Mushroom

[Dblshot]

Can the Mushroom please become a happening place this winter? With the new VHQ lift going in it is going to even more prominent now and needs to be used

[HowieT2]

Should have nice views of the new lift.

[djd66]

Can the Mushroom please become a happening place this winter? With the new VHQ lift going in it is going to even more prominent now and needs to be used


+1 !!

Completely agree. That could be the best spot on the mtn with a few bucks for renovation.

[Hawk]

This has been something I have been saying for years. From my inquiries with many different people I have heard a few different issues they are faced with. The building needs a new roof, windows and finishes. They also need to reinstall most of the plumbing for the bar system. They would also need to acquire another liquor license. Definitely not a cheap overall proposition but hell, what is money for anyway. ;-)

[ThinkSno]

They should consider building out a round base on the Mushroom, and make it look similar to Timbers.

[Benski]

They should consider building out a round base on the Mushroom, and make it look similar to Timbers.

I think that would get in the way of the corals.

[ThinkSno]

They could make it work

[Chewbarka]

I don't think they should make it look like Timbers. The old lodge is 60's architecture, on the historic register and can not be changed. Keeping the Mushroom mod to match is the way to go. Don't mix up architecture styles. Embrace the buildings and bring them back to the way cool times of the 60's that made Sugarbush the rocking place that it was.
They should consider building out a round base on the Mushroom, and make it look similar to Timbers.

[cdskier]

I don't think they should make it look like Timbers. The old lodge is 60's architecture, on the historic register and can not be changed. Keeping the Mushroom mod to match is the way to go. Don't mix up architecture styles. Embrace the buildings and bring them back to the way cool times of the 60's that made Sugarbush the rocking place that it was.

I really wouldn't want to see it made to look like Timbers either.

[Dblshot]

My guess is next year the Valley House will get some capital improvement money love. The building will look much different and more prominent without the old gondola/rental shop/mountain ops offices there and kind of force their hand. Hopefully it can be a budget item. Can you bring drinks from the Wunderbar down to the mushroom? For this year the mushroom should be a rocking late afternoon/evening disco with a sick light show. It would be the UFO instead of the mushroom.

[HowieT2]

My guess is next year the Valley House will get some capital improvement money love. The building will look much different and more prominent without the old gondola/rental shop/mountain ops offices there and kind of force their hand. Hopefully it can be a budget item. Can you bring drinks from the Wunderbar down to the mushroom? For this year the mushroom should be a rocking late afternoon/evening disco with a sick light show. It would be the UFO instead of the mushroom.
I actually heard from somewhere that they are planning on using the mushroom this season for ski patrol to replace the space lost due the lift install.

[pinnoke]

I actually heard from somewhere that they are planning on using the mushroom this season for ski patrol to replace the space lost due the lift install.


I believe that's been the plan all along (Mt. Ops relocated there, as well)...sorry to squelch the dreaming. However, the fun outside is more important than the fun inside!

[Dblshot]

It's like a control tower. They can now have a great view of Bravo not running on Saturday morning. Put the offices in CR Pub and move the Pub to the mushroom...:-D

[Hawk]

I down hilled yesterday and had a chance to take a good look at the Mushroom and the new lift operation top and bottom.
The Mushroom is it really bad shape. Worse than I remembered. It needs a ton of work. I just love the look of it and agree that it will have one of the best views at the base. They should totally renovate.

All of the demolition of the old buildings is complete. It looks like they are currently forming and pouring the new concrete base for the new bull wheel. Forms and rebar are in place. Looks like they are going to need do a ton of grading to make the base work but that is how it looks right now. I am not really sure how it will all work in the end.

At the top they have blasted out a ton of rock and you can now see where the new trail will go and where the new top terminal would go. Things are moving along.

[Orca]

Thanks for the update, Hawk. Appreciate it. Hope you are having a good summer.

[djd66]

" I just love the look of it and agree that it will have one of the best views at the base. They should totally renovate."

+1 completely agree - the old building has a coolness factor that would not be replicated with a new building.

[HowieT2]

" I just love the look of it and agree that it will have one of the best views at the base. They should totally renovate."

+1 completely agree - the old building has a coolness factor that would not be replicated with a new building.

Are you guys serious? I'm all for the nostalgia and agree that the elevated circle of windows is cool and provides the best views at the base. But the actual structure looks rickety. If an engineer/architect were to say it's not worth putting any money in to, I wouldnt be surprised.

[ThinkSno]

So let's get an engineer

[gostan]

I am sure that Win has a plan. And that he will let us know what it is over Columbus Day Weekend during his annual State of Sugarbush talk.

I am not an engineer, but I have 40 years of real estate development experience. Typically renovating older structures does not make sense because it is more time consuming and costly and the end result is imperfect, especially for a semi-public use type building.

And my gut tells me that it makes sense to get at least a year under the Mountain's belt with the new Valley House Lift in order to understand fully how the new lift changes the base before jumping in with a renovated or new building. Just my thoughts on a July summer day. Enjoy the balance of the summer folks, it will be over before we all can blink.

[Hawk]

As for the structure, that mushroom has a concrete base that goes up pretty high. That is solid and not gong anywhere very easily. The basic structure of the round unit was framed well and looks to be in good shape to the naked eye. I looked at that specifically when I poked my head in. The things that need work are the Windows, interior finishes, plumbing if there is to be a bar and possibly the roof and exterior sheathing/cladding. Not sure about the Heating/Cooling Systems, Electrical, Fire Protection and Fire Alarm. Those may have to be upgraded because of new code considerations. That is ususally a big issue when doing a renovation. Give me $5 or $6 hundred K and I will have that thing in great shape in no time. ;-) I will even add a fireplace in the middle with a custom smoke hood. It certainly is not "rickety" in terms of structure in my opinion.

[HowieT2]

I am sure that Win has a plan. And that he will let us know what it is over Columbus Day Weekend during his annual State of Sugarbush talk.

I am not an engineer, but I have 40 years of real estate development experience. Typically renovating older structures does not make sense because it is more time consuming and costly and the end result is imperfect, especially for a semi-public use type building.

And my gut tells me that it makes sense to get at least a year under the Mountain's belt with the new Valley House Lift in order to understand fully how the new lift changes the base before jumping in with a renovated or new building. Just my thoughts on a July summer day. Enjoy the balance of the summer folks, it will be over before we all can blink.

Well they had a plan which originally was to replace the valley house. Then they supposedly decided to go in a different direction. But frankly it's not like they've put any money into the structure so maybe they are going to end up replacing it. Whatever they decide, it's not an insignificant investment and it's not like it's going to generate any new income. It would be great if they could fix it up but it's a wood structure that's pushing 60 years old that probably hasn't been maintained optimally throughout its life.

[Dblshot]

It is probably an existing non conforming structure so taking it down would mean losing it. See: Mountainside Condos. I bet the bones are still good but will take a lot of $$$ to renovate. So, then the question is would you rather have 2 nice lodges in the base, or two lodges in the base in their current state and a new one at the top of Gatehouse using VH renovation $$$....I love spending other people's money.

[cdskier]

It is probably an existing non conforming structure so taking it down would mean losing it. See: Mountainside Condos. I bet the bones are still good but will take a lot of $$$ to renovate. So, then the question is would you rather have 2 nice lodges in the base, or two lodges in the base in their current state and a new one at the top of Gatehouse using VH renovation $$$....I love spending other people's money.

I definitely wouldn't want anything at the top of GH. Keep any new buildings in the base area. No need for even thinking about building something in the middle of the mountain. I also don't even know if they would be allowed to build anything like that up there.

[HowieT2]

I definitely wouldn't want anything at the top of GH. Keep any new buildings in the base area. No need for even thinking about building something in the middle of the mountain. I also don't even know if they would be allowed to build anything like that up there.

Well, you may not thinking of it, but the powers that be certainly have. What is your objection to a mid mtn lodge?

[Hawk]

They are definitely considering a mid mountain lodge. it will give them a place for all the programs and instructors to go for lunch to take pressure off the gate house and will give them another venue for weddings. This has been strongly considered.

[cdskier]

Well, you may not thinking of it, but the powers that be certainly have. What is your objection to a mid mtn lodge?

I'd prefer to keep the mountain itself as "natural" as possible with the exception of anything absolutely needed for skiing itself (i.e. lifts). So my objections are mostly on environmental or aesthetic grounds.

[Ride Delaware ?]

As of right now the plan is to have mountain ops moved out of the Mushroom and into some type of temporary structure by winter. All plans are subject to change, but that is the current plan. Where those structures are to be placed, I'm not sure.

[Dblshot]

Put the trailer back up at the shop like the old days. It worked well there.
A mid mountain lodge would be great to take the load off the base area. Gatehouse area is a wasted flat begging for something
Another idea is to have some limited hot food like burgers, burritos and beers from the booster pump house warming hut thing at the bottom of HG. Swing in for something quick, eat outside or crammed in on cold days and have your choice of where to go afterwards.

[ThinkSno]

Any pics of the new Valley House progress?

[southvillager]

Any pics of the new Valley House progress?

These were taken last Saturday, July 18. They were working that day. Things are moving rapidly.

The area where the corrals will be set up is sloped (unchanged). There is an opportunity to regrade the area to make the approach to the lift more pleasant for the next 40 years. Hopefully it is leveled off so were are not waiting in line on that slope. A couple of hours with that excavator would set it straight.

[cdskier]

Pictures taken this weekend...

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[Orca]

Thanks for posting the pics, cdskier. Very much appreciated.

[Dblshot]

Bump. Win- any plans for the Mushroom this winter?

[Hawk]

I am sure that win will pipe in but I was told the space was going to be used as administrative office space. Not exactly sure which people.

[Ride Delaware ?]

As of right now, I believe the plan is to still use the Mushroom as a dining area. The offices on the floor below it will likely become mountain ops since they are underutilized. Things are still up in the air though.

[Benski]

My understanding is it is replacing the old gondola building which was ski patrol.

[Hawk]

As of right now, I believe the plan is to still use the Mushroom as a dining area. The offices on the floor below it will likely become mountain ops since they are underutilized. Things are still up in the air though.
There is no Floor below the Mushroom. What are you saying?

[Benski]

There is no Floor below the Mushroom. What are you saying?
Yes there is. Someone told me its just storage.

[Ride Delaware ?]

There is no Floor below the Mushroom. What are you saying?
There is storage below the Mushroom actually. I believe the ambassadors were based out of there in the past.

I erred in my typing. The hallway in the Valley House that currently has mostly unused offices, just down the stairs from the bar leading to the Mushroom is what I was referring too.

[Hawk]

I think last year that space was used for the seasonal lockers.

[ThinkSno]

"Erred" is quite the "under"statement, no?

[ducky]

I believe the Mushroom to be ski patrol control area and snow plan meeting room.

[Benski]

I believe the Mushroom to be ski patrol control area and snow plan meeting room.

I believe it is going to be ski patrol locker room.

[Ride Delaware ?]

I believe it is going to be ski patrol locker room.
I believe the patrol locker room is below the Mushroom. Not sure what's with the actual mushroom?

[mrvpilgrim]

There is actually a fairly sizable basement area below the mushroom (double metal doors at ground level)
In past years it has been shared by the Ambassador program, Parts storage for lift maintenance and general junk storage
I believe that Ski patrol will occupy all of that space this year with lift Maint moving to the new building and the ambassadors moving to the old seasonal locker room now that the lockers have been moved to Claybrook
Not sure how the main level of the mushroom will be utilized but mountain ops will be up there somewhere

[Ride Delaware ?]

There is actually a fairly sizable basement area below the mushroom (double metal doors at ground level)
In past years it has been shared by the Ambassador program, Parts storage for lift maintenance and general junk storage
I believe that Ski patrol will occupy all of that space this year with lift Maint moving to the new building and the ambassadors moving to the old seasonal locker room now that the lockers have been moved to Claybrook
Not sure how the main level of the mushroom will be utilized but mountain ops will be up there somewhere
I'm fairly certain that they will be based in the offices that are underutilized in the lodge by the stairway leading to the bar before entering the mushroom. There's a large amount of cubicles and only a few were in use before now iirc...

[ducky]

Says MTOPS painted on the door.

[winjr]

Mountain Operations will be located in the Mushroom this winter. Patrol is in the ground level area of the Mushroom and the Ambassador locker room is where the former seasonal locker rooms are, and a new season locker room with 90 locker has been built next to the General Store. My office is in the Gatehouse this winter.

For the Mushrooom to operate again as a restaurant it certainly needs work, but the bones are good. However,t he biggest issue is permitting. It will require us to add additional water into the system. Permitting has a formula based on the type of use and the capacity. We would have to drill another well and add that into the system. That is certainly possible and one day we will do it, but it is not the highest priority right now.