Mike and Keith record live from the Country Ski and Sport Expo in Hanover MA. They catch up with various ski resort representatives to discuss the upcoming ski season, highlighting special events, new developments, and exclusive deals available at the expo. Guests include Jay Stenson from Country Ski & Sport; and representatives from Saddleback, Maine; Smuggler's Notch, Sugarbush; Gunstock Mountain Resort; Waterville Valley; Loon Mountain; and Cannon Mountain, each sharing their unique updates and promotions. The episode is filled with enthusiasm for the winter season and invaluable information for ski enthusiasts gearing up for their favorite sport.

The Expo:

Veterans Day Weekend, November 7-10, 2024

Thursday, November 7th: 11:00 am - 8:00 pm Friday, November 8th: 11:00 am - 8:00 pm Saturday, November 9th: 11:00 am - 8:00 pm Sunday, November 10th: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

389 Columbia Rd. (Route 53) Hanover, MA 02339

https://www.countryski.com/

Topics

00:41 Interview with Jay Stenson from Country Ski and Sport

06:23 Saddleback, Maine: A Rising Star in the East

11:46 Smuggler's Notch: The Family Mountain

16:40 Sugarbush: Exciting Upgrades and Community Engagement

19:53 Snowfall at Sugarbush

20:42 Exclusive Deals at Sugarbush

22:02 Gunstock Mountain Resort Updates

25:41 Waterville Valley Highlights

29:34 Loon Mountain Excitement

32:35 Cannon Mountain's Big Plans

37:30 Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the New England Ski Journal Base Camp Podcast, Mike and Keith discuss a variety of skiing topics and delve into the importance of affordable skiing options. They highlight the early season snowfalls in New England and discuss the significance of early snowmaking operations. The hosts engage with guest John Siewierski, founder of the Mountain Sports Club, who explains the services his club offers to make skiing more affordable, including discounts on lift tickets, lodging, and equipment rentals. John shares his extensive experience in the ski industry, the impact of mega passes and COVID-19 on skiing habits, and the growing significance of cross-country and backcountry skiing. The episode also touches on the challenges and opportunities for the ski industry, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and affordability for new and returning skiers. The podcast wraps up with a discussion on Killington's operations and future, emphasizing the need for transparency and community engagement in the ski industry.

Topics

01:01 Early October Snowfall and Skiing Excitement

03:40 Ski Ward's Early Opening and Deals Discussion

08:59 Introducing John Siewierski of Mountain Sports Club

09:56 Exploring Mountain Sports Club's Offerings

21:21 Ski Pass Usage and Market Trends

23:15 Challenges in the Ski Industry

24:36 Reviving Interest in Skiing

26:21 Skiing Demographics and Financial Barriers

32:41 Exploring Alternative Winter Sports

35:01 Mountain Sports Club Membership

36:02 The Future of Ski Resorts

40:04 Killington's Impact on New England Skiing

46:00 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

In this episode of New England Ski Journal's Base Camp podcast, hosts Mike and Keith discuss the exciting transition of Killington Resort's ownership to independence, led by local investors Phil Gross and Michael Ferry. With the new CEO Mike Solimano on board, the conversation dives into the operational and financial strategies of running a major ski resort, emphasizing the shift from strict financial management to a community-focused approach. Key topics include the importance of local ownership, the impact on community engagement, insights on infrastructure upgrades, and innovative developments like the installation of a six-pack lift and a new village partnership with Great Gulf. The episode wraps up with reflections on the benefits of independence, the resort's contributions to the New England ski scene, and future plans to enhance the skiing experience at Killington.

Topics

00:34 Hosts' Excitement for Ski Season

01:04 Natural Snow vs. Snow Guns

04:28 Unexpected Changes in the Ski Industry

05:25 Killington's New Independence

08:06 Interview with Mike Solimano

09:43 Killington's Future Plans

24:45 Spring Skiing Challenges and Lift Logistics

25:30 World Cup and Community Engagement

29:25 Future Plans for Killington Resort

31:18 The New Village Development

35:01 Impact on Icon Pass and Ski Industry Trends

37:22 Killington's Independence and Future Outlook

41:57 Conclusion and Reflections