Where are all the skiers?
January 22nd, 2009Jackson Hole, Wyoming. January 20th, 2009
Where is everyone? Did Bernie Madoff “make-off” with all the skiers as well?
Two days ago, the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort felt like the Yellowstone Club, a private ski hill. Those few who shared my mountain with me, all felt the same way. Granted, the cost of a Resort season pass makes it feel like you’re purchasing a “membership”, but on this day, that cost almost made it seem worth the price.
A new Tram, great snow, state of the art facilities and nobody there… This is “skiing the dream!”
The same story is being told from coast to coast, North to South. Ski hills with little or no crowds, skiing straight onto the lifts, base and mid-mountain lodges so devoid of people that you can pick your table to sit at and use the next table over to park all your clothing and gear.
Friends skiing Vail in Colorado agree. Friends in Montana, Nevada, and on the East Coast say that this is the season to give up eating and use that money to get out on the hill.
Granted, this is normally a slow part of the season in any economy, yet this year one can “feel” the economic impact on the ski industry simply walking around a base area. Ski shop staff leaning on the counters because if they refold the inventory anymore, it’ll be worn out before it’s ever sold. Ski instructors actually free skiing for a lack of students (clients). Servers in dining establishments looking well rested and eager to please. Amazing.
Deals are everywhere. Lodging, dining and at some resorts, lift tickets too.
So why aren’t you skiing? What’s your excuse? Let us know, because this is the season where the mountain will actually feel like your own.
For further insight, read this thread on EpicSki.com: http://forums.epicski.com/showthread.php?t=77661
We are trying to do our part. Heading off to Telluride tonight. Thinking about switching to canned beer from bottled rather than skipping Telluride.
But if people come skiing, that means I have to wait in lift lines…
Darn you Bernie Madoff!!! Skiing is a non negotiable in my budget. Tonight can of baked beans….or left ticket tomorrow??? Not even a question…
"or a left ticket tomorrow?" The "left ticket" is in Washington D.C. now. What you need is a lift ticket and a can of Spam.
It was only very busy on certain days. From now to Pres weekend it shouldn't be too busy. Even at its peak, it's still only four skiers per acre at Vail
But remember, if noone comes we don't have jobs. I'd rather wait in a line any day than lose my job because of low skier days!