Ok, I guess I need to throw in my 2 cents......
First, as I noted in an earlier post this season after I looked at various private weather forecasts for the winter, I worried that Sugarbush's under-powered snowmaking systems would be exposed if the marginal weather materialized. Unfortunately this scenario has materialized in spades. I have been VERY surprised (shocked?) at the difference between Sugarbush and basically everyone else (ok, save MRG). I hesitate to keep this thread going as I think Win has done a fantastic job, I know Mike and crew are making the best and most snow they can, and I understand the real tradeoffs in investing tons of money in snowmaking while making the business (which is what it is) viable. Also, let’s not forget the HEROIC efforts, and cash, in getting the pond back in service after Irene! We'd be nowhere without that!
But looking forward, I wonder about the Phase 2 base build out? I agree that the build out of the base area thus far was a requirement, above even snowmaking improvements. What I wonder is whether, at this point, the next phase (possibly to start spring 2012) is more important that investing in snowmaking? Or is the cash flow from that build out needed for a possible snowmaking upgrade in 2013? Will a poor season, with lack luster snowmaking front and center, hurt Phase 2 sales? I’m sure Win is all other this, but I would like to hear his thoughts on Phase 2 and how/if it relates in any way to snowmaking upgrades, and what the longer range capital plans are regarding snowmaking.
In the meantime, there is no such thing as too many snow dances! THINK SNOW!!!
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