December Meeting 2014 Recap
Recap
The September meeting was well attended, with holiday table decorations setting a festive mood. People were looking forward to picking up the tickets they had purchased.
Several club officers each spoke about their respective function: Jon Levy started the meeting and welcomed all members, old and new; Chuck Riley gave an update on EICSL, Robin Diamond on the racing program, and Ilene Titus on benefits, such as tickets.
Ed Berry was back at the ACE Club as the featured speaker of the evening to talk about the latest development at Stowe Mountain Resort. The mountain is very attentive to the feedback from its groomers and snowmakers. Management listens to them to constantly improve operations each year. The mountain is dedicated to the ‘product’ and is spending the money required.
He noted quite a few improvements since last year, includng a new 3,000 gallon-per-minute booster pump house on Mt. Mansfield. The mountain currently has 8 groomers. That means more early and late season terrain, quick resurfacing and superlative snow surfaces!
The 20 year old gondola was refurbished at significant cost savings over buying a new one. The gondola was sent back to the manufacturer, who put in brand new upholstery, windows and racks.
The old lift at Spruce Base was replaced with a new high-speed quad. The old alpine slide is gone, a casualty of all the new attractions.
The Stowe Mountain Lodge Spruce Peak is a spectacular hotel, worthy of a trip for a special occasion. It is currently undergoing the process of earning a 4 star rating. The resort will be adding a number of attractions, including an outdoor skating rink, a climbing wall (indoors) as well as a bowling alley. There will be underground parking for 170+ cars, a new coffee shop and a market. All these ongoing renovations will cause parking to be a little tight during the upcoming season. It is recommended that guests use the convenient shuttle service.
The full price for a ticket this season is $108 the first time you come to the mountain. However, on your next visit the price drops to $103 thanks to the rechargeable ‘Evolution Stowe Card’(ESC). $89 tickets can be purchased online for the same day at the mountain or Liftopia websites. The most convenient way to buy a ticket is to authorize a credit card on your ESC card, which will be charged automatically the first time you get on a chair that day. No standing in line!
$44 tickets will be offered to club members on Ski Council and Ski Club Appreciation Days (you will need to show a club ID). Also, look for combined hotel deals. Group rates are available for a minimum of 20 people. Smaller clubs could combine trips with other clubs to reach that number; contact Ed for details.
Door Prize Winners
