{"id":4372,"date":"2011-11-26T17:51:59","date_gmt":"2011-11-26T17:51:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.alpinezone.com\/content\/?page_id=4372"},"modified":"2012-06-07T19:59:51","modified_gmt":"2012-06-07T19:59:51","slug":"alpinezone-challenge-2011-chris-nyberg-of-killington","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.alpinezone.com\/skiing\/challenge\/challenge2011\/alpinezone-challenge-2011-chris-nyberg-of-killington\/","title":{"rendered":"AlpineZone Challenge 2011 – Chris Nyberg of Killington"},"content":{"rendered":"

The AlpineZone Ski Area Challenge was designed to provide a method for our\u00a0forum<\/a>\u00a0members to get official answers to skiing-related questions directly from a ski area representative.\u00a0Chris Nyberg<\/strong>,\u00a0President<\/em>\u00a0of Killington\u00a0<\/a><\/strong>in Killington, Vermont, took the AlpineZone Ski Area Challenge and provided the following responses on 11\/26\/2011:<\/p>\n

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deadheadskier:\u00a0<\/strong>There are several questions about Pico. deadheadskier wonders if there are any plans to offer expanded lift operations at Pico this winter? He notes that he skied Pico twice last winter, on a Friday and a Monday and that those visits, the Little Pico Triple and Outpost Double Chairs were both closed. He continues by stating that the Outpost area offers some of the better ‘character’ trails at Pico and in my opinion, A Slope, though short, is the best Expert terrain on the Mountain.<\/p>\n

While I know the focus is on family programs at Pico, it would be nice to have A Slope open whenever possible. It was pretty frustrating to see both the Bonanza Double and Gnomes Knoll Triple chairs running and see the other two lifts closed. The Outpost you can hike to fairly easily, A Slope you cannot. Your thoughts?<\/p>\n

Chris Nyberg:\u00a0<\/strong>Pico\u2019s operating model during the week, non-peak, will remain the same as last year. Additionally, opening more lifts mid-week at Pico would increase the operational costs into the red. Under the current operating model Pico has become a fiscally sound business.<\/p>\n

Oakapple:\u00a0<\/strong>Regarding the former South Ridge Triple:\u00a0Oakapple and Rogman wonder if you can outline the plans for replacing that lift.<\/p>\n

Rogman also notes, \u201cThe sudden removal of the South Ridge Triple means that under the current trail configuration, there is effectively only one way out of Bear, the Skye Peak Express. On busy weekends, the mid-day wait is already substantial. This will make it worse, especially during the Dew Tour. Are you considering any changes that will mitigate this issue?\u201d Also, can you provide information as to how folks can purchase former South Ridge Triple chairs?<\/p>\n

Chris Nyberg:\u00a0<\/strong>We left majority of the return towers with the hope that we could use some of them when we move an existing lift to service that terrain. The replacement of the South Ridge Triple will be in a few years, we are focused on finishing the new Peak Facility next year.<\/p>\n

killtoski<\/strong>:\u00a0I have skied Killington since the mid 70s and am on my 3rd vacation home in the area. Like many, I am upset with the season pass price increases, when compared to Okemo & Stratton. In this bad economy when I have to travel 5 hours, the increase in gas prices and now lift tickets will force many to spend less at the lodge and in the region in general. How about these ideas for modifying your pass prices?<\/p>\n