Friday, March 1, 2013

Conditions and Quad Update

After two years of less than ideal weather things sure have improved.  That's not just me speaking.  We are receiving feedback from guests on a daily basis stating that we are experiencing the best conditions in years.  Even better news is that it appears that this winter weather is going to hold on well into March.

Our schedule is to be open right through March 24th but we are actively planning for the week of the 27th and into the Easter Holiday (the 29th, 30th and 31st).  There are many factors involved in the decision to remain open into April.  Stay tuned!

It's pretty safe to say that the Quad chair will not be open in 2013.  This is tough as we hear from a number of people who are anxiously awaiting its opening.  In the end, we are simply running out of time.  We have experienced some unexpected delays in completing some of the work required and at this point it will be difficult to get everything done to get it operational this season.

The debate still rages amongst our various user groups on whether this lift is truly necessary these days.  Even during our busiest days this season (and we have had some busy ones) we have experienced little to no lift lines on the double chair.  Many argue whether or not the terrain is truly accessible from the double and based on the number of people skiing over their I'm inclined to say that it is.

One of the things being considered in our long term planning is moving this lift as a replacement for the aging Double Chair.  This combined with a little work to the bottom of the runs over by the Quad would provide increased uphill capacity and access to the Quad terrain while ultimately reducing operating costs.  Thoughts?  Email me at dan@searchmont.com.

U16 Provincial Championships
Searchmont is proud to host the U16 Ontario Provincial Championships next week.  The Searchmont Ski Runners will be putting on the race Wednesday thru Saturday, March 6th to 9th.  180 athletes representing the best 14 and 15 year old skiers in the Province.  Should be a fun watch.  Of course this means the Slalom will be closed for most of the week.  SSR is still looking for volunteers particularly on the 6th, 7th and 8th.  If you can assist please drop me an email.