Dave's Blog

So did you get to ride in the Helicopter?

Dave's reply: Hi Ali, The K-Max only holds one person :(

Hi Dave,

I have been reading this blog religiously, but have not written in a while as I've enjoyed just being on the sidelines.  After reading this new post, I can't restrain myself anymore.  Revelation, The Hop Garden, Alpino Vino....it's all very exciting. I really want to commend you on all the great work you've done.  I know there has been some heated resistance to some of the proposed changes, but I, like so many others who have written in, wholly support everything you've done to make Telluride an even more incredible ski resort.  For what it's worth, I would also love to see AC work in Bear Creek.  We can't wait to return to Telluride in December.  Keep up the great work.  

Dave's reply: Hi btaylor, Thanks so much for you kind comments. The entire team at Telluride Ski and Golf appreciates your support and feedback!

The Revelation Bowl expansion is awesome! I can't wait to finally be able to drop into that sucker instead of just skiing along the rope line and looking down into it... wishing.

Thanks for making our mountain live up to it's full potential. Black Iron, Palmyra Peak, Gold Hill Chutes, and now REVELATION BABY!!!!

Dave's reply: Hi Will, It is very exciting. I had the opportunity to ski Revelation a few times last season when we were planning the new lift (by walking back out). It's great terrain and we're very pleased to be able to install a new lift in there!

Dave, You're really pushing Telluride forward in a good way. No doubt, some people who can't see past the end of their noses will get bent out of shape with the concept of change but don't let them get to you. Those same people opposed the Gold Hill and Prospect expansion in 2000 and now they are in there skiing all the time. They're so hypocritical. I've been waiting for a CEO who truly understands how to make Telluride the best resort it can be for a long time and appreciate your vision and unwaivering tenacity. Also, I believe you should expand into upper Bear Creek with avalanche control and a lift. It's already being skied (risky without avalanche control work). Now with Revelation anyone can do laps in Bear Creek on 8,9, 14, and Revelation. A Bear Creek expansion would elevate Telluride into one of the top ski resorts in the world and easily place it on top in Colorado, while making is much safer. Keep pushin' Dave!

Dave's reply: Hi Al, Thanks for your input. I've been getting quite a bit of input regarding Bear Creek and appreciate hearing your thoughts very much.

Hey Dave,

I was just wondering, will you be able to access revelation bowl from the upper portion of see forever or will there be a "bottleneck" where it funnels skiers headed towards Revelation Bowl?

Dave's reply: Hi Jon, I'm not really visualizing your question. Revelation Bowl will be accessed from See Forever at several locations from the top of the new lift down past the top of Chair 14. Does that answer your question?

With all these new developments Dave, wont the prices of passes and lift tickets continue to skyrocket?  I mean for most folks from Montrose or Ridgway, the prices are getting ridiculous.  Im really glad to see better access and a more european style of personal responsibility, but what about those of us who live in the nearby vicinity who have now been priced out of using the PUBLIC LAND Telluride Ski & Golf operates on from a permit?  Dont want to be a downer, just wish new opportunities were for more than wealthy visitors.

Dave's reply: Hi Matias, As a local, you can always check in at the Human Resources Department at the Plaza Building in Mountain Village and learn about all the employment opportunities (part-time and full-time) where you can earn benefits including free skiing and golf!

Our prices are comparable to other resorts like Aspen/Snowmass, Vail, Beaver Creek - but we have less crowding. We're not trying to be a "low-cost, high-volume" ski resort as we place great importance on the quality of the recreational experience.

Thank you for your question.

Just picked up the 08-09 trial map along with our season passes yesterday.   Is the Ute terrain park back for my kiddos?  If so, "yay!" We think it works better than the things that were tried last year.

Dave's reply: Hi Barbara, Yes, the Ute Park beginner park is back this year. Thank you for your continued loyalty. Have a great ski season!

Dave, My kids and I are continuing to lobby for a return of the tubing hill. Any thoughts? Also a question for you - my girlfriend and I would like to get married in Telluride, on the mountain, December 31st, and don't know anyone out there who might be able to marry us. All we need is a judge or preacher who will meet us up there!

Do you know of anyone or can provide a suggestion of who to contact?

Thanks, Tony McLeod

Dave's reply: Hi Tony, please send me an email at driley@tellurideskiresort.com I'll help you out. Sounds fun!

The name choice could have been so much improved upon... Right now it simply sounds coarse... AlpinoVino? this sounds horrible. And, terribly unsophisticated. How very un-Telski.

How about AlpineVine, MountainWine, SnowHarvest, SummitHarvest, PeakPicks, VintageViews, Alpine Wine&Dine, Winter's Harvest, ad nauseum...  and that only took 5 minutes with a thesaurus and dictionary. Please.

Besides the name (!), my single biggest issue is how can you possibly get up enough speed--after visiting what I am sure will be a fine establishment--to get by on the cat track???? And, who are you going to hit while they might be attempting to do so? This is exactly where an out of control limited ability skier hit me and broke my ankle (just before ski patrol shack), and that was on a good day two years ago. They never caught him and I had to eat the medical costs.

I simply do not know how you are going to assist the traffic flow in such a narrow area. I'm not even going to ask about the wine list. Yet.

Dave's reply: Naming things is like music, many people have different opinions. Alpino Vino has been well received by others.

We've got a skier traffic plan all figured out. The run will be split.

Thank you for your input.

I'm sorry Dave. "Vino" depending on how it is pronounced, still sounds way too close to Wine-o. ie: someone who is addicted. Lord knows our AA is already close to capacity... and Alpino Veeno (pronunciation) is the coarse that I was referring to and is a bit close to other phonetic pronunciations of places you do not wish to got to.

Is it possible that your own marketing is misleading you? "Well received" can be interpreted many ways and AlpinoVino is not a good name. You have been a part of many fine establishments over the years, is this really where you want to go? Power is the game and power is in the name.... You might want to reconsider.

Also, the "run will be split?"  It's a cat track, not a run!! I'm afraid I do not understand how this could ever be governed/assisted...

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

The name Alpino Vino is inspired by the southern Alps (Northern Italy) ski resort meca called Dolomiti Superski (google it to learn more if you've never been there). It's a dramatic ski area that has over 100 chairlifts (connected) and awesome resorts/historic communities, terrain, food, wine, service, and family-run ski-in/ski-out hotels that have been operating for generations.

"Alpino" is the Italian word for alpine. "Vino" is the Italian word for wine.

It's helpful to recognize the authentic and interesting cultural connection between a great North American alpine community like Telluride and a great ski region in the Alps like Dolomiti Superski.

The Trommer House has an architectural theme that truly reminds me of the incredible mountain farm houses of Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi, Italy. The Tyrol roof line and pitch, stone siding, exposed beam tails, large overhanging eaves, heavy rough-sawn double facia and carved wood interior details are all very true to the local building methods in the rolling sheep pastures under the jagged peaks in the Dolomites.

The name Alpino Vino makes perfect sense for this unique, romantic, and special mountain wine bar and restaurant.

There is no doubt that this concept is unique to North American ski resorts. Where the US norm is "bigger is better" when it comes to ski area restaurants, Alpino Vino is replicating an experience you would find along side a ski slope in Dolomiti Superski.

Hopefully this helps you understand the purpose and intent of the name, product and associated brand.

Thank you for listening.

hey dave,

uuuummmm question........

are any new park features,jibs or hits going to be added to the park this year looking for a little more progression......     :) thanks  

Dave's reply: Hi Alyan, The big changes this year in parks is this: (a) the intermediate features are going to move to a new location on skiers left of upper Polar Queen off Chair 5. It has a great fall line and isn't too steep for getting the right flow, and (b) the beginner features are moving back to Ute Park. I think these changes are going to be very *progressive* :)

We've got some great rails but where they were located last year was largely too steep. I think this is going to work well.

Thanks for your question!

...sick... twisting arms to get there!

Dave's reply: Hi J, No arm twisting necessary - just bring everyone along with you!

Dear Dave,

As a Telluride resident, follower and supporter of this blog since its inception, I commend Mr. Riley on your comments in the The Telluride Watch Friday 9/26. He spoke candidly about the new "realties" of the Revelation lift and how it would change the Bear Creek back country terrain in the future. As a Telluride back country enthusiast who has been "savvy" enough to enjoy the Bear Creek access gate since its opening in 2000/2001 my thoughts are.

First, I do believe there will be increased skier traffic.

However,the first year the Bear Creek gate was open, I only skied a dozen times the entire season w my partner  (Chef Dave Labarca) and each descent we skied THE SAME line. The overall skier traffic was limited at best and the snow pack was very skittish more often than not.

In every year following, I have found the increased traffic  IMPROVES the entire area being skied. The Last 3 years (with the  addition of gold hill lift) "savvy friends and I" were skiing Upper Bear Creek 2 times a day as early as december and more people were skiing lines that were never being skied in previous years. Overall skier traffic was at its highest level last year since the 2000 opening. How many of "us savvy" skiers were getting to ski Nellie Cliffs 15 times in the same year before the increased skier traffic?  NONE. (I do admit the snowpack was stable all of last year)

Bottom line, i think increased traffic will improve overall conditions and only push backcountry skiers further into the basins which I think is good. AS ALWAYS people should follow route management guidelines, SOP regarding slope and snow conditions, and have the correct avalanche equipment. Im not even opposed to having a lift op at the gate whom could CHECK each skier for the correct equipment for access out the gate. Would this work?

Regarding the avalanche control within Upper Bear Creek, I too am a supporter. Its great for the skier and It makes sense strategically for the ski area. This would also provide incentives for the ski area to control  the opposite side of bear creek all the way down to the bear creek floor above waterfall. This "in theory" means we could be skiing backcountry in Lena Basin, La Junta Basin, Upper Wedding Chutes, K12, The Wave, Wasatch, etc. In my humble opinion, this will benefit all back country skiers and dramatically  increase  the access to backcountry terrain. ALL of which would certainly make Telluride THE ski mountain in Colorado.

QUESTION? Would we be skiing lift 9/gold hill/bear creek etc. if telski owners/telluride community back in the day decided NOT TO EXPAND because of the fear of losing hike to backcountry terrain? I think its a false choice. Telluride ski resort in conjunction with community members should Develop a long term strategic  plan to manage the mountains for "we the people" to support and enjoy. I think Telluride is ready for that conversation.  

Results speak for themselves. Undeniably, Mr. Riley is doing a great job. Keep up the good work.

Dave's reply: Hi Scott. Thank you for your well written and thoughtful comments. I appreciate the input. Since the article, I've been getting lots of phone calls and emails. The input and dialog has been very helpful in increasing my awareness and knowledge regarding this important issue. Please feel free to encourage your friends to contact me also. I'm very interested in learning as much as I can from the community on this. Thanks again.

# September 29, 2008 6:07 PM

(Update)  I would like to thank and acknowledge brian oneil, steve foster, simon collins and our "savvy" back country friends for their excellent letter to the editor in the weekends 10/3 Watch. This a necessary reminder of the need for transparent communication between the ski area and Telluride's backcountry community. The experience (and advice) this important group represents, should be well understood by the ski area and the value of their input is priceless.

Dave, Your thoughts on you/Telski potentially starting a new blog/avalanche forum that is continuously updated throughout this winter season with the current conditions,avalanche information,local skier input,ski patrol report,websites,pictures,etc?

Dave's reply: Hi Scott, Good to hear from you again.

We're very interested in using the web as well as other forums to bring the awareness level and "savvy" up.

The reality is that Telluride has something very special: it's terrain. In-bounds and backcountry.

After skiing Bear Creek for the first time last season and hiking the slopes and basins back there more times that I can count this summer and fall I have developed an appreciation for this area. 

While I can't match the experience of old time local guys like Brian, Lance, Steve, Simon, Ben, Josh, Tor, and many others, I'm beginning to understand things better - by scoping, asking lots of questions, and carefully listening to the answers. I agree, their input is priceless.

The ski company's role is emerging - and it's becoming clearer every day. Getting back to your original question, yes, I believe we can assist on many levels and I'm interested in helping.

I have skied the "Dolomite Super Ski" from village to village and back to Cortina in the Italian Alps. The name Alpino Vino is superb name choice in my opinion!

Dave's reply: Hi Will, thanks for the confirmation :)

i no you tried to awnser my question but u didnt really awnser it that well..... not your fault... i mean liek are you guys going to get new rails and jibs. and im not really worryed about the intermrdiate or begginer park.. but i mean like more kink rails, s rails like three feature jibs anything new!!!! that will make it that make it much better than last year and i no you arent telling me hoot is moving are you.... i didnt really realize that it was that steep it seemed fine to me but i guess im not everyone and thats actually really nice that ur spreading them that way you dont have those little kids cuting rite in frint of you and using the kickers for jumps and not actually uning the features

Dave's reply: Hi Alyan, we are not planning on purchaing any new rails this season.

Hey Dave:  First Alpino Vino sounds great.  Do I understand along with serving fine wine there will also be some upscale food for lunch?  If so will they take reservations or am asking for too much?

The other subject is moving the terrain park to upper polar queen.  While this is probably alot better than the bottom of lift 4 it still will cause a real traffic jam coming down lower polar queen to the lift.  What is the chance of a rope pull or the like to bring the skiers and boarders directly back to the top of the terrain park where they can then utilize the equipment without having to run all the way down to the lift?  Just some thoughts.  Looking forward to another great year at Telluride.  Later/al

Dave's reply: Hi Al, We're going to start out at Alpino Vino not taking reservations - although we will accept groups reservations who want to reserve the entire building for an event such as a family reunion, wedding, private party, etc. I expect a late lunch opportunity exists :)

No surface lift is planned for Polar Queen. We're not thinking it will be a big jamb as the runs are wide in that pod. Quite frankly, we have a very low amount of park participants compared to most other resorts. The vast majority of our guests enjoy carving our famous wide-open cordory as well as our wide-open bowls, chutes, glades and bumps. With our wonderful natural terrain, it's just the way it is at Telluride. Have a great fall and think snow!

Dave,

The pictures look great Dave. How soon into the season do you think the lift will be open?

Thanks.

PS, Hey Will H., Did Dave give you a free season pass or something... 2 posts in a row without a 'fat gapper' crack. Come on, I (I mean they) we miss the abuse. ;-)

Dave's reply: Hi Lou, The new Revelation lift will likely open the same day as the Gold Hill Express (Chair 14) because the Revelation Lift (Chair 15) gets so much snow on the back side of the Gold Hill. Once access is gained by Gold Hill Express we're good to go. Likely early to mid-December if the snow God's are with us.

Like everyone else you talk to in Telluride, our friend Will has become very excited about the coming season! Good mojo.

Dave. . . .Wow! I guess I'll have to buy the beer!  With all the improvements - you'll be broke!

Great job - look forward to buying you that beer in Gorrono's this year!

SD

Dave's reply: We've got a full plate of capital improvements this fall - all is going well. I'll look forward to that brewski SD - it may be at the new Hop Garden in Mtn. Village!

Hey Dave,

Tell Lou T. that I am still convinced that a few "fat gapers" are gonna get WAXED this coming season skiing upper Bear Creek (the gate). I mean, come on... do the math man! I do however call them like I see them, and you have to admit that our mountain is getting better with Daves addition of tons more inbounds expert terrain, warming hut in the lift 6/prospect pod, beer garden, wine chalet, and a ski lift! I dig it!

Keep checking in here... you're bound to see the abusive cynical know-it-all in me come back out;)

Dave's reply: LOL. That's good. 

Thanks for your support Will. 

The new lift looks great!  ;)  I really like the color scheme being that dark gray/black color.  I think it really looks great in that setting.  Also, I love the look of the lift shack.  Very Telluride-like!  Hope I can come soon to ride it myself!

Dave's reply: We're actually transitioning the other lifts to that color also. We're in the process of painting Chairs 9, 12, and 14 that color this year and we'll continue with other lifts next summer. 

HI Dave, All I can say is that I think you are doing great job at upgrading my favorite place to ski period. No easy tasks that's for sure. I can't wait to ski "THE REV" or have a drink at 12'000 ft. WO HOO!! I'm in my fifties and two winters ago I skied Giant Steps for the first time on a knee deep powder day, what a blast!! This will be my 4th trip there in the last 7 years (Why we went anywhere else makes no sense at all). Hope you have another great SNOYEE WINTER.

Take Care.

TH

Dave's reply: Hi Thomas, Thanks so much for your kind post. I've got to give all the credit for the positive changes at Telluride to the wonderful people who surround me on a daily basis at the company. If it were not for them, nothing would be possible. We had a session today with about 60 managers for a half day working on how the team can focus on the things that are most important in terms of creating an experience that is truly unmatched in North America. We're so fortunate to have this incredible setting we call Telluride - but it's the people that will actually deliver the unmatched experience. Everyone is very fired up. Thanks go out to them!

Enjoy your ski vacation (number 4) this season - and many more! Thank you so much for your support.

I'll be the one standing at the gate to Bear Creek with a meatball sub sticking out of my backpack instead of a shovel ...Someone please stop me.

;-)

Dave's reply: I don't know, a meatball sub sounds like health food - with the right sauce...  =0

Two comments: Polar Queen is my favorite intermediate run.  I am sad to see terrain park there.  Is there not another area?

Second: for Tony Mcleod. In Colorado, you don't have to have a judge or minister. We were married in Telluride in 2002 at Gorrono Ranch. Back then, we had to arrange a private event, but now they have the sleigh rides on Friday and Saturday nights. (Hopefully they are continuing for this season) Ashley Boling was the officiant and he was GREAT! Our family and friends still talk about our wedding.

Dave's reply: Hi Cindy, The intermediate park will only take the left side of Polar Queen and will only go down about half-way. It's a very wide run on the upper half. Also, thanks for assisting Tony.

Hey Dave,

Great idea about the wine bar at the Trommer's trees.  Who cares what it's called.  I mean are people really not going to visit just because of its name?  I heard a rumor that another lift is being planned to go from lower down Bear Creek up to the new Revelation lift. Is this true?  What a great idea if it is true.  The amount of expert terrain this would open is staggering.  This would make Telluride the absolute best ski resort in North America.  No other resort could even come close to providing visitors with more challenging, exciting, or beautiful terrain.  My only suggestion would be to provide users with a regress to town, instead of making them take several lifts to get back to Mountain Village or Telluride.  

- Edited for topic

Dave's reply: Hi GMonet, There are people in the community who are discussing alternatives for Bear Creek, a lift being one of them. A recent article in the Telluride Watch was pretty comprehensive. You might want to check it out. Thanks for your post - and sorry for the edit :)

Deleted: off topic.

Thanks for constructing the new Revelation lift. I'm all in favor of the ski area expanding into Bear Creek also. A lift would be great so we don't have to ski out through the lower section to town (through the Preserve). The good skiing is up above anyway.

Dave's reply: Thanks for the input CS.

Dave, I hope you move forward with a plan to manage Bear Creek avalanche risks. We're in favor.

Dave's reply: Hi Jeff, Thank you for sharing your thoughts on BC.

Dave, not gonna lie, im not the biggest fan, but good work on returning the park back to normal. The new ski map looks epic too.

Dave's reply: Hi Ben, So does that mean I won't be getting an invitation to your Halloween party? :-) No problem - glad you're happy!

Dave

Can you provide a link to the article about Bear Creek that you referred to from the Telluride Review for some of us who don't live in the area?

Your new Revelation lift sounds exciting and is generating lots of hipe--kind of like the Peak to Peak at Whistler (the village is all abuzz about there new lift).  I was there last week and saw them testing the gondola  cabs on the haul line--they are going to be hanging over 1600 vertical feet off the ground when you cross Fitzsimmons Creek and if you are scared of heights--don't look down--the gondola floors are clear glass!!  A Patroller I talked to said it will be a technical nightmare to retrieve a cab hanging out over the creek if that lift ever goes down.  They had 14 inches of new and were blowing snow in the alpine on both mts.

On another note--I went up there to bike--I'd been there numerous times in the winter but never when the snow was off the ground.  They truely have the  best and most extensive valley bike/hike trail system that I have ever encountered--it is truly 1st class--have you been there in the off season?  Do you have anything like that at Teleski?

Dave's reply: Hi SDS, Nice to hear from you again. The link to the recent article regarding Bear Creek can be found at: http://telluridewatch.com/pages/full_story?article-Debating-Bear-Creek%20=&page_label=results_content&id=241824-Debating-Bear-Creek&widget=push&open=&

We've got unreal cross-country mountain biking but don't have the downhill / freestyle park like you may have seen. We're working on it with a group of stakeholders now.

Stay in touch and have a great fall!

Hi Dave!  Thank you for keeping us informed on your blog!  What's the word on the super pipe this winter?  Pray for snow =)

Dave's reply: Hi Jason. As you can see, a pipe is not on the new trail map. There is a reason for that. The current location has a terrible sun aspect and it gets very little use. Flow parks and rails get somewhat reasonable utilization here. 

My feeling is that if we're going to have a superpipe, we need to dig it into the ground and point it in the right direction with the right pitch and length - but I question the need at all.

Since we have Unmatched natural terrain,  I believe that's why our locals and visitors don't care so much about a pipe. Why waste your time in a pipe when you're in Telluride? You can ski a pipe at "any ordinary-resort USA". At urban resorts, people are hiking the pipe all the time. At Telluride, nobody - I mean nobody - hikes the pipe - even after a fresh cut.

Sure, there are a few people who will complain without one - but I just don't see the demand for it at Telluride.

Dave-

Unbelievable...

Thanks for sharing the construction pictures.

Thanks for leading - making your mark here in Telluride..great work.

Tom

Dave's reply: Hi Tom, Thank you for your support. I have to give credit for all that is happening at Telluride Ski and Golf to my team. They are the folks working their tails off this fall - making so many good things happen. It's going to be a great season due to these hard working and dedicated people.

Dave

Thanks for that great link--remember to keep us fans who don't live in CO in the loop.  I read the 30 comments about the article--you defintely have a diverse group to work with--you are used to it--GO DAVE!!

About my bike trip up north--I didn't even need to buy a 49 dollar lift ticket because they have such an extensive network of free family friendly valley bike/hike trails that I didn't even get thru half of them in a week and I rode over 120 km.  A little tip:  plan a vacation/work trip w/the family next summer or shoulder season up there and I think you'll be pleasantly suprised.  Talked to  a lady who wrks for the local government in the valley and she said that the summer season is now bigger than there winter season--who would have thought??  

Dave's reply: Hi SDS, Sounds great at Whistler. Paul Matthews, President of Ecosign Mountain Resort Planning which is based in Whistler, is working with the Telluride Mountain Village Owners Assoication to help study our community and make some recommendations. He was one of the founding fathers of Whistler and constantly reminds me of what you are talking about - a successful "year-round" alpine community which exceptional lodging, recreation, and economic vitality.

While no resort wants to copy another resort entirely, we can all learn from each other. What works well, what doesn't. It's worth doing the homework!

Hi Dave,

Did the resort buck up to buy more bumps to install in Revelation bowl?    Just kidding ;)

 Seriously though, are the runs off the new lift going to be groomed?  

I can ski bushwacker when its groomed and enjoy the plunge and Lookout, I hope to be able to get in some smiles on the new terrain.

On a separate note, are there any plans to upgrade the chairs at the Gorrono beach this winter?  Every time I go there my cheap plastic chair is broken in several places and all the other ones I find are to.  Some sturdy chairs would really enhance the Gorrono beach experience.

Dave's reply: Hi Stephanie, Yes - we've put in some anchors for the new winch cat we took delivery on two days ago. There will be some grooming in Revelation Bowl.

Thanks for the mention of the furniture problem at Gorrono Ranch. I needed your gentle reminder :) We'll place an order for some more durable lounge chairs for the beach.

Dave,

How are you doing your math

If Palmyra Peak is 13320 feet high and the base elevation is 8750 the total vertical rise should be 4570 not 4425 as your website says. Either you can't hike to the top of Palmyra or the math is off.

Dave's reply: Hi Fred, I looked into this today as a result of your comments. The bottom elevation is Coonskin, which is 8,725. The top elevation of our hike-to terrain on Palmyra Peak is 13,150. Therefore, our vertical drop is 4,425. Lift served is 3,845 with the new Revelation lift.

You are correct that Palmyra Peak is 13,320. The top of the hike-to terrain is slightly below the actual summit of the peak. That is the difference. The top of our hike-to terrain is on a small sub-summit right below Palmyra Peak proper.

I can see how that might be confusing as you read the map. We're going to make that more clear on the website map by adding the top eleveation of the hike-to terrain. Our new hard-copy trail map has already been printed so it's too late to add that additional elevation stat. We'll make that change next season.

Thanks so much for pointing it out. We appreciate your input!

What kind of winch cat did you guys get?  Prinoth?  Pisten Bully?  Model?

Dave's reply: This week we took delivery of a Prinoth Sherpa winchcat and two Prinoth Bison main-line groomers.

Mr. Riley,

We've been skiing in Bear Creek for several years. My wife and I come from Jackson Hole each year to visit some local friends each year and rip it up.

I heard a rumor that the ski company is looking at doing avalanche control work in Bear Creek and maybe even a chairlift. We're very much in favor of that.

Surely some people will complain but others will see that you have the ability to be the best resort in Colorado with that move.  Count on us as supporters.

Forge ahead Dave!

Dave's reply: Hi Tim, Thanks for your comments and thoughts. I'm in a listening mode at this time so your input is appreciated.

Dave - Great work on all the improvements over the Summer. I can wait to drop into Revelation Bowl. The scenery alone will make it an amazing experience. Speaking of scenery, I am very much in favor of a future lift in Bear Creek. It will improve safety while elevating Telluride on the national/intl. scene. Keep up the good work, and we can't wait to see the results over Thanksgiving (snow permitting).

Dave's reply: Hi Mike, The crew is working like there is no tomorrow right now on several projects. It's all quite exciting.

The haul rope on the new Revelation lift is going to be spliced Friday - which will be a big milestone. I was up to the top terminal yesterday and there is about 6" of snow. Revelation Bowl is going to be such a great addition to Telluride.

Thanks also for your input regarding Bear Creek. I appreciate it.

Just checking in to see how the Revelation lift is coming along.

Reading some of the possible Bear Creek expansion comments.

Presumably there are some exploratory plans/ideas for another lift or two?

Where would a new lift be located in Bear Creek (Top & Bottom)and any kind of "future lift" graphic would be nice to see even to just wet the lips :-)  

Dave's reply: Hi Stanton, Nice to hear from you again. I hope you've had a great summer.

No concrete proposal at this point for a lift. I've been talking with lots of locals about the options though. Some suggest that we do nothing, others suggest a "sideways lift" from the bottom of Nellie going up to the bottom of the new Revelation lift.

We'll see what happens. I do believe that more people are going to be venturing into the creek in the future. The sport seems to be evolving that way.

Stay in touch.

Dave – I really enjoyed seeing the pics and reading your post. I am your designer (Studio Bluesky, we do the trail map, ads, etc.) and am so excited to see the progress being made. Although we no longer live there ... hopefully we'll get back to Tride this winter! The pics definitely make us want to get back there this year! Hope you all have an excellent season!

Dave's reply: Hi Brandy, I've heard your name several times from Matt. Hope to meet you this season.

Dave -

The season nears and everyone is excited about the new terrain and are hoping the snow exceeds even last years totals!  I noticed some concern about lift prices and thought your comments were a little out of line! To suggest we get a job at the mountain to get a free ski pass is a little ridiculous as a solution to your over the top prices. You are obviously aware Telluide is the most expensive in the state. Hopefully you are also aware lodging reservations being down significantly to date from last year...20%? $92 for a day is a little excessive don't you think? Sure, there are no lines and the mountain is second to none however what's wrong  with making prices more appealing? In a time when things are tight, don't be suprised when you see your 08/09 numbers down from last year. Living and working full time in Montrose, working for Telski is not  an option. I am not able to go ahead with a season pass but was planning a few days boarding but with $92 lift tickets, I'll probably go explore some other places close by..not because I want to. Why at a time with so much uncertainty would you approve such an increase?

Dave's reply: Hi Paul, Good questions. There are many many ways to pay less to ski Telluride, you've mentioned a few: 6 and 10 day cards. We also run internet specials on day tickets so stay connected to the site. As far as employment, we have many people who live in Montrose and work for us on a minimal part-time basis to earn benefits such as free skiing, food discounts, free transportation, lessons, etc. You might be surprised how lucrative it can be. It's just another option though which may not fit your situation. By the way, we are not the most expensive lift ticket in the state and only a small fraction of our guests pay the full price due to all the other products we offer. We have deep lodging/lift ticket package discounts also. The global recession has impacted spending but Telluride is a top resort in the world and the value is still extraordinary. Thank you for your input.

I was wondering why you have such an early cutoff date for advanced sales of 6,10, and limitless lesson passes online, but continue to sell them at regional events?  How about having the same online cutoff of October 31st like season passes?  I already purchased passes in advance for our visit in January, but we are now taking our nephew and would like to take advantage of these great savings.  I live in Florida so attending a regional event is not feasible.  

Great blog and we can’t wait to visit.

Dave's reply: Hi Jonathan. If you've already purchased some passes prior to the deadline and want to add to that order we'll make an exception. Contact me at driley@tellurideskiresort.com and let me know your email address. Thank you.

Hello Dave,

Now that Revelation lift is in place, What Next? Last season was an abnormally stable and deep snowpack in the San Juans. Chances are, this season will not play out with such stability in the snowpack. I ski in Bear Creek often, with upmost caution, observation, and respect. This type of respect was not demonstrated by many skiers in the Creek last season, due to lack of knowledge and understanding of the underlying dangers of skiing there. I saw several accounts of people accessing the Gold Hill chutes via the Bear Creek gate, deciding it looked better off the backside, and dropping in with absolutely no idea that they were in avalanche terrain with people and cliff bands below them. Now that the Revelation lift is in place, the skiing in Bear Creek will be even more accessible to the ignorant skier. I propose that at the very least, the gate to bear creek be very well marked with the dangers that exist. In Jackson Hole, there is a turnstile at the gate, with reminders that a tranciever, shovel, probe, partner, and knowledge of the avalanche conditions are pertinent. It is just a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or killed due to stupidity. I also have to add that I live in Telluride because I have the access to ski in Bear Creek. The worst case scenario would be relinquished access to skiing backcountry in Bear Creek because of a mishap. The further you push the boundaries, the further people will push their limits. This is not a bad thing. In fact, progression is what keeps the sport alive. However, the difference between contolled terrain and avalanche terrain can be life and death. Telski needs to mark the boundary well so Joe sixpack does not set off a slide on a well-prepared skier.      

Dave's reply: Hi Galena, We're having discussions with members of the community on Bear Creek.

The ski company does plan on replacing it's signage at the gate and improving communication and educational opportunities - although as you know when someone exits through a backcountry gate they assume the risks of skiing/riding in an unmanaged and uncontrolled area.

Hello Dave,

Thank you for your blog. This really keeps people out of the rumor mill. Speaking of rumors, I heard that the half-pipe was going to be eliminated this year. While I understand the high cost of the half-pipe, losing it would be a loss for the mountain, Telluride and Mountain Village.

To reduce the costs of constructing the pipe, have you guys thought of excavating some earth to cut down on water usage. You have done some work in the past for some of the larger hits in Hoots Park but not in the pipe. Any reason?

I am not an avid user of the pipe but do enjoy watching others use it and I occasionally pop in. I hope to not see it go away.

Thank you for your time.

Aric

Dave's reply: Hi Aric, The pipe received very little use last year, even with a fresh cut. It cost about $125,000 to build one in the dirt and the existing location is not ideal because it point's sideways to the sun. Whereever you build a pipe you have to have snowmaking so that limits the locations also. We're still discussing it internally but have pulled it off the trail map. We're expanding in other ways though - obviously! The beginner park is moving to Ute Park and the intermediate park will be located skiers left on Polar Queen. The advanced park will still be at Hoot's.

Not sure exactly how much use the pipe does get, but I do know it keeps people out of the powder stashes, so that has to be reason enough to keep it around.

Dave's reply: I hardly saw anyone in the pipe last season, especially on powder days.

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Dave,

Is donation day taking place this year?

Joe C

Dave's reply: Hi Joe, I don't believe so. I have not received a proposal.

This new lift will be great.

Just another reason to come back to Telluride.

Dave's reply: Yes, it is very exciting!