Dave's Blog

Dave,

Everything looks great man... I understand the Jeep King of the Mountain competition is visiting this weekend.  Just curious, whereabouts on the mountain do they set up the ski/snowboard cross courses?

Dave's reply: Hi Jake, Everything having to do with the on-hill comps is located on the Village side of the resort on Lower Misty Maiden. It has good spectator visibility.

Dave,

Chair 9 closed for 20 minutes? This happens too often. When is Chair 9 going to be replaced?

It has some strikes against it:

1. Aging. It's 22 year old.

2. Mechanically. The lift ALWAYS has problems.  There was just a makeover a few years ago.

3. Length. It's the longest, slowest on the mountain. You freeze on it.

There has been no significant lift infrastructure investment since 2001.

Hopefully, this management team will continue to improve Telluride.

Dave's reply: Hi Chris, I think the replacement of Chair 9 would be a good subject for a future blog. I'm getting mixed signals on this from lots of people. Thanks for your input!

Hi Dave,

Is Elaine single? Well I guess first and foremost, how does she ski? If the answer is "very well", is she single?

SnowBoy

Dave's reply: She's happily taken - and a great skier - too late SnowBoy!

I wish I was there already! Monday will be my first day.

Dave's reply: Hi Paul, Thanks for checking the blog. The weather maps show the possibility of even more snow early next week but the conditions can't be beat anyway with our without new snow at this point!

Hey Dave I love the blog.It gives us skiers in distant areas a sense of whats going to happen as opposed to the wait and see attitude of other areas. This will be my son and I first time skiing Telluride .We will be staying Dec 30-Jan 2  i'm having a little trouble finding affordable lodging on such short notice.Unfortunately we will probably be staying outside of area in what looks like Montrose,Ridgeway ,or Ouray what are roughly the drive time distances and any pros and cons of each thanks alot for any insight.Keep the snow coming from your buds in South Carolina

Dave's reply: Hi Ryan, Ridgway is the closest. Ouray is 2nd, Montrose is the longest driving distance. There is a cool hot springs pool in Ouray. Chipeta Sun Lodge in Ridgway is worth looking into. Montrose has lots of inexpensive choices but is about 75 minutes away. Thanks for choosing Telluride - it will blow you away!

Hi Dave!!  Epic Day!!  Oh yeah, PLEASE start a blog on Chair 9 -- old vs. new!!  Great Idea!  Nice to get the input --

You know, I love the fact that you are so willing to do this blog and take the heat (although I'm sure that it must be gratifying to hear the positive, too!) You are more popular than the new mayor of Telluride!  He's got a ton or problems to deal with (Lift 7 development) -- but you are way more accessible and I do wish that he'd follow your lead!  Come on Stu!!  Sorry, a little off track, but thanks for the blog -- and looking forward to hearing the opinions on Chair 9!  I'll start the vote with == Keep it as it is --

Daves' reply: Hey Chaz, We've never met but I like your style.

So you're voting for keeping Chair 9 in place. See, this is the thing - many people I talk to are about 50/50 (mostly locals). But, those who approach me on this are EXTREMELY passionate about their opinion - imagine that - like - almost religious about it one way or the other. I'm thinking we need to have the water tested ;+)

Regarding the political landscape around T-Ride, I'm kind of enjoying it. Local politics are far beyond exercising democracy here -- it's actually a sporting event! I'm sure someone will take issue that that comment...

Certainly, I've got to maintain a sense of humor and have perspective - otherwise some would have already run me out of town!

- Getting ready to celebrate my 6 month anniversary in Telluride after X-Mas. Hey, does that make me a local yet? Just joking.

Dave - CONGRATS on opening Chair 9.  The slopes look great!!  Wish I were there, but soon enough!  Hey - a question - what's the status of the wine bar?  Is it open for food?  When will it be serving wine?  Thanks for the blog - I love it!

PS - I know it might be the subject of a future blog, but I agree with ChrisC.  Chair 9 should be replaced.

Dave's reply: Hi Greg, Alpino Vino has run into permitting problemo. In the meantime, we're going to ramp up the wine menu at Gorrono Saloon.

One more vote for the Plunge Express.

Gday Dave,

great updates. Im looking forward to getting to T-ride 29Dec. Coming from Perth Western Australia with friends. All looks terrific.Hope there are lots of Elaines on the slopes.

Cheers

Dave's reply: Hi Tim, Thanks for choosing Telluride. I realize you could have gone anywhere in the world for your ski vacation. That is a great statement and we thank you. Travel safe!

can't wait for christmas vacation in telluride!

Dave's reply: Hi Nick, It's going to rock!

Dave,  Im comin with the Michigan State group this upcoming weekend/week and couldnt be more excited to actually be there to take the runs and see these views in person instead of looking at a computer screen!!!!  We are taking a Greyhound out there and I was really excited for the party on the bus but that was before I checked out the blog.  I am now wishing I could just wake up and hit the slopes! See ya soon!   SPARTY ON!

Keith

Dave's reply: Hi Keith, You're going to love it here. Telluride is the perfect alpine resort. It's really an amazing place. Enjoy your trip, drink LOTS of water, and we'll see you soon!

Dave,

Many kudos today to the guest service employees and lift ops on 9 today.  Faced with long lines and crankiness of the electrical power, they did a great job keeping an orderly pattern in the lift line and maintaining a PMA (positve mental attitude) and empathetic stance towards those waiting in line.  Please recognize Elizabeth H., John kelly and Jason for their efforts and the lift ops.....not sure of their names.  

The snow was incredible.  You and your team are doing an exceptional job!  I love Telluride...you are my hero!

Nancy J Gilmore

Dave's reply: Hi Nancy, I can't tell you how much I appreciate you recognizing Elizabeth Howe, Jason Merritt, and John Kelly. They are incredible team members who define Telluride Ski and Golf as a great company of people who truly care about our guests and staff members. Thank you so much!

Chair 9 might be one of the best lifts in the country-- coming from a non-local, I would say leave it as is!   Part of the charm of that part of the mountain is skiing chair 9.

I was in a debate just the other night in Chicago over Chair 9 vs KT-22 at Squaw(spent 5 years there)...one of the issues with KT is that it gets skied off SO fast!

Keep on blog'n.

Dave's reply: I'd much rather be skiing Chair 9 too.

I, along with many others, paid 1,000 dollars for my ski pass this year. This morning, after a delayed opening of a few days, lift 9 breaks down, and I couldn't help but notice that the entire mountain had been farmed (apparently) by corporate executives as seen on the front page of the newspaper a few days ago.

To Dave Riley : Glad you had fun skiing all the fresh powder! No wonder your employees were all smiles while they herded us onto to chair 9. Looking forward to second hand snow on Gold Hill, Killer tracks up there already! Thanks for keeping us safe!

Sincerely, Ripped Off

Dave's reply: :(

Hi Dave.

Today was weak. Why are we getting to ski this mountain barely one pod at a time with days going by inbetween? The snow has been fantastic but we can't ski but a little bit at a time. Dave, when it snows, we ski. Why isn't the rest of the mountain opening? Now 2 more days are going to slip away while the snow settles even more? Please open chair 7 immediately.

Why was Bushwacker groomed????????!!!! What a waste of great powder.

The line was bigger at the bottom of chair 9 than I've ever seen before, for hours.It sucked and people from out of town thought so too. One guy said, "I thought Telluride didn't have big liftlines, what a load of crap. This is a clusterf**k. I'm going to Vail next time." Yes, that's what he said. I helped you out and just told him you were the FNG and that you'd either figure it out quick or move on like most other people who choose to run big companies over skiing every day (skiing some runs while on lunch doesn't really count).

C'mon Dave, just let us ski and we'll shut up. It feels like our mountain is being held hostage.  

Peace out, Jesus

Dave's reply: Hi Jesus, I appreciate your passion for skiing.

We have a plan for opening the mountain that includes snowmaking, training, grooming, etc. and we're following it. We also have a plan for how we shut down in the spring. Some people would like us to do things differently but as I said before, we have several different things we are trying to balance.

Telluride is a very special secluded destination resort. Vail does almost 2 million skier visits and has around 20,000 people on the hill at one time - and a beautiful view of I-70. Vail also has an urban connection to Denver. Telluride does around 400K skier visits annually and has a maximum of around 6,500 people on the mountain but in normally averages around 3,500 to 4,000 people on a given day mid-season.

Regarding grooming, we always try to have some winch groomed terrain on Chair 9. There is a diversity of guests on our mountain and there is a large group of people who like us to do that.

What is with the personal attacts and nasty remarks at the end of your comments? Is that necessary and useful in some way?

i hope lift 9 doesnt break down this comeing weekend/week for your sake. you would have lots of disgruntled guests.

Dave's reply: Hi Greg, I like it when the chairlifts run too..  :)

All chairlifts at all ski resorts periodically have electrical or mechanical difficulties which cause it to shut down. There are many redundant safety systems that are very senstive. Many times those systems are the root cause of the lift stopping.

Our Lift Maintenace Department is full of extremely qualified and dedicated folks who do a great job on a year-round basis. I'd like to put out a big THANK YOU to them for their hard work and dedication!

Hi, Dave. Love your blog, and wish more CEOs would follow your lead. Of course, most of them probably don't have your easy, relaxed writing style.

My husband and I will be in Telluride in February for about our 9th visit. Our son lives there, so we have more than one reason to come out! We're avid skiers who have to put up with frigid, icy Vermont skiing most of the time, so coming out to Telluride is the highlight of winter for us.

As for Lift 9, can it be kept the same in character but totally revamped mechanically?

By the way, I've had a skiers' forum online since the ancient days of the Web, back in 1997, and the members are hard-core snow sports folks, including some in ski area management, ski instructors, guides, etc. We'd be pleased to have you drop in and say hi if you have the time, with or without identifying yourself and your job! http://www.skilovers.com

Keep up the good work!

Dave's reply: Hi Paula, Thank you for your nice comments.

Regarding Chairlifts and how they age, yes, they can be "rebuilt". There are lifts in Europe that are 50 years old and still turning.

I'll have to check out your website forum - sounds neat! See you soon in Telluride!

Thanks for the ski area management 101 observation that "Telluride is a very special secluded destination resort".

Really? I had no idea in the 15 years I've been here. Thanks for the enlightenment.

Of course something on 9 is usually groomed but not on a powder day and especially not right when 9 opens for the first day of the season.

Are you saying that when we get a big dump you're going to immediatly groom a HUGE lane down the entire 9 pod?

Here's how we've always done it: ski the powder for a day and THEN groom to your hearts content. There's ample groomed terrain all over the mountain, why do you have to mess with the best pod on the hill? Are you going to winch cat Dynamo too next time it snows right before we get on it? What are you going to do if your "stakeholders" tell you they want to ski backcountry but would prefer groomed runs, will Nellie be groomed so that less experienced clientele can ski that too?

We aren't trying to make the blue runs gnarlier, I think it should work both ways, please don't dilute the essence of this mountain. Thank you for the opportunity to directly communicate with you in a public forum.

I apologize if you think my last entry was nasty and personal. It wasn't meant to be. Please consider it tough love and a steep learning curve on what "passionate skiing" really is to people who have made their lives here. I've personally seen so many upper echelon execs roll into town with their families touting how this is the greatest place ever, then they leave when the wife realizes just how far we are from the nearest big mall. Sorry to lump you in with them but man it's just such an endless pattern.

Peace out,

Jesus

Dave's reply: As I mentioned earlier, we want to provide a steep groomed run all the time in the Chair 9 pod. It provides a nice mix for our guests. Thanks for the input Jesus.

Hi Dave

Great blog,photos & good to see the CEO getting close to the customers. You should be a role model to CEO in any business.

I have been coming off & on Telluride since 1980 (when you could still see a genuine hippy) & seen all the changes. Was hoping to get out there around thanksgiving for some early turns but the snow just came a bit to late. Hope to make it out in March :-)

Re: Lift 9. I know the locals would love it like it was 1972 however Telluride must move on with improving  the ascents on the North side. How about ripping out Oak St Lift and Chair 9 and putting in a two stage?  

Food for thought but maybe with a "Telluride style design"

www.driendl.at/index.php

Keep up the good work.

Stanton

The Netherlands

Dave's reply: Hi Stanton, Thanks for blogging from The Netherlands - that's cool.

Regarding hosting a ski area blog, it's a little crazy sometimes but I enjoy it. I think most CEOs won't do it because it's time consuming. I happen to think it's worth the time though. What else is more important than communicating with your customers?

The only thing that bothers me about it is how rude some people are - especially when they don't have to identify themselves. That just goes against how I was raised. If I have a problem with someone, I'll address them directly, not from a position of anonymity. Through the community forum software, I could require that people put their email address up to post but have chosen not to as I want to encourage participation. 

I'll have to post a blog on Chair 9 in the future and open that can of worms - heck, why not?

Hope you can make it out in March!

I think the existing Lift 9 is actually perfect match to the terrain.  That said, it is prone to breakdown, and as such probably shouldn't be used in a "single point of failure" configuration as it was yesterday.   I would seem prudent - knowing the heavy demand and the lift's fragile nature - to design in an exit for the expected crowds.   If Telluride Trail was prepped like last year, it could have been that exit - requiring just a short uphill boot.

Dave's reply: Hi Nick, It's all about snowmaking capacity, or lack thereof. We'll get T-Trail open really soon. I hear you.

Actually, I've been working with a team to design some enhancements to our system - have a meeting with an engineer from out-of-state this afternoon on that very thing.

Last February I visited Telluride for the first time.  It truly is a special place.  I rode a skibike because I have had numerous back surgeries and am no longer able to ski or snowboard.  It was the first time I have been on the snow in sixteen years.  If not for the snowbike, I would not be able to be out there at all.  I rode terrain off most of the lifts but was dismayed by one thing.  I was not allowed to ride lifts 6, 7, 8, and 9. I had access to terrain off of chairs 7 and 8 from chair 4, but I could only get back up by riding the gondola.  Terrain that starts at the top of chair 9 I could not access.  I guess I could have, but I would have had to hike a bit to get there from See Forever.  The excuse I got was something about the chairs coming by too fast for a safe boarding on a skibike.  Well, after hitting Telluride last year, I went north to Canada.  At Lake Louise I was able to ride all lifts.  Some were fixed grips similar to chairs 6 - 9 at Telluride, and one was a platter pull.  I had no trouble at all using these lifts.  Lake Louise has allowed complete access to all their lifts with no problems for the past thirty years at least. Many other resorts in both Canada and the U.S. also allow bikers to use their fixed grip chairlifts.  I hope you take a look at the situation and open up all lifts to those of us on skibikes.  I have visited about fifteen different resorts in the western U.S. and I have to say that Telluride is my favorite for a number of reasons. I really want to go back to Telluride, but not having access to all the lifts will influence my decision.

Dave's reply: Hi Chad, There are concerns over the safe loading and unloading on fixed grip lifts. Therefore, our Forest Service Operating Plan restricted Ski-Bikes to our detachalbe lifts. The reality is that you can access most all terrain off the detachable lifts. Sorry to disappoint.

Dave,

I don't think an expanded wine list is required!! Looks like you have plenty of whining already!!!

Dave's reply: Hi Erik, Ski areas have lots of different users with differing needs and expectations - and different ways of expressing themselves. It's fine.

Great pics.  Great progress.  Now just keep your fingers crossed that Lizard Head Pass is clear in nine days, and my family and I will spend yet another blessed week in Telluride heaven.

Dave's reply: Hi Scott, Travel safe and enjoy your vacation in Telluride!

Mr. Riley,

Your approval rating has gone from 90% to 20% in the last week! this comming from a Poll taken on street coners, gondolas and chairs the last few days.

Skiing unopened terrain under the guise of "previewing the pod's" for saftey reasons and the like is, as you say, a beneifit of your position.  advertising it to pass paying locals and the community is totally irresponsible!  

The sign of a leader is his/her ability to listen to their staff and act accordingly.  your staff Mr. Reily advised you that the "chair 9 pod" was in condition last weekend!

yeah, the skiing was good yesterday, although it had already been tracked out by your staff.  I could not have anticipated the chair 9 cluster*&^*, but this just added to your falling approval rating.

lets hope you can turn it around!

Dave's reply: Hi Jimbo. I don't recall you being in the room during my staff meetings. It sounds like you're still upset that we opened Chair 9 on December 12. It might be interesting for you to know that December 11th is the earliest recorded opening of Chair 9 in history. Yes, we could have opened it a few days earlier but building a better base that our guests would appreciate through the holiday season and all the way to the spring was more important to me. Sorry you don't agree. Enjoy the ski season.

Hi Dave,

Love the blog. The wife and I can't wait for our first visit to Telluride next month. As long as the general mood on the mountain is as laidback and friendly as you are in this blog, I'm sure we'll have a great time.

Dave's reply: Hi Bob, Thanks so much for choosing Telluride. I think you'll fall in love with this place like so many others have. Post a comment after your vacation is over and let us know what you think of our community and resort! Travel safe & enjoy.

Dave,

Read in one of your responses about a "plan" for closing down the mountain in the spring.  That makes me think that you will be closing some lifts down early (presumably to save money -- can't think of any other reason that you would have such a "plan" before the season even starts).  Can you please provide more details on the closing down "plan"?

Oh, and on the chair 9 issue.  I'm not against keeping the "old style" chair, but if it is not able to run at full speed and carry a full load of skiers, it's time to move on.  

Dave's reply: Our last day of operation is April 6th. All lifts will run through that day. Thank you.

Hey Dave,

Great blog.  I hate to say this but it does feel like you are holding the ski resort hostage.  I really wish that you would listen to more of the local advice especially the ski patrol about what is ready to open and not ready most of these people have been skiing this mountain for over a decade.  Lift 9 was a real joke yesterday and you should be embarrassed, you caused that chaos by waiting to open the lift so late in the season, complete nightmare.  Maybe you misunderstood people about how they like grooming to occur, there is nothing wrong with grooming but you need to let people ski the powder the first day and then you groom after that. I really thought that you knew what you were doing by not opening lift 9 but now I do not feel the same. I think everyone in town would agree that Prospect and Gold hill should have been open over a week ago.  The ski season in Telluride is much too short for you to keep lifts closed that should have been open and now you will open them when many locals are too busy to get out and ski during the holidays.  Why have we not had access to ski into the Town of Telluride?  Dave, I am very worried about your time here in Telluride and if you truly want to be a local, show some respect to earn some respect, snide comments back to locals is not the right direction.  You might have the tourist fooled but they will be here soon and learn for themselves when they talk to all their local buddies.  I really want to believe in you but you are making it very difficult.  Please work with the rest of us to make this a great season before it is too late to turn back.

Dave's reply: I've explained everything regarding the opening of the terrain, snowmaking, training our staff, etc.

Chair 9 opened this year one day later than it's earliest opening in history, and with the best base it's every had - due to us having the fortitude to do the right thing and let the snow accumulate before we dropped the rope for thousands of people to ski the pod. All other lifts are opening exactly on schedule (December 15th). All of this has been accomplished while we've successfully built an enourmous skiercross venue for Jeep King of the Mountain.

I'm not seeing what there is to complain about. Things seem to be coming along just fine! I see no reason to be "concerned".

Thanks for sharing your opinion.

Hi Dave

Can't wait to get back to T-ride again. Sounds like your doing a great job.

I had a look at the chair 4 web cam - have you moved the jumps onto the right hand slope? Will it stay that way? I dont think it's a bad idea - just wondering.

Thanks for your time

Ben

Dave's reply: Hi Ben, You're looking at the Jeep King of the Mountain Skiercross course. That venue will be flattened after the event. We're re-evaluating our park locations right now and will I'll be posting a new blog regarding the results of that soon. We've got some new builders on staff with extensive experience, along with new park cats, so I would expect better parks this season. Thanks for the question!

Beautiful photos, interesting reading...just so sad to see under the last photo that you X'd out Christ in Christmas.  Using X-mas always seems so cold!

Dave's reply: Hi Wanda, I'll use Christmas next time :)

I have been to Telluride 8 times and everytime I go its more magical than the time before.  I am from Houston, TX and unfortunately we have no mountains and no snow.  The locals should consider themselves lucky as hell for getting to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of Telluride everyday while most of us are wishing we were waiting in twenty minute lift lines and skiing the killer runs off 9.

I hope to make a trip to Telluride in February, but for now this blog provides me with the pictures of my favorite place in the world.  Thanks for the blog Dave and I hope to be there soon.

Dave's reply: Hi Chad, I think the residents of Telluride do appreciate what they have - we've got a couple grumpy people who wanted us to open Chair 9 a few days earlier than we wanted (in order to develop a great base). Seems a little blown out of proportion but it will pass. Thanks for checking in and we hope you can make it out in February or earlier! In the meantime, keep checking in on the blog!

Please give Elizabeth,John,Jason,Bobby, and the rest of the crew at Chair 9 a big thanks for handling a very large crowd with such a good positive attitude. They were a big help in helping everyone get through a very crowded line in an organized manner.

I believe it is important to recognize people when they perform their jobs competently and with a good attitude.

Dave's reply: Hi David, Absolutely! We actually did give them a big THANK YOU at our management meeting late yesterday afternoon. It also means a great deal (and is very motivating) to hear compliments from our guests. Thank you for mentioning the team in your blog comments!

It's also very important to recognize the lift operations team at Chair 9 for their great work on opening day. Ben Watts, Scott Gilbert, Adam Jackson, Norm Tourigney (Foreman), and last but not least Daniel Last (Supervisor). These guys did a fantastic job!

Hi Dave,

Chair 9 was incredible yesterday. The Cal Poly Students had an amazing time and want to thank you for welcoming us into your mountain with open arms. I cant believe how great the conditions have been.

Unfortunately, we have to leave tomorrow afternoon before the rest of the mountain opens on Saturday.

Is there anyway you could open Prospect Basin or any other lift for us students for Friday?

We would love to ski some more of Tellurides great terrian before we head back to Cali.

Take Care,

Adam Eisenberg

PS. I just graduated college and I dont want to leave Telluride, do you know anyone needing to sublease a room for the winter.

amorrie@gmail.com

thanks for your time

Dave's reply: Hi Adam, Thanks for checking in. I'm sorry but we won't be opening the remainder of the lifts until Saturday. There are many things that happen sequentially to make this happen. I'd check the websites of the local papers for rentals. Also, some people do well by posting an ad in the classified section for second home caretaking. I'm glad you enjoyed your experience here in Telluride and hope you are able to return soon!

Hi Dave.  

Love your blog.  Great pictures.  I am coming in January from South Florida, for a long weekend.  Can't wait to get there since it looks like it will be my only ski trip this season.  It will be my first time in Telluride and it is actually a test run for my 09 trip with the kids.

On a different subject, I have reservation at the Peaks and I wonder if you, or anyone else, can tell me what the hell is going on with that place.  from what I was reading, things did not look good there a few weeks ago.  The peaks rep claims they will be ready to open this weekend but I am a little worried.

Any knowledge or input will help.

TNX

Dave's reply: Hi Modi, Thanks for trying out Telluride!

Regarding The Peaks, here's the deal. It closed this summer for a complete renovation. Then the owner changed their mind and tried to sell the resort. A sale has not gone through. Then the owner decided to re-open it as of December 15, 2007 for the winter. The Spa was refurbished. I go there regularly because I live in walking distance. My impression is that it will be fine this winter to stay there. Let me know if there is anything else I can help you with. Thanks again and enjoy Telluride!

Hi Dave,

Your blog is fantastic; thanks for taking the time and sharing your thoughts and insights.  I first skied Telluride in 1987 and will be there this weekend.  Regarding the previous post and others I've seen in the blogs, the "snide comments" originate from locals, not from your desk.  Being anonymous doesn't give you the right to be rude.  I'm trying to figure out how Dave is personally responsible for Chair 9...if it had opened on Thanksgiving Day (which hasn't happened) there would have been a crowd there.  It's December 13...stop complaining!  Finally, Christmas is almost here and the Chair 9 terrain is going to get a lot of use and wear with the holiday traffic.  While current snowfall patterns have shifted in our favor, La Nina doesn't normally favor the region.  I for one would rather have a solid, established base that will hold up if we end up going a couple of weeks without a dump.

I live in Denver and, like a lot of people, watch A-Basin and Loveland race to be the first to open in October.  And they both wait until the first "white ribbons of death" have decent coverage.  And, for the most part, areas here don't open pods until the snow is settled and cured.  Delayed gratification really does pay off.  

Step back, look at the big picture, at what has been accomplished in a short time, and the fact that, for the first time in a long time, the person in charge is listening, responsive, and seems committed to improving the on-mountain experience.  Rome wasn't built in a day.

Dave, stick to your guns and best of luck.

Dave's reply: Hi Doug, You get it. That is exactly the basis for my decision to hold off extra days to work on building a bomber base at the Chair 9 pod.

Couple of comments.  I'm very impressed with the photos and updates a blog like this provides.  You can really see the effort that you put into it!  It's great to know what the conditions are like on the western slope.  Please keep it up!

I chime in with Chad 100%!  I've been fortunate enough to live local in some beautiful mountain country but career moves have taken me to the city. I can't understand a "locals" self-entitlement that they are far more knowledgeable than the guy responsible for running that entire operation.  And I know that 20 minutes was rough but it's nothing like the joy and self-enlightenment of a couple hours of Denver rush hour traffic :)

Telluride is beautiful! Just ski!

I'm impressed--I see the passion you bring to your job!

Dave's reply: Hi Dan, Thanks for your comments. I'm reluctant to stereotype all our locals - there are so many wonderful people who live here! A few rude people are certainly not going to throw me from staying focused on what's most important. Hope you can make it to Telluride soon - we'll have great conditions when you arrive :)

Hi Dave thanks for the great blogs

my family and i will be in T-Ride for Cristmas and new year can't wait for the snow!!!! How often is Chair 9 out of Business???

can't wait to hit the slopes see ya soon

Dave's reply: She ran just fine today :) It's had it's problems over the years but the lift maintenance crew has done alot of work to resolve the issues. Thanks for the question and we'll see you soon!

Dave, you're to be complimented on keeping your cool and trying to use facts to reason with the whiners, but it's probably a losing battle.  These are the kind of people who obviously think they know better than, well..... anybody that disagrees with them.  If this was the second earliest opening of 9 in history you'd think they'd be thankful instead of whining, but that would require using reason rather than emotion.  It seems clear that you know what you're doing; plus you're willing to tell people exactly what that is.  Continue to ignore these bozos and keep up the good work.

Dave's reply: Hi Mike. We'll stay focused on doing the right things. I've learned there will always be people with contrary opinions - and sometimes there are nuggets that can be learned even from those who don't communicate diplomatically. Thank you.

Dave

I’ve read your blog with both interest and concern.  I’ve been coming to Telluride for a dozen years now, each year staying longer and longer, up to several months at a time.  I’m sure before long we’ll have a place here. As the saying goes, today’s local is yesterday’s tourist.

It’s my commitment to and love of Telluride that has caused me to write you.   You are indeed making changes at a rather rapid pace.  I’m sure some of these changes will prove to be good ones, others seem patently misguided from the perspective of those well versed in the particularities of Telluride.  You’ve certainly heard a range of perspectives regarding your changes.  Rather than entering the fray –I want to reserve judgment at the moment—I will only say that I think you are very fortunate to have exceptional expertise in operations; ski patrol, the lift maintenance engineers, and Jeff Proteau are all first rate and can certainly provide terrific guidance.  I hope you can all work together to find a smooth way to manage the lifts and the terrain in the days to come.

I also will urge you to think about the pace of your changes and the image you’re creating.  It’s often been said that the first 100 days make or break the new leader of a company.  

You obviously have a lot on your plate right now, but you might want to take a look at a very practical little book: “You’re in Charge – Now What?” (Thomas Neff and James Citrin).  It's filled with real life examples and just darn good advice.  I’ll offer up just one timely excerpt: “Just remember that too much change can break the culture –or more likely destroy the change-maker.  You have to continually assess the tolerance of the organization.”  Rather ironically, this advice is followed by a remark from now ex Harvard University president, Larry Summers, who acknowledged that he might not be so good at that particular skill.  Indeed, not long after the book was published, Summers was forced to step down, a move largely the result of an ongoing revolt from the locals, aka the faculty, who were less than behind his changes or keen on the image he created.

I think it’s safe to say you’ve got a lot of people who want the new CEO of Telski to be a success, but success is not incompatible with taking things slowly or even admitting one’s mistakes and correcting the course.

Dave's reply: Hi PSP, I deleted part of your post because it was not respectful of Mr. Horning.

I certainly agree that I'm surrounded with great people in this organization.

It's interesting you brought up the subject of change - Just yesterday, Jeff Proteau presented an excellent powerpoint in front of 60 managers and directors on that very topic. You may have read the book:  "Leading Change" by John P. Kotter - also from Harvard and MIT. Jeff presented an executive summary on that writing.

I usually read a business book each month so I'll grab a copy of your recommended reading and add it to the night table.

Thanks for your interest and advice. I appreciate it.

Dave,

I had a great time on the Lift 9 runs yesterday!  The base was superb, and I didn't hit a rock, which is always possibility in the best of times on that steep terrain.  

Blue skies, exceptionally polite lifties along with Elizabeth greeting everyone, and wonderful skiing. Stick to your guns and don't let the whiners get to you!  Skiers are a passionate bunch and we are all experts :-) but very few of us have run a large company with needs pulling in all directions.

Looking forward to a blog on Lift 9.  Hold on to your hat on that one!

Gary

Dave's reply: Hi Gary, Great to hear from you again! Thanks for recognizing Elizabeth and the Lift Operations staff. They're the best! Talk to you soon.

Dear Dave,

More than $1,600 for a season pass, more than $700 for a merchant pass and more than $80 for a day pass and we still have to download the gondola and chair seven.  What happened to "we'll open the terrain when it's ready to be skied?"  From the looks of Coonskin, North Chute and Telluride Trail, if they're not ready now, they'll never be ready.  How bout having a little consideration for those of us living, working, or staying in town.  This is some of the best early season snow this resort has seen in many years, and we can't even access a huge portion of it.

Do the right thing Dave, and open the terrain on the town side of the mountain.  It just may put you under the good graces of the locals, and off of everyones' shixlist.  Thanks.

P.S. It's frustrating enough to not be able to ski and ride on the terrain that you love the most. Seeing you and Jeff Proteau skiing chair nine days before it opened is like pouring salt on the wound.

Dave's reply: Hi Adam, I understand the need you're expressing for access on the north side.

You likely noticed the crew has been blowing snow last night, today, and tonight on Telluride Trail. Cold temperatures have allowed great progress. The plan is to open it Friday morning. Thanks for your patience. Have a great season and thanks for your post!

P.S. Don't you think the base in the Chair 9 pod is excellent for mid-December? Will you acknowledge that it might have something to do with the procedure we followed in waiting to build the base before we turned the masses loose on it? Do you think it might have a positive impact on the quality of the base should we experience a dry spell this winter, or during the spring thaw?

Dave:

Forgive them.  They are white powder junkies who can't get enough for their fix.  You're like the pusher who is holding back the good stuff from them.

I love the blog.  The pics are great.  I come every year to Telluride and the blog gives me a sense of what is going on.

And the junkies, they add the drama and tension every great story need.

Dave's reply: Hi Mike, I read this and did literally laugh out loud. There has been enough drama and tension this week and if it made for good blog reading then all is good! :) Thanks, I appreciate the levity.

Hello again,

    Let me first begin by letting you all know that Telluride trail is well under way and that snow makers are about to unleash cold fury all over the place tonight. The Two Kings are running on cats paw....tear... thanks Dave and Ryan for all the sweet new gear.  

    Now, I think that having been said.  I have to really blow off some steam.  This is my fifth year doing this.  I am by no means seasoned.  But I am no greenhorn either.  Every year we open runs and lifts according to when they are ready to be opened.  As Dave mentioned in a reply.  

   Can you picture lift 1 in the spring with no snow at the top?  I can, I  have been there.  Running a push shovel all day.  Now picture this if  you will trying to do that at the bottom of nine with 200 people down there.  Or on T-trail.  Temps early on were unforgiving. But I think that the entire company has really made the best of this.  Beyond what mother nature has thrown at us.  I don't really remember having things ready any sooner in years past.  This has been the time frame since I have worked here.  Nothing new......Do you know what it is NEW....A CEO who is willing to field your questions.  Mad props Dave!!

Dave's reply: Hey Bro, thanks so much for your blog comments.

It is strange that a few resident people have gotten so wound up this fall about opening. We're right on schedule with great snowmaking results. You guys have done an outstanding job. THANK YOU.

By the way, you sent me some pictures earlier and I couldn't open them. In the future, send them directly to my email address instead of through the blog. That may work better.

Have a great weekend - and season! Thanks again - Dave

Dave,

Just a few words for you & your dedicated team.

"Thanks for the Skiing"

Dave's reply: Hi Chris, thank you!

April is in bed asleep with a cold, better this week than next when we will be there.

So I wanted to take this rare quiet moment to acknowledge all that Dave is doing to make this the most amazing season that I've seen in some time.  Look at the news and see the reports on global warming.  Look back and see that it was 55 degrees a week before Thanksgiving.  Look at the undisputed fact that Chair 9 has had the second earliest opening (by one day!!!) in recorded Telluride history.  And acknowledge that there is something special afoot in the box canyon this year.

To the one who reserved judgement above, congratulations.  But while you speak about business texts, and the "taking it slow" and not breaking with the tradition of the area, don't forget the comments of the naysayers (that rare nugget of wisdom) where those who have come before have become a steady revolving door of local wannabe's in one year and out the next.

Can't you all feel it?  This is something new, something great, a tipping point that could be just what everybody is really waiting for.  Not the crushing lift lines of the Denver resorts, but maybe enough outside interest to bring significant dollars into the region.  Cap-Ex ratios to trailing 12 months ebitda beyond what the resort has ever seen.  Snow comes and goes, and there's always a fresh blast of pow on the horizon, but sustainable business growth is often a one-time wave that must be caught and ridden to the peak when the opportunity presents.

Let's not let this blog descend into a flame war between rival factions.  If you love the mountain, take this forum to celebrate that - be constructive in your criticism and you will be heard, and perhaps echoed.

To the personal for a moment.  $1600 for a season pass, etc, etc.  I feel for you.  I really do.  But those who are coming for Christmas vacation for five days with a family of five adults are not crying with you, they are laughing AT you.  And those coming from Australia?  Wow.  Don't you see the future of your precious mountain?  These are the people who will keep the secret and build the legend.

Finally, if I see one more person complaining about selling out to the JKOM and BCME dollar, I'm going to scream.  Have you been a part of it?  Have you seen the website?  You locals are so incredibly lucky to be a part of that experience.  Does something like that happen by accident?  Hmmmm....

"Give them an inch, and they want three feet of meat and cheese." - Anonymous

Out

Lee

Dave's reply: Hi Lee, I hope your daughter feels better soon.

I think Telluride has a very positive future. The folks of Telluride have the responsibility to create a sustainable, prosperous and unmatched mountain resort community for our children's children. I sense that the thought-leaders of our community are aligning to provide responsible leadership in order to solidify a lasting framework -  one for which we can all be proud.

(in the voice of "Stewie" form the Family Guy)

Wow.........

After reading the last several posts, I get the weirdest feeling........ Like I'm being sold a beautiful trophy home with 89 bathrooms and 749 half baths. So weird...........I love the home I've been in for years, gotten it all set up nice, but I'm thinking hmmmmmmm.........maybe I could use another 88 bathrooms. Huh.

Hmm. Dave, yes. I'd like to tell you what a great job you're doing and..........I really like the way the mountain has operated in the past......but maybe I'm just crazy.... and I'm sure all the reasonable people that don't live here understand way better what the whiney people that live here need in a ski mountain.....yea, if you look at it that way..........sure! Thanks Dave, the changes are great! We LOVE our new groomed powder and chat-inducing liftlines. Awesome! Thanks! Keep up the good work! And give that Proteau and the Ski-Patrol a hearty hi-ho from the unwashed ones!

Dave's reply: Why so cynical and negative about everything? 

Congrats Dave in creating some un-needed tension between tourists and locals!  The tone of this whole blog is quite telling.  You get crap from the locals for "holding the mountain hostage"-(rightfully so I believe), you get snippy with the locals in return and stand your ground.  The tourists write in about how the locals are nuts and whiney anyway and you shouldn't listen to the locals, cuz it's the tourists that count.  Pretty ugly and unproductive.  You have succeeded in grouping yourself as a tourist, one of the tourists that are keeping us locals from accessing the main thing that keeps us here in Telluride.  You, and other tourists may not understand what the average local gives up as far as conveniences to live here, and it is not so we can hike bear creek in the summer-(of course the hiking is so incredible here it rivals the ski area in reasons to stay).  Tourists come for a week, maybe two and hopefully enjoy the town(s) and the ski area, but when they leave, unfortunatley for the current Telski ownership the locals are still here.  And next year we are not going to choose whether to buy a pass here or in Vail.  We're buying passes year after year.  WE are your LOYAL customers.

Now I know you have a business to run, and you can't make everyone happy.  I get that, truly.  BUT- my one suggestion would be, just throw us a bone.  Do something that we've been asking for, even it might upset the wealthy family from Houston visiting for the first time. We rarely have this much snow this early in the season and to not ski it is super lame. It's like a forced blackout. If you keep your locals happy, we'll provide service with a bigger smile and much more to those much needed tourists, and give them even more reason to come back.   Tourists love Telluride because of a mix of things, but mostly everyone wants to feel like a local in our small little haven of un-reality.  You should join us locals by giving in just a bit with us, and help us to create more goodwill toward our tourists.

My 2 cents Dave, if your wanting to stick around, stick with the locals!  We'll create a great vacation for the tourists together.

Let me put it this way Dave.  My family and I have decided to take a lifelong vacation here in Telluride.  I've spent more that a million dollars to date on that vacation, much of it earned while working "not real jobs" during my vacation!  I expect to be treated with the same respect as someone who takes a week long vacation here.  I EXPECT it. Wouldn't you?

Dave's reply: Thanks for your input. I value both locals and visitors alike. I really don't understand what you mean by "throw us a bone". Everything we're doing as an organization is for the collective benefit of our guests (locals and visitors) and our employees. It's really that simple.

I have not "held the mountain hostage" - that is absolutely crazy talk IMHO. We've had an outstanding opening with great conditions. Chair 9 opened far earlier than normal with the best conditions ever, all other lifts are opening right on schedule, snowmaking has been very productive since the temperatures dropped several weeks ago. Our staff is motivated and aligned to provide exceptional service to everyone.

What is there to be "concerned" about Mrs. Robinson? I'm going to stick around, no doubt about that. All is good on my radar screen. Enjoy the weekend!

Hi Dave, I'm trying to figure out what's going to be open tomorrow the 15th, specifically Gold Hill. According to guest services everything including the Gold Hill runs will be open which would be great, yet according to today's snowreport, 14 will only be open for access to See Forever. Can you shed some light on this? I, as well as the rest of town are chomping at the bit to ski the Gold Hill steeps.

Also, when will the chair 7 terrain open for us? Lastly, can you throw some bombs on Palmyra so we can ski the peak soon?

Thanks for the info.

sr

Dave's reply: Hi SR, I'll be posting a new blog this afternoon on that. Stay tuned

P.S. Coonskin, Telluride Trail, North Chute are open now :)

Dave

Thank you for the blog and your accessibility to your staff and locals alike. Please take it from a 20 year local- any time you make changes within a perceived Telluride institution (Lift 9, KOTO, Valley Floor), nothing you do will be correct. Continue to run the mountain as you see fit since many will view the operation as a "service" instead of a business.  I am excited by the changes you have made and encouraged that we have a passionate skier in charge of our mountain. Lift 9 - runs just fine 90% of the time.  I suggest leaving it alone and putting future capital into the San Jauquin lift.

Dave's reply: Hi Richard, I agree that progressive changes - even if for the better - are unsettling (by definition). I'm getting more excited about posting a blog on the future of Lift 9. I'm sure the San Juaquin (powder bowl) lift will come up in that dialog too! You are certainly correct that I am a passionate skier - and that might unsettle some people too ;-) Have a great weekend - it's going to be incredible.

Wow, what a bunch of grumps! Everyone seems to think they know what it takes to run a resort...whew.

Thanks for the blog.  I am heading to Telluride for the first time next Saturday for the long weekend, and am absolutely psyched for it....been waiting along time to make the trip from Denver.  It sounds like conditions are great there, so I'm excited about that.  Plus I've never explored the San Juans.

Do you have recommendations for trails I must hit while I'm there?  I'm an expert skier.

Thank you so much!

Dave's reply: Hi Chris, Thanks for heading over to Telluride! If you're an expert, you must ski Chair 6, 9 and 14. All the runs off Chair 9 are considered "famous". I'm going to update the blog with some more trail information later today so if you have time to check back I'd recommend that. Travel safe and let us know what  you think of Telluride on the blog!

Dave; I love your web site site. The photos are really awesome and shows us easterners what real snow is all about. We have a trip planned for early Jan.2008 to your beautiful mountain. We are really looking forward to a week of great skiing. Thanks for the snow report and the beautiful shots of the ski resort.

Steve

Dave's reply: Hi Steve, Early January is a great time to come. Travel safe and enjoy!

First thought, I think Dave is doing a good job....Second thought...Chair 9 opened this year because of excessive early season snow. Period.. Not because Dave decided to open it early, or in some peoples opinion too late. (aka its 2nd earliest opening ever) If Telluride has a 90 inch base on opening day next year do you really stop from opening all the skiable terrain?

Moving on... I think something more has been touched on in this "important conversation" and attribute that to the  blog.. (which I think is the BEST idea Telski and Dave have implemented.)  The question is the "VALUE" of the local and the tourist.. This is a delicate balancing act of course. As a long time local I see value in both. However we must remember that ALL locals are a year round revenue stream. Tourists are not. Tourists are in and out for short periods of time.. Most important though is (some/most) tourists get satisfaction/information/directions etc. from the locals.. I would also include tourists who may end up living here full time.. Who do tourists ask for local real estate advice..UMMM maybe a local real estate agent.... Does that mean all tourism is actually local? Its food for thought... Keep up the good work Dave..Gold Hill/Prospect/Black Iron will be open soon and once people can ski into town all the whining will be over... There is a saying "Don't Hate the Player, Just Love the Game" We all love to ski (tourists/locals)..

P.S. Too all outsiders who continue to express "local whining" please tone down the rhetoric and remember these (locals) are the same people who make your wonderful vacation experience in Telluride possible. Compromise from all groups is the key to financial and spiritual success....WORD...........  

Dave's reply: Hi Scott. Thanks for your thoughts. Look for a new blog soon talking about terrain!

Dave:

I can no longer stay on the sidelines.

First, thank you for providing this blog to let all who care about Telluride express their feelings.  My family is very exited about our first trip to the resort.

We had many other options, Vail, Tahoe, Aspen but chose Telluride because as Mrs. Robsison stated above, we want to feel like a local in your small little haven of un-reality.

So after reading all the blogs since November, I wanted to share my thoughts!

1. You are not treating tourists differently than locals -- tourists could not ride the Chair 9 pod prior tho the 12th either.

2. Locals are an important part of the Telluride experience, however they are not the only reason the town/resort exists.  They must accept that when a decision is made concerning mountain management, you consider all groups.

3. Yes, tourists come for a week or two and enjoy the town and the ski area, but when we leave, we are not replaced by locals, we are replaced by other touists!

4. I fully understand what the locals have given up to live in paradise, but let me remind Mrs. Robinson that she made that choice.  The local community is no more or no less important than the tourist, and based on my observations they are being treated the same way I will be treated in January.

5. My opnion is that the vocal/rude bloggers are not the business owners in Telluride, because those individuals do need the tourists to shop in their shops, eat in their restaurants and drink in their bars.  The local business owners might want to remind their staff that it is important to provide service with a smile and not air the town dirty laundry in public.

6. Lots of advanced skiers prefer groomed runs over powder, so I appreciate any black runs that are groomed.  Just because I'm not a powder head does not make me a bad person!

Looking forward to our trip!  Hope to see you on the mountain!

Mike Dentner

Dave's reply: Hi Mike. Thanks for those comments. I think we all need each other! Look for a new blog this afternoon regarding terrain. It's snowing again too! See you on the slopes in Janaury - and thank you for choosing Telluride for your vacation - we all appreciate it very much.

Again, I say ENOUGH..........use this wonderful blog in more productive ways and let the man do his job....that is, in giving updates and pictures of beautiful Telluride........

Dave's reply: Hi Sandi, yep - I'm going out Saturday and will get some great pictures for a new post!

I would rather be stuck on a lift than stuck here in my office :)  It happens everywhere.. and is part of the skiing experience...

Looking forward to New Years.  I mostly ski Durango, but always pop in to Telluride for a day or two due to the proximity and much better bump runs :)

Ever thought of offering a discout to Durango pass holders... can't hurt to ask.

Last year I was really impressed by the hospitality of all the employees.  It does not go unnoticed- keep on smiling... when you live in one of the most beautiful places in the world, how could you not?

Dave's reply: Hi Alby, We'll give your idea of discounts some thought. Thanks for checking in - it's shaping up to be a great season in the San Juans!

Hi Dave!

We're coming up from Phoenix Sunday to enjoy the holiday week with our two sons and cannot wait.  When your son says "This is the best Christmas EVER" while riding the chairlift, you know as a parent you've hit the mother-lode of finding quality time with your kids. That was two Christmases ago and we continue to try and spend each Christmas in Telluride.  

I've really enjoyed the reading the blog (and associated banter). Thanks for adding it to the mix!

We're travelling a bit more on a shoestring this year, so I was wondering if there are microwaves available for guest use on the mountain?

Thanks in advance!

Dave's reply: Hi Caryl, That sounds like life-long memories in the making! We do have a microwave in High Camp Warming Hut. Travel safe and enjoy your family vacation in Telluride!

Dave,

I love the job your doing!! its great you groom the trails so me and my buddies can skin up them in the middle of the night:) harvest all that white fluffys stuff, who knows where it all comes from"god"?? he loves me and my friends.Dave i am one who loves the infrastructure ski resorts provide! food, beer after a hard day of earning my turns, so from where im standing, keep up the great work.All resorts are the same,they try to balance between whats good for the guest and us loco locals, more terrain, less ropes for the locos!!Hope to see u around the mountains, i will be the one having the most FUN cant miss me.

Dave's reply: Sounds like you've got a good appetite for life although I wouldn't recommend skinning on the slopes at night. We've got grooming, snowmaking, snowmobiles, all getting their work done. Enjoy the ski season.

Hi Dave (again)!  Wow, 8 days until we're in our place in Dolores, probably 9 days until we're skiing in Telluride!  Hooray!  Just can't wait.  Love the pics... keeps us aching for the mountain.

Last year on one of our visits there was a "party" at Gorrono's (I think it was Amstel Beer), and the guys playing those big huge horns were there, fabulous (and free) cheese fondue was provided, great music... is there anywhere that those fun little events are posted on the website?  We just happened upon it, but it was one of our favorite days.

Also, always love the live music at Gorrono.  Can you tell that we like Gorrono's????

Is there a way for us to post pictures of our memories of Telluride here?

And, I know you can edit this out, and I don't mean to be breaking any rules, but you had a question about places to stay within easy access of Telluride, and our place in Dolores is about an hour from Telluride, and we rent out our very nice 2 bedroom apartment there, at a very reasonable rate.  Our website is www.cozycomfortrvpark.com if anyone is interested.

Thanks for all you are doing to make all of our skiing fantastic!  

Brenda & Tony Down

Dave's reply: Hi Brenda and Tony, Counting down the days - excellent!

The event at Gorrono Ranch last year was an Amstel promotion. The marketing department is still organizing this year's event with Amstel and it's scheduled for March 1 and 2. Normally you'd find events like this on the events page on the website - but it hasn't been posted yet because they are still working out the details.

We are also offering dinner sleigh rides at Gorrono this winter. Check it out at: http://tellurideskiresort.com/TellSki/info/sleighride-dinners.aspx Looks like fun!

Hi Dave,

I just started skiing Telluride seriously last year; I had a season pass last year and again this year.

Prior to moving here (Cortez area), I skied all of the Colorado front range resorts for many years, and I got really burned out on the mega-resort scene.

Getting to know Telluride has been a real treat. The place feels old-school to me; a lot like A-Basin way back when, but with the benefit of nice amenities at Mountain Village and the town. Oh yeah, and all of the great terrain. I think the lifts are part of the scene; if people want a bunch of high-speed lifts and gondolas all over the place, there are resorts where that can be found.

I ski lift 9 quite a bit, and I was there Wednesday during all of the lift problems, including a 20 minute wait in line, and another 20 minutes stuck on the lift when it was broken down. It was pretty miserable.

I have mixed feelings about a lift upgrade on 9, particularly if it would just wind up dumping a lot more traffic over there. Too, I have old worn out legs, and usually don't have any problems getting my licks in by the end of the day, if the lifts are running.

But...if 9 stays in its current configuration, I think you have to find some way to at least upgrade the mechanicals to keep it moving. Old school doesn't have to equal broken down and dysfunctional, does it?

Kudos for being here and addressing the issues, and for staying cool with all of the posters, including those who are less than respectful.

Regards,

Barney

Dave's reply: Hi Barney, I'll post a blog regarding ther merits of replacing Chair 9 so we can all have a robust conversation about it. It will be fun! Thanks.

Hey Dave,

First off, like many above me, I think this blog is a great idea and continually enjoy checking up on what's going on with the resort on a day-to-day basis. My parents, myself, and a friend are heading up on Thursday for our sixth year (usually staying 2 to three weeks collectively) and it's really cool to be able to see how everything is opening and useful explanations for closures as well.

Since I've been checking the blog daily almost since November, I've recently noticed the above debate on the situation of the Chair 9 pod. First, I'd like to say I fully see where you are coming from in your explanation on why the pod was opened when it was (despite many locals upset it wasn't opened earlier) and agree with you 100 percent; however, when considering the statement that PSP said above about how the first 100 days when heading a company can be the most crucial, and that the locals on the blog don't seem too happy with this decision, maybe it would be a good idea to try to quell the locals' uneasiness by giving them certain skiing and riding priviliges throughout the year that only they are entitled to. For example, early dibs on terrain openings or special lift lines. I'll admit I could probably be called a "wannabe local" (I hope to live in Tride a few years after high-school and college) and I understand that as a tourist I wouldn't be entitled to these things, but I think that for all the locals do for us and all they give to the resort, not to mention the emense passion they have for it, they should somehow be awarded in a special manner. Understandably, I'm sure the above examples are also not that reasonable and a tough venture from the organizational standpoint of the resort, but I'm sure you could come up with some better ideas that would work out well. Thus, you'd be making the locals happy with these changes and the tourists like us happy with your wonderful new dedication to the resort. Just some food for thought.

Also, on a separate note, I'm a pretty big park skier and was just wondering what the park set up might look like for this year and how much of it will be open (i.e. all of the park, just the top, just the bottom (like last year in december)) in the next two weeks when I'm up.

5 more days, my high-school's out, and my skiing begins

Thanks again, Zach

P.S. I'm impressed that you actually answer all these comments personally. Generally, I would not expect that kind of dedication from the head of a company. Keep it up.

Dave's reply: Hi Zach, Thanks for blogging.

I'll start by answering your question about a "locals only" lift line or opening terrain just for locals - that dog won't bark. I think there is a minority of people who were complaining about when we opened Chair 9 and they don't represent all residents of the area. I've talked with many people who agree we did the right thing by waiting and building a solid base.

I do appreciate our local work force and those people who call Telluride home. We do offer discounted season passes through our merchant program. I'll give some additional thought to your suggestion though and talk with my team about it.

Regarding parks, we're making some changes in this area for the 07/08 season. First, we've acquired some Prinoth snowcats with terrain master tillers and blades. We also purchased some real nice rails from Planet. Then we hired some real qualified guys from California to head up the construction and maintenance of the parks. We're still working out the design and locations for the season and will be communicating those changes soon. Believe me, it will all be an improvement. For the Christmas timeframe, we're going to build a park down lower Misty Maiden where we made all the snow for the Jeep event. That work starts Monday of next week. We're also putting a beginner line up in Misty Meadows on skiers left below Gorrono. Snowmaking is going to start earlier on Hoots and for the half pipe. We're also scoping out some new locations for features. The snowmaking enhancements we made last summer are helping us get things done faster so we're able to get to this work earlier this winter.

Enjoy your vacation to Telluride and travel safe. Thanks!

I hope to have a job in lift operations when I get there on thursday. I look forward to working with you but more so look forward to skiing Telluride. You've done a great job showing what I have to look forward to. See you on the slopes!

Dave's reply: Welcome to Telluride Pete! It's shaping up to be a great season already!