Sugarloaf/USA Announces $4 Million of Improvements

[Greg]

http://news.alpinezone.com/17821/

 

[ComeBackMudPuddles]

I'm sure the snowmaking changes will be great, but saying Sugarloaf is investing $4 million is a little misleading (the article, not Greg's post). $1.4 million is for a town-funded skating rink and lodge expansion, and they are also including some unquoted amount for a public transportation system.

 

[trtaylor]

I'm sure the snowmaking changes will be great, but saying Sugarloaf is investing $4 million is a little misleading (the article, not Greg's post). $1.4 million is for a town-funded skating rink and lodge expansion, and they are also including some unquoted amount for a public transportation system.

If their 20% increase in snowmaking capacity is a realistic number that is quite an improvement regardless of how the actual money was spent.

 

[skircher]

Comments

Folks,

While I agree with the comment that investments are not all being funded by the resort,
rest assured this release was not meant to mislead but to inform how much is already being accomplished by all who are involved in Sugarloaf's future.

Please note that the team was very open about how much is being funded for the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center - $1.4m of the $4.0m.

Additionally, what didn't get highlighted due to space and probably to much detail was that several hundred thousand of the total has and is going into accomodations upgrades which is funded by the condo association of the Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel. Note: the return of that name and the subtle direction of making Sugarloaf - Sugarloaf....not part of a chain.

Customers should be very excited about all of the above and that the remainder of the spending is going into specifically assets that affect the daily experience of the guest coming to Sugarloaf. Alot is being accomplished in a very short period of time and the resort is already looking noticably better.

Publishing a detailed accounting of what is being spent on what is not what you do typically in press releases.

It is the intent of the resort to showcase investments in the context of what the "Sugarloaf community" is doing whenever appropriate.

As an example from the past and as most folks know, the golf course was a community funded amentity to the resort in the 1980's. This is just one example of the wonderful competitive advantages that Sugarloaf has over other places in New England. It has THE most supportive community an operator could hope to have and we are excited about what that can do for the future success of that community and the resort.


Respectfully,
Stephen Kircher
President - Boyne East - Boyne USA Resorts

 

[ctenidae]

Publishing a detailed accounting of what is being spent on what is not what you do typically in press releases.

Thanks for coming in and clearing some things up. We're just data whores and could probably spend days discussing every budget line item if we had them. I'm sure our various employers would prefer you didn't give them to us...

 

[Tin Woodsman]

IIRC, the sale of Sugarloaf and SR closed well after that of K-Mart. I wonder what threecy has to say about this substantial investment (even if you don't count the $1.4MM from the Town) in relation to K-Mart.

 

[snoseek]

For what it is worth .. I believe Maine is starting to enter a new golden age of skiing and riding. I wasn't sure at first about Boyne moving in but everything I have seen so far is making a true believer out of me.

I couldn't agree more.

 

[snowman]

Folks,

While I agree with the comment that investments are not all being funded by the resort,
rest assured this release was not meant to mislead but to inform how much is already being accomplished by all who are involved in Sugarloaf's future.

Please note that the team was very open about how much is being funded for the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center - $1.4m of the $4.0m.

Additionally, what didn't get highlighted due to space and probably to much detail was that several hundred thousand of the total has and is going into accomodations upgrades which is funded by the condo association of the Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel. Note: the return of that name and the subtle direction of making Sugarloaf - Sugarloaf....not part of a chain.

Customers should be very excited about all of the above and that the remainder of the spending is going into specifically assets that affect the daily experience of the guest coming to Sugarloaf. Alot is being accomplished in a very short period of time and the resort is already looking noticably better.

Publishing a detailed accounting of what is being spent on what is not what you do typically in press releases.

It is the intent of the resort to showcase investments in the context of what the "Sugarloaf community" is doing whenever appropriate.

As an example from the past and as most folks know, the golf course was a community funded amentity to the resort in the 1980's. This is just one example of the wonderful competitive advantages that Sugarloaf has over other places in New England. It has THE most supportive community an operator could hope to have and we are excited about what that can do for the future success of that community and the resort.


Respectfully,
Stephen Kircher
President - Boyne East - Boyne USA Resorts

Is the Sugarloaf Inn receiving renovations? I stayed there last winter because the hotel was full. I loved the location and common areas, but the rooms had seen better days. I actually thought to myself that it wouldn't take a lot of $ to take it from not so hot to a very nice place to stay. :smile:

 

[riverc0il]

Boyne seems to be doing so much right for their new Maine resorts. Most people probably suspected that any one taking over these two resorts could improve upon things more than ASC... let's face it, the bar was set pretty low. But Boyne is generating a lot more buzz, good will, and attention than I had expected due to a lot of good moves and good press. Cheers to the new ownership and they deserve all the extra revenue and skier visits these moves are going to bring them.

 

[sledhaulingmedic]

Customers should be very excited about all of the above and that the remainder of the spending is going into specifically assets that affect the daily experience of the guest coming to Sugarloaf. Alot is being accomplished in a very short period of time and the resort is already looking noticably better.

Apparently, Mr. President you have proven you don't know your market or how it might be appropriate to use such a forum to introduce your new presence into the marketplace. Let me sugarcoat this for the sake of public decorum:

Don't tell me, as a customer, how I'm supposed to feel about what's being done at a place I've skied, and loved for years, by a bunch of mid-westerner outsiders when I haven't even had the chance to "sample the product" Save the marketing spin, please. Actions speak louder than words. We'll be the judge. Deliver the goods, the results will follow. None wants to listen to the freshman on the team shoot his mouth off about how great he is. Hit some runs, score some goals, place first a few times, the you can run your marketing pie hole. Until then...

Publishing a detailed accounting of what is being spent on what is not what you do typically in press releases.

Cutting through transparent marketing fluff is one thing we excel at here.

 

[deadheadskier]

Apparently, Mr. President you have proven you don't know your market or how it might be appropriate to use such a forum to introduce your new presence into the marketplace. Let me sugarcoat this for the sake of public decorum:

Don't tell me, as a customer, how I'm supposed to feel about what's being done at a place I've skied, and loved for years, by a bunch of mid-westerner outsiders when I haven't even had the chance to "sample the product" Save the marketing spin, please. Actions speak louder than words. We'll be the judge. Deliver the goods, the results will follow. None wants to listen to the freshman on the team shoot his mouth off about how great he is. Hit some gruns, score some goals, place first a few times, the you can run your marketing pie hole. Until then...



Cutting through transparent marketing fluff is one thing we excel at here.

I see your points, but chill out. Between the very respectable and better than expected Maine Pass offered and already making work of the little time that they've had since finalizing the deal through very necessary investment in snowmaking....I think Boyne deserves to be cut a little slack.

Sure, most here do excell at cutting throug marketing fluff, but many of also welcome newcomers, including area operators to our little ski jonesing corner of the web. The fact that Boyne has accepted Greg's invitation and has contributed information the way they have as quick as they have is quite admirable.

With that, I'm going to take my half full glass of water and head of to bed. I hope you enjoy your half empty one.

 

[Terry]

I have been very impressed with the way that Boyne has made changes and upgrades so soon after closing on the resorts. To me it shows comitment to the skiing comunity that they are willing to upgrade things so quickly. I think people need to cut them some slack. Boyne is going to be good for Maine skiing!

 

[Vortex]

Sled.... alot of positive steps so far, alot still needs to happen. Not long ago is was ASC bashing by many here. The gondi building is gone increased snow making.

Seems like some partnerships with the local governments are working. More positives than negitives as I see it so far.

Another thing talking about mid westerners,. the east coast guys are still in mangement so local voices are in the loop. Management is posting on boards know answering direct questions,. No real large employee changes.

I think his view about how people feel have come from those who have told him how they feel.

The wording may be off, but the message is pretty good. Just my opinion like yours.

 

[sledhaulingmedic]

Actually, I toned that down quite a bit. Should I "give them a chance?" Absolutely. The ASC years were very bleak, but certainly doesn't mean things will necesarilly improve with new ownership.

I guess, perhaps largely because of my former career in Marketing (step 1: admit you have a problem), I have an exceptionally low tolleance for Marketing Communications (that's a euphamism if I every used one). After all the Fluff out of Newry about "Envisioning and Storytelling" I'm reaching for a 5 gallon emesis bag.

Boyne wants to make a statement? How about that they'll push to be the first open and the last closed every season? They really want results? How about they make good on it.

"If you walk the walk, you don't have to talk the talk"

"I'm from Missouri, Show me."

"Actions speak louder than words"

"Show me. Don't tell me."

 

[Vortex]

I agree with much of your second post sled. They have made strides and are in the process of others good things....props for that.

Opening and closing.... What storytelling brings... really are just plans and talk until actions is taken. That being said I'm excited and optimistic. I also like that boyne has tried to inform us along the way.

 

[Greg]

Boyne wants to make a statement? How about that they'll push to be the first open and the last closed every season? They really want results? How about they make good on it.

Sit tight. Time will tell here. I would bet that either Sugarloaf (Boyne) or Mount Snow (Peak) will be the first to open as soon as conditions allow.

 

[sledhaulingmedic]

That's it! A steel cage match! The battle of the flatlanders come East.

I think my money would go with Mt. Snow(Peak) for the Early season. They'd get more ROI bang for the Snowmaking buck.

The competition is a huge plus. (What was that song from te late '70's..."Reasons to be cheerfull: Part II"?)

 

[riverc0il]

The competition is a huge plus.

Word. You can say that again. Having so many of ASC's big boys in different hands has really juiced things up and competition is almost always in the best interest of the consumer. Consumers usually either get better prices or better product when competition increases.

 

[threecy]

I'm not a big fan of the expansion analysis this year - ie Sugarloaf vs. Killington vs. Attitash vs. Snow. It seems that the first two have been subjected to criticism for not spending enough while the latter have been praised for doing so much.

Firstly, any ski area dollar amount advertised, in terms of money spent on expansion, is spin.

Secondly, dollars can't really quantify the differences. The Polecat installation on a very limited portion of Mt. Snow may in the end have very little impact this season - they still only have so much water. Yes, Polecats are efficient, make better snow, etc., but at the end of the day they still have water limitations and only a few Polecats in relation to the large amount of terrain.

Compare this to a ski area adding a simple valve/junction to a snowmaking loop, or even expanding a pipeline from 6 to 12 inches with a new pump. A tremendous increase of snowmaking could be seen as a result, from a very small (in comparison to 100 Polecats) investment.

Bottom line - we should be happy to see any investment in these ski areas. No reason to complain about it - if the ownership doesn't do enough, they will pay for it out of reduced skier visits, reduced area value, and increased maintenance costs down the line.