest of commute times. The teams were back in full force today, from both sides of the ridge. It seems like coaches were trying to do their best to keep kids out of the way in corrals, standing to the sides of slopes while waiting and getting kids grouped into 4’s or 6’s before getting near the chair. Kudos to the coaches that made the effort to get kids to do some adventure skiing today. It was far safer to get off of the crowded groomed runs.
Yellow Chair and Alpine Bowl chair both offered some of the best terrain for advanced skiers and riders today. Both of these chairs allowed you to make laps without ever getting near a groomed run. If you have the skills and skis or boards that you just don’t care about, you can be a part of the solution by avoiding groomed runs too. Everyone will have a better day and you will be less likely to become another Ski Patrol statistic.
I gave out a lot of #FreeAlpine stickers today. Somehow people manage to pick me out of the crowd. 🙂 We also saw a few already on cars in the parking lot. The movement has begun and we hope you become a part of it too.
I kept my day short and played some hockey over near Mount Rose this afternoon. There were an incredible amount of people enjoying every little patch of snow around Tahoe Meadows and the Mount Rose summit today. If I had to estimate, I would have guessed there were 300 to 400 cars parked along a two mile stretch of highway near the summit. People are ready for winter…any day now.
Hopefully the cold night temperatures will continue so the snowmaking teams can do their magic each night. Currently it’s no more than 28° at all levels of Alpine Meadows, so we should see some progress made in the snowmaking department tonight.
Tis wonderful to hear that the coaches and teams were on top of things today – I heard the Powers That Be are taking note of what’s posted here.
One of the ex olympians said Andy talks and listens, but, in the lead up to the New Plan, a top local town rep said KSL wasn’t talking to the pro-town representatives.
The lack of communication was appalling. The Walls were up. Lines of Communications were down.
It will be interesting to see how the new town forms, how the divorce settlement with Placer goes, and what happens at the elections for 5 people. Won’t it be ‘fun’ if single agenda people run.
A mountain with its vibe back………..love it!
Mark,
Goldilocks and I read your site and all the scoops with hindsight – like http://unofficialalpine.com/?p=2275.
As a vitual child slave to my evil Aunts, I can sympathise with The Free Alpine Movement.
The ideas just on that Report covered the Employee Housing, the Parking, the real estate, the water, water-training activities for kids/teams …everything!!!
Eddy Ancinas should write a history book with you on the cover.
Your Bust should be next to Alex Cushings!
Andy’s Airport should erect another gold Statue, made from the gold fom those abandoned gold-plated buses.
The new town – who saved a fortune on negotiators and courts – should throw a Parade.
But how will the new town handle the ‘divorce’ from Placer?
It’s not Alimony, Mr FoSV.
It’s child support we want …from Placer.
I was reading the mug shots about child neglecters on bail and in prison. Oooh those parents get into trouble. I’d want Placer to pay ‘child support’ to the neglected ‘child’ that those Auburnites abandoned on our side of the ridge. Placer lavished money on our siblings, not us, as my Aunts did for my wicked stepsisters.
Free Alpine from the shackles of servitude!
– Cinderella
http://unofficialalpine.com/?p=2275#comment-9244
The next phase, the “Alimony” phase, is said to be a 5 month long job and it will need serious digging into Placer’s operations with a fine toothcomb rather than trusting bureaucrats and politicians.
These town people will need to out-politic and out-beancount bureaucrats from Placer.
They will need to negotiate hard with detail and digging.
Finally they need to win about 300 votes, and then run an election for 5 town officials.
The next 5 months will be interesting to say the least.
Keep on top of everything: bureaucrats hate the spot light of public opinion shone in their eyes.
What will ksl cover, like sewers and water and power lines.
btw, great to see http://www.unbearvalley.com all over facebook.
Speaking of Tidy Bowl and Free Alpine, did you know
“The 1992 “Ty-D-Bol Spring Cleaning Report” asked 1,006 American adults what they would choose if they “had the power to throw out what exists and start all over again.” The winner, picked by 49 percent, was the U.S. Congress.”
What would 1,006 adults ‘throw out’ if they could start Alpine Meadows all over again 🙂
Why are the taxpayers of the Valley paying towards $100,000,000 for these sewer things in Auburn?
How come Auburn get a whole big plant for $27m-$33m and we’d just get a pipe for $30m?
Placer also “forgot” $6m between August to December 2012.
the county must be full of it
http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=13&ved=0CFsQFjACOAo&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.auburnjournal.com%2Farticle%2Fauburn-placer-county-making-progress-regional-sewer-talks&ei=7g_AUty3Ic2tiQf02IDYDA&usg=AFQjCNFLWXrZC11_BizCqRiHWWkXKSMtPw&sig2=42iGlxhAEmft9rH14T0hig&bvm=bv.58187178,d.dGI&cad=rja
Here’s a bio about one of the BoS people, Jack, who the new town will negotiate with.
“During his first term as Supervisor, Duran has delivered results for the people of District 1: three years of balanced budgets with a healthy rainy day reserve; the first ever moratorium of the County’s controversial “Revenue Sharing” program; completion of a long-stalled, $150 million tax share agreement between Placer County and the City of Roseville; successful negotiation of a Regional Sewer Pipeline; a correctional realignment (AB 109) implementation plan that has become a model for the entire state; and a renewal of efforts to bring a four-year, regional university to Placer County.”.
2014 could be very interesting
Squaw’s “NO anything” sign at the Funitel (see Mountain Riders’s facebbok page) drew 50 facebook comments in just hours.
Pleeze fire whoever forgot to add “No out of touch executives”.
On a positive notte the McConkey show was wonderful wasn’t it. Will highly paid executives add interesting events like that or are Smores at Chase Real Estate the best they can do?
Hey,
I was reading about the community ownership idea and the connection with Squaw’s brighter visionaries.
Any local experts might like to add tips and reviews to this: http://www.epicski.com/a/bear-valley-ca-unofficial-guide
Squaw Prep has the Entrepreneurs Club and Mentoring program but many others don’t. Your students might be interested in talks like these: http://www.rgj.com/article/20131226/NEWS/312260007/1459/. A few Execs might like to go and learn a few things too, like not flushing half a village.down the drain.
IOV put this article up on facebook about the huge cost only 45,000 people – from the Cali side of Heavenly to the nth shore – will ‘share’ to help power companies get return on upgraded power to places like Squaw and Nstar. Can’t they use Solar: I saw a Mountain Riders Alliance blog on solar lifts for example, and the Apple Building’s roof is all solar. I dunno, all sounds like the small guy is helping the big guy make money.
oops, here it is http://www.tahoedailytribune.com/northshore/9496169-113/power-tahoe-project-poles
This Power line is needed coz, dangit, Squaw needs more electric chairs.
Yeh Ha, Light them executives up!
Hey did they find the skeletons in the cupboard coz that’s where the Souls live. 🙂
Hey there’s a Poll in the Sierra Scum on the new plan. The results are interesting.
http://apps.tahoedailytribune.com/utils/polling/poll_results.php?poll_ident=4013
What’s your reaction to the new scaled-down proposal to develop Squaw Valley? asked the Sierra Sun. Of the small number of respondents, 55% hate it, 25% don’t care, 15% love it and 5% want the first plan.
B. Hate it; it’s still too big and out of character.
55.17%
(48)
D. Indifferent about it, don’t care.
25.29%
(22)
C. Love it; it’s the right project for Squaw.
14.94%
(13)
A. Hate it; there was nothing wrong with previous version.
4.60%
(4)
If only 5% want the old plan that means 95% don’t want the old plan.
I recall some KSL people said they thought people would accept the 1st plan. How out of touch are these high paid executives?
As any reader of Unofficialalpine would know, all of Chevis’ ‘fixes’ – including 8 miles of pipe – were aired here, on the more insightful facebook posts, and in FoSV’s town planning commentary. How could all those expert executives be 95% wrong!
Whoa, there’s a Big surge in the ‘no thanks’ camp. But will they chip in big money to fight it in the planning courts? Perhaps they’d be better off to sit down with KSL with win/win ideas and give and take.
“What’s your reaction to the new scaled-down proposal to develop Squaw Valley?
B. Hate it; it’s still too big and out of character.
60.53%
(69)
D. Indifferent about it, don’t care.
21.93%
(25)
C. Love it; it’s the right project for Squaw.
14.04%
(16)
A. Hate it; there was nothing wrong with previous version.
3.51%
(4)
E: Would you pay $5,000 for your share of the legal bills?
F: Who angered 95% of the villagers, wasted years of Return on Investment and lost 50 acres of buildings?
how much has the fiasco cost so far over above the initial pitch to investors?
when will someone offer lifetime silver season passes to every registered voter?
http://www.tahoedailytribune.com/news/9484028-113/hill-squaw-tahoe-report
WOW! I’m so jacked to ski Shirley……nothing like a dude with a weird camera on his head talking to himself.
Summit Six I say! Sending………………………
I am guessing he has some sponsors…if you know what I mean.
He is sponsored by Barton’s doctors. Hey can they get those marketers out of their coma, or are they just asleep on the job. Somehow I can’t see Smores at Chase Really appealing to little Jonnie, can you?
Memo to Andy
I learned more about Squaw’s events and snoventures and night skiing and prices from Unofficial’s link to the guy than I did from the whole overpaid marketing team at Squaw.
I also saw real snow conditions – not spin doctored pics.
Maybe KSL can shoot the Marketing, Development and HR Team out of a cannon on New Years Eve. I’d pay $5 to see that, wouldn’t you?
Wtf,
The Last Chair concerts are cancelled … because the venue isn’t up to the standards of their loyal fans. Bwhaha.
The Kurse of Alex Cushing hits Squaw again, …. or someone can’t employ better event planners and better spin doctors .
why don’t the marketers tell the truth – the 50′ dump over the next 5 months will seal us in.
– Boo Hiss.
Instead they give us this ‘reason’. unbeelievable, isn’t it?
“We have made the decision to postpone the 2014 Last Chair Festival and are currently working to lock in new dates. The Last Chair Festival had an amazing inaugural year, and the buzz and popularity of 2013 made us pause to ensure we are delivering a venue, amenities and live music shows worthy of our loyal fans and guests. We sincerely apologize to those of you who have already purchased tickets or made plans to book. All tickets will be refunded in full, see details below. As we work to rebook all artists involved, we will be sure to keep you updated with the latest information on the Last Chair Festival Facebook page. Thank you to everyone for your continued support. – See more at: http://squaw.com/lastchairfestival#sthash.nIjaXl9u.dpuf“
Wow Wow and Kapow: 169 respondents and only 18 people think the new plan is “just right”? But only yesterday the Sierra Scum asked 3 whole people what they thought and 100% thought it was ok.
What’s your reaction to the new scaled-down proposal to develop Squaw Valley?
B. Hate it; it’s still too big and out of character.
71.60%
(121)
D. Indifferent about it, don’t care.
15.38%
(26)
C. Love it; it’s the right project for Squaw.
10.65%
(18)
A. Hate it; there was nothing wrong with previous version.
2.37%
(4
Yeah, interesting “reporting”, eh?
I can’t believe 95% hated the old plan from 2 years and now only 90% hate the latest plan. Kids: If it takes 2 years to make 5% of the people like you, how long does it take to annoy people? 🙂
Dear KSl
Let’s see.
You cannot erect a No Sign without my facefood feed filling with at least 50 comments from your customers.
Your advertisement for S’mores for Kids (at Chase, lol) Sno-ventures and Happy Hour sounded like kids can go booze up.
We saw more reporting on events on sites like Barton’s ‘My Hill’ reporter and here on UA and Friends of SV.
We saw pages and pages of things to do in Tahoe from fkn New Zealand, ie not from your hotshot highly paid executives!
95% of that survey “hate” your first plan.
Your sewer blew up in the media.
So how’s your Week been?
Pleeze, how can we expect KSL to implement things properly, eg will the employee housing be over priced, or will the training fees skyrocket, etc etc. .
Love
Ron McDonald
PS: If your local circus needs more clowns, my HR Dept has better ones than yours 🙂
Dear KSL,
Don’t fret – who in their right mind reads the Sierra Sun anyway.
Love,
your loyal fans
KSL Fan Club
Poll
What’s your reaction to the new scaled-down proposal to develop Squaw Valley?
B. Hate it; it’s still too big and out of character.
82.98%
(434)
D. Indifferent about it, don’t care.
7.46%
(39)
C. Love it; it’s the right project for Squaw.
7.07%
(37)
A. Hate it; there was nothing wrong with previous version.
2.49%
(13)
523 votes
Mark,
If the 700 voters in the Sierra Sun swung their votes against Montgomery would she be ‘out’ of office?
There’s n’arry a positive suggestion or a considered criticism on any of the facebook posts I’ve seen.
Saying “no” for the sake of saying ‘no’ is unproductive.
Those who KSL listened to seem to do best out of the new plan.
I sure hope the new town people know what they’re doing because some spoiled kids never see their play station again.
Saysin the comments to Sierra Sun piece on the new plan
“Friends of Squaw Valley
We welcome KSL’s revisions and hope the spirit of cooperation continues for the benefit of all Squaw Valley stakeholders.
Reply · 1 · Like · Follow Post · December 19 at 2:29pm”
but about 70% of the Sierra Sun responders ‘hate it’, 25% don’t care and less than 10% like it sorta .
You’d think people would agree with the FoSV assesment.
I huh’d too.
This seems to say FOS are ok with the latest plan http://www.tahoedailytribune.com/northshore/9474885-113/plan-valley-squaw-community but, somehow, FOS’ facebookers and 95% of everyone hated hate hated the 1st plan.
I think KSL hires people who see nothing, say nothing and do nothing – like the three monkeys, If they’re hiring new talent, call our agent 🙂
Cheers,
Larry Curly & Mo.
The casinos, Stardust and other places told the local peper that they’re 100% booked for New Years. How’s nth shore looking for that much needed cash injection?
The “No Signs” drew comments like this on FB:
“another brilliant PR move by out-of-touch KSL. Is loitering the same as hanging out? Isn’t that what you go skiing for??? Do they not want us ‘loitering’ in their bars and restaurants too?
Like · Reply · 7 hours ago”
Bring back Kate.
Fire the HR team.
Hire execs with Soul (with a brain).
Things like the “No” sign is simply another example of executives who don’t know their customers.
I wouldn’t be surprised if execs blocked the sewer when they flushed 2 years planning down the toilet.
No one on those salaries could make as many mistakes.
Hey, on the net I saw UA’s become the new place to go for news and views.
Out of 222 voters, 68% hate the current plan, down 3%. At that rate it’ll take 22 more polls before everyone loves it. 🙂
B. Hate it; it’s still too big and out of character.
68.02%
(151)
D. Indifferent about it, don’t care.
14.86%
(33)
C. Love it; it’s the right project for Squaw.
13.51%
(30)
A. Hate it; there was nothing wrong with previous version.
3.60%
(8)
Jumping Jephosat, All the No Voters crawled out of bed and they’re hammering away at the Sierra Sun poll.
What’s your reaction to the new scaled-down proposal to develop Squaw Valley?
B. Hate it; it’s still too big and out of character.
83.63%
(429)
D. Indifferent about it, don’t care.
7.41%
(38)
C. Love it; it’s the right project for Squaw.
6.82%
(35)
A. Hate it; there was nothing wrong with previous version.
2.14%
(11)
513
votes
For f’s sake, KSL, just build these haters a Dr Kush ‘Medical” Center and they’ll love your plan.
What is wrong with all the Haters? 519 voters and 85% hate it.
B. Hate it; it’s still too big and out of character.
83.24%
(432)
D. Indifferent about it, don’t care.
7.51%
(39)
C. Love it; it’s the right project for Squaw.
6.74%
(35)
A. Hate it; there was nothing wrong with previous version.
2.50%
(13)
519
OV Lodge is used for after school programs so i’m wondering if the new school site will have a ovl after the ovl becomes condos? http://squaw.org/as
On this New Years Eve I’m over here at Mt Abram with Ullr overlooking the deep pow. We’re thinking of you and all our friends at KSL.
Can someone return my Head to the Cable Car and, while your at it, vote for me in the Poll – I can’t type or feel my fingers. Frostbite I think.
Happy New Year Eve everyone.
Dear Fans of the official unofficial genuine imitation KSl fan club
Come on guys, vote here, yes both of you.
http://apps.tahoedailytribune.com/utils/polling/poll_results.php?poll_ident=4013
Pres, KSL Fan club
Hey, you know the buses that cost Counties a king’s ransom to run, and all so someone could build out the whole carpark for jaccuzis and Escalades,
well check out this from the Sth shore fiasco!
http://www.tahoedailytribune.com/southshore/9546928-113/stata-transportation-tahoe-company
“More than three years of litigation between MV Transportation and the defunct South Tahoe Area Transit Authority and its board of directors and members appears to be wrapping up.
A string of good-faith settlements between MV Transportation, STATA and the 11 public and private entities that once funded STATA have been approved over the last several months.
The Fairfield, Calif.-based transportation company entered a contract to operate, manage and maintain the BlueGo transit system for STATA in 2009.
It sued STATA, its board of directors and its members for breach of contract, unpaid services and damages as STATA ran out of money and entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2010. Litigation has been ongoing ever since, with numerous cross-complaints and settlements approved piecemeal in federal bankruptcy court in Reno.
“MV (Transportation) is delighted that the matter has been concluded with amicable settlements among all the parties,” said Kaaran E. Thomas, a Reno attorney who has represented the company.
MV Transportation sought more than $5.6 million in damages, according to Thomas and court records.
That total included compensation for $1.9 million in unpaid invoices, $394,930 in interest, an $825,000 promissory note, $1.2 million in lost profits and $869,771 in attorneys’ fees, according to court records.
The company is estimated to have recovered about $2.38 million.
According to court records, the company has received about $908,000 from settling defendants. The last settlements were approved in early December, Thomas said.
That list includes the STATA board and its insurance company, El Dorado and Douglas counties, Tahoe Transportation District, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, the city of South Lake Tahoe, Ridge Tahoe Property Owners’ Association and the parent companies of Heavenly Valley, Harveys Lake Tahoe, Horizon Casino, MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa and Lakeside Inn and Casino.
In the good-faith settlement agreements, the defendants deny liability and say they are settling to “buy their peace” and control litigation expenses.
MV Transportation is also estimated to receive about $1.475 million from a liquidating agent assigned by the bankruptcy court to pursue and liquidate STATA’s assets to satisfy its creditors.
The final settlement figures are unknown. The liquidating agent will pay his expenses and all of STATA’s other small creditors, all of who are being paid in full, and any money left over will go to MV Transportation, Thomas said.
That’s expected to include at least some amount of grant money the California Department of Transportation awarded to operate BlueGo.
“Those grant moneys are being collected, and when collected will be distributed to MV as well,” Thomas said.
A lawyer at the law firm representing STATA could not be reached for comment on the case.”
Who, dear Ms Montgomery, from Placer County and Washoe County was con vinced to write checks for those $290 bus seats. Pleeeze: A family of four can get a gold plated limo for less than 4 x $290!!!!
The sooner the new town ‘divorces’ those Auburn fat cats, the better.
Thanks again for bringing this latest farce to light as I’m pretty sure that half the developmemt was flushed because Unofficial uncovered those bus seat costd. No buses meant the car park could not be devoted to bay area suvs, and half the carpark is saved i.m.o.
$7.5m for bus ‘metal’ and $290 a seat in running costs is ABSURD.
Does the BoS think taxpayers are made of money!
The Counties should investigate the committee members that patted themselves on the back with that ludicros idea. If they’re incompetant, fire them. If they’re not licensed to be Santa, lobbyists or the 3 Stooges, get rid of them.
Thank you Unofficial.
Bring on the election for the town.
Happy NY
When is Jennifer Montgomery running with her BoS pals for election?
Those people throw money away like confetti imo.
Do you think a grand jury could get lots of things in the public domain in the lead up to the election, and while IOV negotiate a divorce from Placer Clownty? After all, why donate to politicians when you can line SV Rd with their poltical scalps?
Mark,
If these Sth Shore people can sue their board people for being imbeciles on official gov business, who put together than bus scheme with the $5m bus stop in TC? I could use $5m at the moment, couldn’t you?
Blow me down with a feather
http://moonshineink.com/sections/spot-news/squaw-cuts-village-plan-third
Chevis Hosea says they read lots of comments and they realise they misunderstood their customers:
FoSV seem to say they’re happy with the new plan,
FoSV’ Dr Heneveld sounds really relieved they didn’t need to haggle – I think Squaw saw commercial sense in things eg the $290 bus seats were unviable. (How did TARP get an award for these ‘ideas’?)
Sierra Watch says ‘be vigilant’, – but they didn’t see the pipe coming out of ther court case?
IOV Peter Schweitzer says we can’t say “this is smaller so it’s better”.
85% of Sierra Sun still hate everything.
I’ve seen lots of things on facebook all over the world that are now ‘in’ the KSL ideas, like aerial training into the nice warm pool, nicer pools, and mini houses for employees that are nearby.
On facebook, things like No Signs get a reaction, but there’s few adverse comments on the plans. hmmm. Maybe people like the plan, or they’re scared?
I see Hosea says he’s used to golf clubs. Lol a few people would love to show him their swing in a dark alley. In all seriousness, how could KSL/SV be soooo out of touch.
What do you think, Unofficial. I still think they need execs who are in tune to the skier, the traveller, buses, water, poo, slope management, , the food and bev issues, leases like Willards and Whelan, project management, etc etc. I also think their human resources team recruit idiot ‘yes people’
Aw wrote about the customer satisfaction ratings. LOL!!!!!
With cold mornings and leaves changing, most everyone, including me, looks forward to another winter season with great anticipation.
I still love this time of year for what it is and what it portends. It is also a great time to reflect on the years we’ve spent here in Lake Tahoe and the remarkable beauty of Squaw Valley.
No one in this town needs us to describe the breathtaking beauty of our region. The inspiration we receive and the awe we all feel for this place is etched on the faces of the people who live here and the excited tones with which we use to describe the eagerness to get into winter.
And yet it is worth highlighting the unanimity the community shares when it comes to protecting the natural treasures we’ve been blessed with in the Lake Tahoe area. It is something that truly sets our community apart.
For two years now, we have been tapping into and listening intently to this extraordinary and diverse community for guidance on the decisions we make in our special corner of the region.
Skiers and riders asked for on-mountain improvements, and we embarked on the most ambitious effort in Squaw Valley’s history to accomplish just that. In just a few short years, we have spent nearly $50 million on improving the entire experience, including everything from new chairlifts and expanded grooming and snowmaking, to new après ski options and village experiences.
With pride, we now maintain the highest customer satisfaction scores of all the major mountain resorts in California. One other very important aspect of our work over the past few years was the acquisition of Alpine Meadows.
Now, with one ticket or one season pass, you can access two remarkable mountains — Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley.
Environmentalists told us they wanted to see a real, substantive commitment to sustainability and conservation. In a few short years, we have gone from laggards to pacesetters for responsible management of our properties.
In the past eight months we have implemented major retrofits to Squaw Valley’s infrastructure to reduce its carbon footprint by nearly 10 percent, and we’re already looking at the next round of projects. We’ve also been working closely with our local trash hauler to pilot a municipal composting program at our flagship restaurant, Rocker@Squaw.
And, perhaps most importantly, we’ve partnered with some of the most effective environmental organizations in the region to make sure they have the support they need to be successful.
For example, we are one of the founding members of the Green Bucks program in Tahoe, which allows us to easily collect dollar donations from our guests and send that money directly to the Tahoe Fund and Truckee River Watershed Council.
Most recently, we have been thinking about how to enhance the Village and make it more contemporary for the next generation of families and residents of Lake Tahoe. Most everyone agrees we can improve upon what we have presently.
And while it’s not hard to hear the voices of dissension and the varying levels of disagreements on what those improvements should entail — we remain intense listeners and, as mountain people with a deep conversation ethic, appreciate the diverse points of view.
We began this discussion with an initial development proposal that we shared with the community and its leaders. We undertook this effort with a commitment to having a conversation with our neighbors and a devotion to creating something that was both environmentally responsible and exciting for all members of our families — from those seeking Squaw’s legendary expert terrain to those same guests who also have children and are looking for fun, new adventures to share together.
They are key and represent our future mountain enthusiasts. Our plan sought to combine those aspects with world class facilities that reflect our Olympic heritage.
We have always believed that a conversation requires many voices. That why we’ve held over 300 meetings in the community and opened up an area in the Village for people to listen to our perspective and share their opinions with us.
More than four thousand (4,270 to date) of our fellow Lake Tahoe devotees have joined us.
We are proud of the comprehensive community outreach effort that we have undertaken and want the community to know that we will continue to listen and integrate your input and opinions into the planning process. You can feel confident that your voices will be heard.
Andy Wirth is President and Chief Executive Officer of Squaw Valley Ski Holdings.
back when AW wrote that, townfolks in the pro-town movement said KSL wouldn’t talk to them. In the meantime, KSL seemed to backflip and take on board many many sensible suggestions for a win/win outcome.
Who then will herd the cats and play hard with the county’s ‘divorce’ lawyers? .
Hi Mark,
Blimey, No sooner is Hosea Chevis saying he’s sorry, these people want me to help them cut developers down to size.
`Paul Bunyon.
Greetings!
Nearly twenty years ago, a group of local business owners and visionaries gathered together to form the Sierra Business Council. Their aim: To innovate ways to leverage and balance economic, social and natural priorities to build thriving, prosperous and sustainable communities throughout the Sierra Nevada region.
I’m pleased to report that, as we approach this important milestone in our history, SBC’s impact in the region is greater than ever:
• Our participation as a leader of November’s California Economic Summit in Los Angeles ensures that the Sierra region has a loud and cohesive voice as the state defines its overall economic development priorities and objectives;
• This September, SBC Project Manager Emily Dondero testified before the US House of Representatives in Washington DC as a witness to the impact of climate change on the Sierra and, specifically, on its connection to the Rim Fire;
• Our Sierra Nevada Energy Watch project has leveraged $5 million dollars in economic benefit to the Sierra Nevada, reducing energy bills while providing income to contractors and rebates to business owners. It has also conserved enough to power 3,300 homes for a full year;
• Our Sierra Nevada Geotourism project garnered national and international attention for the region when Project Manager Nicole DeJonghe and Communications Specialist Brittany Todd spent a week exploring the undiscovered Sierra via campervan and shared their exploits on social media;
• Our Climate Projects have worked with 24 local governments and one special district to help them with the climate planning process, including completing greenhouse gas emissions inventories and developing climate and energy policies;
• Our Northern Sierra Partnership project — including our partners at the Feather River and Truckee-Donner Land Trusts as well as the Nature Conservancy and the Trust for Public Land — protected and opened to recreational access an additional 8,000 acres of land.
Of course, continuing this exciting trajectory of tangible, measurable success in the region requires the support of our entire network of collaborators, partners and supporters. Without your help, it wouldn’t be possible for us to accomplish so much to “build a better Sierra Nevada.”
Please show your continued support and deepen your commitment to SBC’s network of community and business leaders by donating today.
Gratefully,
Steven R. Frisch
President
Sierra Business Council
Hey Mark,
A bunch of us kids are in the torchparade tonight!
Hey, if Mr. Hosea ever needs a hand to market or design a ski village, he should ask us for help.
We won’t work for minimum wage coz we know what we’re doing :).
K9
What’s your reaction to the new scaled-down proposal to develop Squaw Valley?
B. Hate it; it’s still too big and out of character.
85.44%
(587)
D. Indifferent about it, don’t care.
6.40%
(44)
C. Love it; it’s the right project for Squaw.
5.97%
(41)
A. Hate it; there was nothing wrong with previous version.
2.18%
(15)
687
I was reading gosquaw’s blog that says the IOV council could be elected in 11 short months.
Schweitzer works in travel and hotel design and booking computers.
Nancy is an engineer and was a gov consultant on mass transit in alaska I think.
Schectman is really experienced from all the work he’s done.
There are school teachers and film makers and a new appointee to a water board
KSL admits they know more about golf course hotels than running a ski resort.
Van Nort is up against career bureacrats and career politicians like Jenny Montgomery.
IOV are only half way to the funding, and they haven’t organised anything like a hoedown the kids at Johnsville did for something like $10,000-$30,000 towards their new ski lift. (Yep, kids did more entrepreneurial things like Squaw’s residents and executives).
The election will be interesting.
http://www.gosquaw.com/incorporate-olympic-valley-has-taken-a-big/
depends, but vi a viz punative damages, Marinaccio v. Town of Clarence , 20 N.Y.3d 506 (2013) provides guidance. There, the New York Court of Appeals held that a defendant who relied on engineering experts, engaged in extensive planning, and complied with all applicable regulations could not be held liable for punitive damages. How blatently stupid were all those planners who went along patting themselves on the back for inventing high cost fails?
http://moonshineink.com/sections/spot-news/squaw-cuts-village-plan-third
Undercover FREE parking for 2000 cars would’ve been ok, Mr Hosea, but you cut one of the places out.
Free membership in a huge real club house for locals would’ve been fine too.
KSL needs executives who don’t lose a hotel and about 30 acres.
Dear UA,
You scooped this story and you were so accurate, it’s scary!
http://moonshineink.com/sections/spot-news/sewage-line-break-causes-temporary-closure-squaw%E2%80%99s-upper-mountain
you knew where the snowpipes went. you knew the air blew a hole in the poo pipe. you queried the bio hazard inspection too.
Alex Cushing’s ghost.
From all of us at the KSL Fan Club, Happy New Year Unofficialsquawpine.
Love
Larry Curly & Mo
Bruce Wayne
Batman and Commissioner Gordon
Gordon Gecko
Gilligan and the Skipper
Dobie Gillis
The Partridge Family
The Cartwrights from Ponderosa, Incline Village
and 5000 other imaginary people that KSL consulted on Plans 1&2 🙂
At this time of year, let us not forget Andy’s horrible accident.
Andy, we hope you’re recovering fast and well.
Dear Sir Mark,
In light of developments such as:
‘By
Ian Walker
Updated Nov. 8, 2013 11:44 a.m. ET
LONDON—Attractions company Merlin Entertainments PLC on Friday priced its initial public offering at 315 pence a share, near the top of the range it set Oct. 30. Shares rose more than 10% to 347 pence Friday in conditional trading on the London Stock Exchange, giving the owner of Madame Tussauds waxwork museums and Legoland amusement parks a…’ ..
I’m glad to see from the article in Moonshine Ink that KSL has re-evaluated its position. Your e-magazine is read very widely you know.
Cheerio,
That surgery by Dr Hosea has gone horribly wrong according to the latest poll at the Sierra Sun!
Dr Hosea, please report to the ER immediately!
What’s your reaction to the new scaled-down proposal to develop Squaw Valley?
B. Hate it; it’s still too big and out of character.
89.99%
(962)
D. Indifferent about it, don’t care.
4.49%
(48)
C. Love it; it’s the right project for Squaw.
3.93%
(42)
A. Hate it; there was nothing wrong with previous version.
1.59%
(17)
1069
votes
The AMA should never let that ‘Surgeon’ near a ‘patient’ ever again!
Facebook lit up like fireworks over MShine Ink’s story on the ‘decision’ to cancel the Last Chair event. http://squaw.com/lastchairfestival
Who is actually running the resort these days?
Scarecrow, Tinman & The Lion.
No brains, no heart, no courage
Mark
Is anyone looking at pumping surplus water INTO suitable aquifers like putting money into a piggy bank for years when it doesn’t snow? The following link explains the process. Of course a lot depends on whther the rock is ‘water proof’ like a underground swimming pool or a giant sieve, but in Sydney they put water in and then pull water out.
http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=4&ved=0CFQQtwIwAw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fabceducation.net.au%2Fvideolibrary%2Fview%2Fground-water-segment-2-61&ei=SeLDUv_FC8fikgWDwoC4BA&usg=AFQjCNHKoyhNrsXxTKBuu2LbP6t754kfpw&sig2=9YQGoHXeM28530kFUi4SuA&bvm=bv.58187178,d.dGI&cad=rja
Cheers.
Why can Northstar make snow (see the Sierra Sun) if Squaw can’t?
With tourists having nothing to do except eat and drink (see the Sierra Sun) why hasn’t Squaw rolled out events and things to do?
With store owners in the valley saying business is half what it should be, wtf is KSL/SV doing about designing better snowmaking and turning on things to do.
Writes Ms Moran in the Sun: ‘ALL ABOUT THE SNOWFALL’
In the meantime, freezing temperatures and low relative humidity has allowed ski resorts such as Northstar California to make their own snow and stay open during the snowless holiday season.
“Regional and destination skiers and riders have great confidence in Northstar’s ability to ensure superb snow conditions — by way of the mountain’s world-class snowmaking system, Mother Nature or a combination of both,” said Rachael Woods, senior manager of communications for the resort. “In fact, Northstar has continued to open additional trails during the holiday week.”
On Tuesday, Northstar reported having 30 trails open, with 26 groomed.
“Everybody’s been saying that conditions are pretty good,” said Brendan Mooney, store manager for Tahoe Dave’s Skis & Boards in Truckee. “… All the mountains are getting new stuff open every day, so that’s kind of nice.”
While business has been slightly slower than this time last year due to the lack of snow, the shop has still been busy, he said.
Mike Pavel, owner of Mtn. Mike’s Sports in Olympic Valley, however, has seen business drop about 50 percent for this time of year.
“It’s all about the snowfall,” he said. “Most of our people that come up are from San Francisco. They follow the weather, and they can see it now with all the online information and television news. They know it’s a dry winter, so they’re saving their money.”
Business at Rosie’s Cafe in Tahoe City, meanwhile, was good during Christmas week, said general manager Deanne Myers.
“They’re eating — what else are they going to do?” she said. “They’re eating and shopping.”
HOPES VS. REALITY
Myers, Pavel and Mooney all said they are hoping for more snow — with a few conditions. Ideally, it would snow during the week, leaving Fridays and the weekends clear.
“We say, ‘If it’s snowing, they ain’t going,’” Mooney said. “… We need snow, but we don’t want it to snow (for) weeks straight because we wouldn’t do any business. Travel has to accessible — that’s the thing.”
Ideally, plenty of snow will fall in time for Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 20.
“That’s our next big weekend,” Pavel said. “If we get good snow and the whole mountain is open, then people will just be jamming up here the whole rest of the winter.”
Dry weather is predicted for the beginning of January. According to NWS, the extended forecast for Truckee and Lake Tahoe calls for sunshine and high temperatures in the mid- to upper-40s.
High pressure near the California coast is blocking any storm systems in the Pacific Ocean from reaching the Sierra, Deutschendorf said.
A dry start to 2014 — in conjunction with 2013 being the driest calendar year recorded by the Central Sierra Snow Laboratory in its 67-year history — has regional water officials worried.
“Right now, our water storage is at 90 percent of average for this time of year, so we are in good shape for the time being, but we’re very concerned about the continuing dry forecasts,” said Tony Firenzi, deputy director of technical services for Placer County Water Agency, in a statement.
Another concern is the potential risk for wildfires due to lack of moisture.
“We’re just going to keep a watch out,” Deutschendorf said. “There is still a lot winter left, so things can change.”
Join the Conversation View and add comments »”
Wtf????
KSL woke up this morning to see the latest in the Sierra Sun’s poll:- over 90% actually hate the new model
B. Hate it; it’s still too big and out of character.
90.07%
(1016)
D. Indifferent about it, don’t care.
4.34%
(49)
C. Love it; it’s the right project for Squaw.
3.90%
(44)
A. Hate it; there was nothing wrong with previous version.
1.68%
(19)
1128
votes
Dear UA,
1100 voters is the biggest online survey to date, isn’t it?
how can ‘everyone’ hate the plan but Moonshine wrote: “Ed Heneveld, a member of Friends of Squaw Valley and a vocal critic of the project, said he is happy with the new plan and, most of all, the fact that Squaw responded to public concerns.
“Gut reaction is that this looks good. It’s so much more reasonable, much more compatible with what people want,” he said. “It’s remarkable that a corporation we always considered to be so inhuman and only looking for a return on its investment, that [it had] a human response … It feels good that that can happen.”
What do people ‘hate’ about the new plan.
Personally I think KSL need better managers with ‘soul’ and an eye for detail. The removal of the water sprigot is a case in point.
I wonder if KSL was even aware, until they read Unofficialalpine, that Kirkwood, Nstar and places in Tahoe were building more condos, Truckee planned to have a huge campus at the airport ,and Truckee planned to build this competetive aquatic center: http://www.moonshineink.com/sections/spot-news/wading-through-requirements
As Hosea Chevis infers, they know golf course resorts but, I think, the KSL people are out of touch with ski resorts. Possibly they were out of touch with many many other things, like winning over hearts and souls with simple things like watching the public/team interaction on the slopes. After all, a simple word to the coaches might’ve prevented that debarcle from hindering the experience.
PS: They still haven’t said the smaller day parking area is free. Why not? Are they deaf or are they up to something like paid parking. Confession is good for the Soul, so KSL please fess up or hire proper communicators instread of real estate spin doctors.
B. Hate it; it’s still too big and out of character.
90.21%
(1115)
D. Indifferent about it, don’t care.
4.53%
(56)
C. Love it; it’s the right project for Squaw.
3.72%
(46)
A. Hate it; there was nothing wrong with previous version.
1.54%
(19)
1236 votes
Saw this just now on facebbok too …. just not from KSL/Squaw marketeting geniuses. They are actually making midweek stays affordable, and in turn helping struggling small businesses, and helping employees get rostered and tipped. Singles, bums, couples etc etc can afford to ski with deals like these, no?.
There is hope for KSL’s soul y’know. If only they knew how to run a resort seamlessly.
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With guys like Mike Livak, Squaw can’t screw things up, can they: just look at his bio.
Oct 5, 2011
A lifelong ski enthusiast, Mike Livak spent six years as a ski instructor before entering the UC Davis MBA program. Upon graduation in 1998, he explored other options, but quickly returned to the industry he loves. Today Livak is a senior vice president at the Squaw Valley Ski Corporation, a fascinating and diverse job that keeps him busy—most recently assisting in Squaw’s merger with neighboring Alpine Meadows. The deal combined two of Tahoe’s oldest resorts to create North America’s largest mountain resort.
When not working, Livak, his wife, Kirsten, and their two young children enjoy the outdoors life in Truckee, Calif., in the heart of the Sierra Nevada.
Read more about the merger >>
What drives you in your work?
Change and improvement! Since I accepted the position of senior vice president at the Squaw Valley resort in 2009, things have moved quickly. Learning the new job; acquiring the Village at Squaw Valley condo-hotel management business and commercial space from Intrawest; welcoming and assisting our new CEO, Andy Wirth; the sale of the company to KSL Capital Partners; embarking on a $50M capital improvement effort; and now combining the forces of Squaw Valley and the neighboring Alpine Meadows resort—it’s been a busy two years!
Where has your career taken you, and where is it headed?
I enjoyed being a ski instructor and, later, a staff trainer at the Squaw Valley ski school for six years following college. I explored several career options while pursing the MBA program. None were as fascinating as the ski industry, but Squaw Valley founder Alex Cushing interviewed me seven times before he offered me a job as the director of administration and marketing. I later had the opportunity to manage many business and functional units in the resort, including strategic planning, commercial leasing, risk management, litigation defense, real estate, environmental permitting, retail, rental, security, employee housing, and food and beverage services. Along the way I served as a director and officer of the company for more than a decade.
I departed the employ of Squaw in 2005—but remained on the board—in order to serve as the project manager for Royal Gorge, a 1,000-unit residential, mixed-use subdivision and recreation development-concept near Donner Summit. We operated North America’s largest cross country ski resort, two hotels and a water company while preparing the financial analysis, environmental science and regulatory applications necessary for the real estate project. I left Royal Gorge right before the real-estate downturn, for a position back with Squaw Valley as senior vice president. In addition to my former duties, I’ve learned more about operational elements, including lift and vehicle maintenance, ski patrol, snow safety, grooming and building services. We really have the infrastructure of a small town at the resort. Professionally, I’d like to continue helping people to enjoy recreation, physical activity and the outdoors, and to continue participating in an advisory capacity for other organizations, whether through board membership or otherwise.
The new plan, Danielsan, has everything in posts lie mine in October – see http://unofficialalpine.com/?p=2171#comment-8153. Why are 90% still unhappy particularly as Friends of Squaw said they were surprised at how far KSL has come.
Hey Mark,
Is the next IOV meet at 7pm on January 7th. I ask because the email doesn’t say what time it is.
Thanks,
Hi All
Happy New Year
For those that are following the Incorporate Olympic Valley activity,
or for those that would like to hear more or ask questions, the next
meeting will be held on January 7th in the conference room at the
Squaw Valley PSD/Fire Station building.
Please note that the Friends of Squaw Valley is passing this notice
along as a community service, and please do not take this as an
endorsement. That is for each of us to decide.
Thanks
Friends of Squaw Valley
I believe so.
Fos have since emailed an update and, yes, it’s 7pm on the 7th.
I still think Incorporating is a great idea if they put together a smart team and smarter managers.
fyi Mark
Some of the squaw kids will be at Boreal tomorrow.
Maybe someone reads newsest and most influential e-paper, Unofficialalpine 🙂
http://www.squawfree.org/1/post/2014/01/freeski-training-at-boreal-1314.html?fb_action_ids=10203049782433773&fb_action_types=weeblyapp%3Ashare&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%5B795636643796907%5D&action_type_map=%5B%22weeblyapp%3Ashare%22%5D&action_ref_map=%5B%5D
Mark
1447 votes are a lot of votes in the Sierra Sun, especially when you look at the low responses to most of their polls. What is wrong with the new plan
Poll
What’s your reaction to the new scaled-down proposal to develop Squaw Valley?
B. Hate it; it’s still too big and out of character.
89.98%
(1302)
D. Indifferent about it, don’t care.
4.49%
(65)
C. Love it; it’s the right project for Squaw.
3.87%
(56)
A. Hate it; there was nothing wrong with previous version.
1.66%
(24)
1447
votes
If it wasn’t for Gaffney’s gutsy letter in Moonshine Ink and if it wasn’t for gutsy publications, would KSL have steamrollered everyone? I think so because the Poll Results clearly show that only 1.66% ever thought the first plan was ok. Gaffney was right to ask “What would John Muir do?”.
http://www.moonshineink.com/sections/spout/speaking-protect-squaw-valley-what-would-muir-do