Dave's Blog

Yea Dave! I can't believe it. This is as exciting as the opening of Revelation Bowl. Great job, you're rocking Telluride!!!!

Dave's reply: Thanks LG. I owe everything to the great staff at TSG - they rock.

I'm amazed with Telluride these days. You guys just keep rolling out new, bigger, better stuff. As Skiing magazine said "Telluride has been on a bit of a bender lately". That's for sure ;)

Let the good times roll! We're booking our trip to Telluride, out with the old and in with the new!

Dave's reply: Hi Trinidad, Thanks for noticing :) Let me know if there is anything I can to do help you with your vacation planning. Recommendations, etc. You know how to contact me. Enjoy!

That is very exciting Dave. Can't wait for winter to come back to Telluride soon. I see you guys are blowing snow over at Mountain Village, are you going to cover that in the blog?

I just want to say thank you. The locals don't say it often enough and you deserve credit for pushing Telluride Ski Area into the big leagues.

It's obvious your working hard and many of us do appreciate what you're doing.

Keep up the good work.

Dave's reply: Hi SW, thanks so much for your kind remarks. I will be covering snowmaking in an upcoming blog too! Also, our 2 new restaurants, new snowcats, new intermediate terrain park, etc. Also, I'm planning on covering the new Lumiere Hotel and Capella Hotel. 

I agree with Local Girl that this announcement is as big, or bigger, than the opening of Revelation Bowl. What's up Dave, have you been holding out on us? You sly fox...... THANK YOU!

Dave's reply: Hi Chris, Yes, this is a big announcement. We've been talking about it internally since last winter but until we really dug into it we really didn't know if it was possible. We're all very excited to be able to add this to Revelation. It's kind of like two bowls for the price of one =)

Dave, Thanks for the daily non-stop air service from my home town. The buzz in the windy city is all about Telluride. The new terrain is very exciting, thanks for making it happen. We're planning on two trips to T-Ride this season (two families each time). We've found a house in town to rent. Seems like a pretty good deal too. Can we take a few runs together? Our first trip is right before X-Mas.

Dave's reply: Hi Slider, Thanks for your blog comment. I was born in a suburb of Chicago - Elmhurst. I'd love to make a few turns with you and your group. Send me an email at driley@tellurideskiresort.com and let me know your timing. My office is in the Plaza Building at Mountain Village. Let's do it. 

Hey Dave:

The good news keeps coming, just what is needed to grab a little extra market share during these uncertain financil times. And a restaurant to boot. Great work! Not to be a kill-joy, but according to Telski's own published information, the lift-served vertical from the top of Revelation (12,570) to the bottom of Gold Hill (10,780) is 1,790 feet. Awesome, but not quite the 2,000 vert your posting states. Just want to let you know we're paying attention here. Finally, how about placing that snow measuirng stake on the lee side of the revelation ridge?! Oought to add up in a hurry! :) Thanks

Dave's reply: Hi Toby, How funny, I was just verifying that number and was going to correct that part of the blog. You're one step ahead of me!

Dave,

I was wondering if there is a plan to add more intermediate - advance terrain to the mix?  I understand that there are those that love the extreme black diamond runs and back country but what about those who would like to see some new areas for those that can only get out once or twice a year and enjoy the blue / advance blue runs? I can go down some black runs but it is more for my ego than anything else...

I am not sure if there is an area that can be added to the mix, but if there is such an area, wouldn't that be a great addition to the mix and an attraction for intermidiate skiers /snowboarders?  Just my two cents (actually, with the financial crisis just one cent...)

See you January 15th :) :)

Modi

Dave's reply: Hi Modi, Nice to hear from you again :)

I think you'll like Silver Cloud in the new Revelation Bowl because we plan on grooming it regularly with the winchcat. It's not extreme terrain by any means and has a wonderful view.

January 15th will be fantastic!

Outstanding!

Telluride was off the charts good 2 seasons ago, but your expansion and improvements "bender" puts new substance behind the "unmatched" claim.  

While I love my SLC backyard (Alta, Snowbird, Deer Valley) and the terrain and powder is incredible, the unique character of Telluride (town, MV, ski mountain, summer festivals, overall vibe) is truly unmatched.  I'll keep coming back 4-5 times a year (at 6 hours drive time, we are just like Denver in terms of access)!   Keep up the good work Dave, there are many who support you (though not as loudly as the vocal detractors).

Dave's reply: Hi Mark, Thanks so much for your support. You've certainly got some great resorts back home at SLC. I was up there last January for a National Ski Areas Association meeting and skied Deer Valley, Alta and Snowbird. Some of my good friends run those resorts and they do a great job. Admittedly, it is hard to not be biased but I've always felt that Telluride (since before I became CEO here) is in a class unto itself. I realize that sounds a little puffy but that's my vote. As we launch several new initiatives, it's only getting better.

Having said that, skiing is the greatest sport in the world and can be enjoyed from coast to coast. The most important thing is that everyone skis  -  as much a possible!

Stop by the office someday in the Plaza Building and say hi. Love to meet you!

Hey Dave,

Thanks for all the updates.  This is a great blog!  My family & I were in Telluride 2 years ago and loved it.  Reading your blog last year made me regret not making the trip again.  

I'm not making that mistake again. Just booked my trip to Telluride this weekend and starting training today.  Hitting your site every day keeps me motivated!

TK

P.S.  It's snowing like crazy here in PA right now.  Hope you start seeing some major dumps soon.

Dave's reply: Hi TK, Glad you enjoy the blog. Thanks for staying connected and for choosing Telluride for your vacation!

Dear Dave,

My "savvy" friends and I have been drooling over that skiers left Gold Hill # 1 line for years. Once again, it does make sense strategically to keep skier access moving up the entire ridge. I commend you and your staff Mr. Riley. I guess dreams can come true for communties/corperations who work hard together. You have created a "win-win" situation.

Regarding the skiers right line you highlighted between Andy's Gold Spine and gold hill #1. Is this spine open also? Is the skiers right line the old boundary?

"It's kind of like two bowls for the price of one =)"    Dave Riley  

I love that quote.............

Results speak for themselves. Great job.

Dave's reply: Hi Scott, Yes, the skiers right boundary of Gold Hill #1 is the exiting skiers left boundary of Andy's Gold (on the spine). The way the patrol is setting things up will allow them to keep the upper bowl/apron closed completely for AC, open the upper bowl without opening the apron, or open both. Maximum flexibility. It's a big deal to get this going and I have to thank Pat Ahern, our Patrol Director and his great staff. I was down at the goat trail today looking at the progress and they're working hard to improve the access through the cliff band. It's very progressive to get this new terrain added into the mix. Thanks for your blog comments!

Amazing work!  I am still finding it all hard to believe.  After living here for over a decade and only dreaming about skiing these amazing lines it is all coming to a reality in a matter of a year.  Now the waiting game.  I can only imagine how incredible this ski season is going to be.  Thanks DAVE!

Dave's reply: Hi Jon, Tear it up :0

Hey Dave,

I grew up skiing Telluride until I moved away a few years ago for school and I am absolutley blown away by the pace at which Telluride is improving these days. I love it!

As you well know, Telluride's terrain really is unmatched (seriously). However, the one thing I loved most was how affordable the passes were for kids. It was the 100 dollar season pass in high school that got my friends and I up at 5am for the drive from Durango and fresh tracks up in prospect. I still consider myself truly lucky to have been able to ski a world class ski resort at that kind of price!  

In a place swarmed by trust fund babies and oil executives, it is easy to forget about the kids who actually have to buy their own ski pass.

Dave, I don't pretend to know the first thing about running a company like Telski, but I trust that you're doing evrything you can to keep it affordable for the locals.

Keep up the great work you're doing and I'm looking forward to getting down there in January. I can't wait to ski Gold Hill #1!

Dave's reply: Hi Peter, Thanks for your thoughts. Have a great season and keep up the good grades!

dave, you've put telluride on the international map in the course of a year. very impressive I must say. unmatched in north america is a very legit statement. congrats.

Dave's reply: Hi Sven, Thanks for your kind remarks. We're just getting warmed up ;-)

We've been following your blog since last year. WOW is right!!!

The pace of progress is really amazing to see. At this rate, Telluride has developed some serious rock-star qualities.

Keep up the good work. We'll see you several times (hopefully) this winter!!!!!!!!!!

Dave's reply: Hi Julie and Rick, Thank you for your kind comments. We're having a great time and I have the feeling that more good things are in our future. Telluride just happens to have the qualities that make a world class alpine resort possible. Our job is to pull it together to realize our potential. It's a lot of fun and we really appreciate your support!

Very interesting strategy.

Really now, why don't other CEOs understand what it takes to create a really great ski resort?

Maybe after Aspen, Vail, and Deer Valley get their as* kicked by Telluride they may begin to think about what it takes.

You're setting the bar pretty high Mr. Riley. Know that the competitors are watching..

Dave's reply: Hi Al, We're pretty simple folks who are seeking to innovate as best we can. Of course there are competitors - - but our focus is on creating an experience that is truly unmatched in North America. We won't slow or stop. It's in our DNA :)

Great news dave. Just wondering if Gold Hill 3 will be in the cards. Big open line with no cliff in the middle(Gold hill 2 takes a good amount of heavy snow to fill in). Im pretty sure Telluride did guided tours on it back in the day(before my time).  Anyways GH1 will be a great addition to the mountain.  Now all we need is snow.

Mike

Dave's reply: Hi Mike, Nice to hear from you again. As you can gather, I'm in favor of maximizing the experience and opening new terrain. We've been expanding in a very thoughtful way.

Dave, Thanks for all the updates and hard work you and your team do to make Telluride my premier ski destination in CO. I just booked a trip in early Feb 09 and can't wait.  This will be my 2nd time returning to Telluride. I had so much fun on a powder day - hike to ski at Black Iron Bowl that I couldn't wait to come back. Maybe we can hang out at Trax and share a pitcher.

Brett

Santa Monica CA

Dave's reply: Hi Brett, Thanks for choosing Telluride again. I think you'll like what you see this year with all the new terrain. Hey, we've also got a new restaurant in Mountain Village called the Hop Garden. Ten unique beers on tap and a big beer garden outside (100+ seats) with a giant umbrella that's being shipped from Germany right now. I suspect I'll see you there! Are you aware of the expanded air service out of LA this season? Hopefully that will be more convenient.

Dave,

Congrats on another great move!  We skied Telluride last year and have booked our trip for this March.  We can't wait!  This will my fourth trip and my fiance's second.

I wanted to give some kudos to a couple of folks on your staff.  My fiance learned to ski last year at Telluride and now that we are coming back this year, she wanted to start the process of scheduling lessons.  She sent an e-mail to Kelly Merck asking about the process and what to do if she wanted to request a specific instructor and Kelly passed it on to Carson Taylor.  Within a couple of hours, Carson responded back with all the information she needed and what next steps to take once the season opens.

I have always seen you talk about in the blog about what great people you work with, and this definitely proves it.  You have a class outfit all the way through, Dave.

Thanks!

(I will miss the Skier's Union, but I am looking forward to the Hop Garden. (shouldn't it be the Hop Garten?))

Dave's reply: Hi Greg, First - thank you so much for choosing Telluride for your winter vacation. We're all very excited about the upcoming season!

Also, I really appreciate you mentioning Kelly and Carson's guest service. It's always nice for the staff to hear directly from our guests when they do a great job!

We did talk about Hop Garten vs. Hop Garden and went with the somewhat Americanized version :)

See you in March!

I was wondering if the snowmaking operations are under way for most of the mountain. We have been coming for Thanksgiving for some years and last year it snowed over a foot but the mountain was closed due to high temperatures do you know if the mountain will open for Thanksgiving if the temperature continues to stay the way it has been for the past two weeks and only a few inches of natural snow falls then will Telluride open for Thanksgiving.

Dave's reply: Hi Ryan, We're all set up for snowmaking but we have been sitting under a high pressure center which has kept nighttime tempuratures up. A cold front is forecast to come in late this weekend and well into next week, with snow in the forecast also. We'll keep our fingers crossed. We've put quite a bit of money into expanding our snowmaking system over the last few years. This allows us to be more productive over a shorter period of time - but we need the tempuratures to cooperate. I'm feeling optimistic for a Thanksgiving opening still!

Hi, Dave! Thanks for the updates, and major kudos to all of you at Telluride for the awesome off-piste additions.

My question is: I am currently booked to come to Telluride for the first time Dec. 13-21st. Historically speaking, what can I expect for mid-December conditions in Telluride? Do you think much of the glades or bowls will be open yet?

Dave's reply: Hi Gabe, Thanks for choosing Telluride for your vacation. We appreciate it.

During that timeframe, if I had to guess, I'd say that the tree skiing would be a sketchy but we could have some good bowl skiing open. We'll get things up and running as quickly as Mother Nature allows! It's been unusually warm and dry for the last few weeks but a nice looking cold front is coming in starting Sunday night into next week. That looks like a good change. I'm a believer that a dry fall makes for a good winter - averages have to average somehow :) I always get a little worried when it's raining a lot in the fall. It has been very dry this fall - which is what I like to see.

All the new terrain looks great, I'm really excited to ride it this year! But I am wondering if maybe next year you could change the season pass sale back to the spring? It's just that it used to be you could get a significant discount if you knew way back in June that you'd buy a season pass. But by extending it to Oct. 31, it doesn't really benefit locals, it really just changes the price of a season pass to the same for everyone. I mean, I can't imagine there's very many people who, as of yesterday, still weren't sure if they'd be buying a season pass. Or maybe you could have three price levels, one that is around $900 but only available until May or June, and then the $1200 (or whatever it is next year) until Oct. 31, and then the full price? It would really help out locals...

Dave's reply: Hi Snowball, Thanks for your question.

Our season pass prices were held around the same price for several years in a row. We adjusted them this year and in return gave people much more time to save up for one. Our focus is on offering an exceptional value to our skiers and snowboarders through the experiences we create. We're not a "high volume / low price" resort like some others in the Rocky Mountains. We focus on creating an unmatched alpine experience.

Have a great ski season an enjoy the new lift and terrain!

That terrain looks like where the two boneheads with the helmetcam achieved youtube fame last year.

Thanks for the goatpath Dave, this is a savvy and cost effective way to maximize the benefits from the new chair.  Your leadership and vision is far better than any I've seen in ski resorts.  Telluride is now at the top as a skier's ski area.

I hope there are enough expert skiers to keep the revenues up, the bottom line is where businessmen mark success.

Dave's reply: Hi Buttinski, Yep - this is the same place. The Howitzers will keep it safer than when they went in last year.

Below is a picture of the new goat trail I took yesterday. A crew of patrollers and snowmakers blasted, picked and shoveled their way through the cliff band - kind of like the old silver mining days:

As a guy who came up through the CFO channel, I'm pretty familiar with the need for economic results and feel confident what we're doing will support the companies top and bottom line. Also, all this is helping the entire community from hotels, restaurants, retailers, as well as my friends in the real estate offices.

Telluride has a very nice mix of terrain from the massive beginner runs on Sunshine Express (Chair 10), Ute Park Express (Chair 11) and the Chondola, to the wonderful intermediate terrain on Village Express (Chair 4), Polar Queen Express (Chair 5), and Prospect Express (Chair 12).

The new advanced and expert terrain we're opening clearly is some of the best (highests, longest, snow, pitch, views) in North America. There are a lot of people who are seeking the "best of the best" and our recent additions appeal to that segment. I've studied the demographic trends of the boomers, how often they ski, etc. Some of the old models are changing. You mentioned Telluride is now at the top as a skier's ski area. There are a lot of boomers who are seeking adventure and high-quality mountain resort experiences. Many can handle terrain like Revelation, Black Iron Bowl, the Gold Hill Chutes, and the legendary long runs like the Plunge, Mammoth, and Spiral Staircase - especially given the improvements which have emerged with ski equipment. High-end winch cats help also :)

I'm pleased that Telluride has the ability to offer such world-class terrain. Most ski areas don't even have it to offer.

Have a great ski season - and enjoy all that Telluride has to offer!

Speaking of Howitzers...

Wish I had made better use of my military time and learned a useful (like artillery) trade.

Spent most of the time operating a mop.

Dave's reply: Hey, All military contributions and efforts are valuable - thank you for your service to our country.

Hi Dave,

Yep, us old models are changing :-)  Most of my friends are late 50's and early 60's and we spend all day on the bump runs on 9 and Gold Hill.  The new terrain gives us the opportunity to expand our horizons.  I think that it is false to assume that "older" skiers just ski groomers. Not in my group!  And I see lots of boomer visitors who want the challenging terrain too.

By the way, could you get someone to fix the webcams?  The cams on Lift 9, Lift 12, and Allred's haven't worked for a while.  I want to watch the bigstorm coming in on Wednesday!

Thanks,

Gary

Dave's reply: Hi Gary, I know you're going to leave your tracks on the new terrain!

Below is the response from Benjamin Whiting, IT Manager:

I have engineered a solution to get more reliable data to the top of both Giuseppe’s and High Camp (which is where the 2 main cams most people are interested are located), which we expect to deliver a much higher availability in data to both the POS systems and the web cams.  Last season neither the POS nor web cams were inside our network, but they (both the POS and web cams) soon will be for 2008-2009. 

Hi Dave,

As the snow starts to fall I am wondering how its bonding to its base on the North faces....

In your last blog you mentioned that "We're very interested in using the web as well as other forums to bring the awareness level and "savvy" up."

Do you have any update for those of us curious to see those savvy tools?

Thanks, and keep the "bender" going......

Dave's reply: Hi Chris, There really wasn't much snow left on the landscape before this latest big snow came in. But there are some north facing slopes with rotten sugar which will not bond well. As you know, the science of forecasting avalanches calls for continual study and observation though.

We're discussing how we're going to use our website with some folks in the community and among the staff. More on that to come. We're not going to get into the role of advising people on backcountry conditions (the ski area boundary is the extent of our management area) but we can post 3rd party avalanche forecasts, educational information, etc.

Kudos Dave

The snow is flying again and the helicopters are almost done. I know this was your vision and your drive that made this happen. To have done so at all is an impressive feat and to have done so in such an efficient manner is highly commendable. I look forward to skiing this new exciting terrain that was always so temptingly visible and tantalizingly out of bounds.

Good job Dave

Dave's reply: Thanks so much Michael - But, I'm only as good as the team that surrounds me. They deserve all the credit. Enjoy!

Dave, You're way too humble. We all know that these improvements are your doing. Why else would all this progress start happening right after you arrived in the summer of 2007? It's obvious to everyone that you're an aggressive, bright, and professional ski area operator.

This is a new day at Telski; the community is much more in favor of Telski than just a few years ago. In the not-to-distant past, Telski was all talk and no do. That has changed under your leadership. I believe the community is going to rally around Telski much better now.

We all know the new "hot bed" crusade Telski has been on is legit. What you're doing is going to make it easier for the community to support that goal.

Keep up the good work.

Dave's reply: Hi Chris, I truly believe that the ski company and the community simply need to find alignment on the things that are most important. We're committed to contributing to a sustainable community. In these trying economic times, I believe it is becoming even more important to come together with a common vision for our community. We can't do it alone. As Jerry McGuire said, "help me help you" :)

Thank you for your kind comments. We're trying.

Hey Mr. Dave Riley,

Thanks for rocketing Telluride to the top. I've skied Telluride each year about 10 days. Its alway been a great area but the recent changes are REALLY impressive. The ski resort has always had the potential **** now realized!

Great to hear about the big snowstorm this week!

Dave's reply: Hi Suzy Too, Thanks for your support. We'll see you again this year!

Post some pictures of that 2 foot dump!

Dave's reply: Hi Fred, I'm over in Denver for the Ski Expo right now as well as a Colorado Ski Country USA meeting. When I get back I'll go get some new pictures and post a new blog. Thanks for your interest in Telluride!

Are there plans to build a restaurant at the Bear Creek overlook in the future?

Dave's reply: Hi Mike, Not at this time. Our master plan allows us to build a new restaurant at the top of 5, top of 10, and top of 9 though. The new observation deck at the bottom of Revelation is a really nice place though. I'm guessing people are going to want to use if for weddings. 

I was in telluride 2 seasons ago and without a doubt it was the most wonderful skiing trip of my life.  I worked 2 jobs all summer and fall to take another Colorado ski vacation, now with this expanson I will shorten my Aspen trip and head back to Telluride.  Too good to be true.  It sounds like you just added the Highland Bowl from Aspen Highlands.  Yes being from Reno I do love Squaw and Mammoth but with the scenery and great food of Telluride I am going to stay put there for a few days - sorry Silverton Mountain.

Dave's reply: Ah, so many great ski resorts and so little time in life... :)  Glad we made the grade! Thank you for your support. See you soon. 

Dave

There is so much wonderful talk about the new expansion and how you are attracting new skiers through these new developments. I totally support your direction and agree that this is what skiers of today are really looking for. I applaud all of the hard work you and your staff have done to make all of these improvments.

I think it is important that we not lose sight of the importance of giving world class guest service throughout our community. It is great that we are attracting new people but we need to continue to give great guest service so they want to come back in the future. Great guest service is the base of what we all do. This is an area we all will need to focus on as we come into the season. This is not to say that we do not already give great guest service but it is easy to get complacent with all of the great new things going on.

I saw the new video on the website of Revelation Bowl it looks absolutely spectacular. I can't wait to ski it and look forward to another great season.

Dave's reply: Hi Scott, You are absolutely correct. Thanks for keeping great guest service on the front burner!

Last season Telluride Ski Resort won the prestigious Guest Service Award from the National Ski Areas Association. We've got to keep that momentum moving forward and everyone from the ski area staff, to the restaurants,  to the retailers, and those who provide transportation and lodging need to make great guest service a way of life in all of Telluride! Your staff at the Telluride Sports stores do a great job. Obviously, it is something your talking about regularly with your staff.

I saw your executive team over at the Denver Ski Expo last night and this afternoon, the show was very busy and all was positive - in spite of all the recessionary talk we are bombarded with through the media every day. It seems people still understand the importance of getting out and skiing as much as possible. Telski's booth was very busy and there is a lot of excitment about the new Revelation lift and all our new terrain.

See you soon. 

Hi Dave-

Speaking of guest Services. I noticed last year The Mountain Village did not have the guest services shuttle from the Blue Mesa transportation stop to the various Village core properties. This is one of the first impressions of many guests of the Town and Ski Area and having the friendly and helpful GS folks and the shuttle cart there is a huge guest relations opportunity.

I believe this was a joint TMVOA and TSG operation before. Will this service (or something like it) be back for 2009. It was missed last year.

Thanks.

Dave's reply: Hi Craig, TMVOA has contracted with Telluride Tourism Board to operate the guest services. I'll pass your suggestion along to the TMVOA staff. I agree it would be a good thing to offer again.

Dave -

First I want also chime in with my thanks and congrats on the great job you are doing.  I just read the article on lower bear creek in the planet.  I think you are clearly on the right path.  What a golden opportunity.  For those who oppose this, they only need to be reminded that there is virtually unlimited amazing backcountry skiing surrounding tride.

Dave's reply: Thanks for the input on BC edasner.

I forgot to ask one more thing - It was reported that the workers on the capella project walked off because of financing (lehman bankruptcy) issues.  Are they back to work?

thanks.

Dave's reply: Yes, they are back in full force. There was about a 1 week delay but it appears to be back on track now.

can we get pictures of the mountain after the two storms please

Dave's reply: Hi Ryan, I went out on Sunday and took some pictures for a new blog but had some strange technical difficulties with my blog software. The pictures were not uploading correctly. I'm trying to resolve it. We'll get a new post up soon though. Thanks for your interest :)

Dave

Can you please link us up with the Planet article on lower Bear Creek?

Do you have an eye on the extended 14 day forecast for the western US--WARM & DRY--not good for Thanksgiving openings!

Dave's reply: Hi sds, here is a link to the news story

http://www.telluridenews.com/news/x1772940524/A-lift-in-Bear-Creek-Telski-says-maybe

I'm pretty confident we'll open on Thanksgiving given the snow we've received and the snowmaking work. At this elevation, we get cold nights for snowmaking, especially when there is no cloud cover.

Hi

Nice Storm.  Someone above mentioned photos of storm. Came across this video,not sure if its official Telluride but think it says it all !!

www.youtube.com/watch

Dave's reply: Hi Stanton. For some reason I can't find the video... I'll get some pictures in the next few days and post a new blog. Thanks for staying connected.

Looks Great! I can't wait to try out the 'new' terrain. It's amazing that we can now get lift access to areas that we used to have to hike to :)

Dave's reply: Hi John, The Telluride Ski and Golf staff have worked very hard over the summer and fall to execute several very exciting projects. We hope you enjoy the fruits of that labor :)

Hi Dave,

Thanks for keeping everyone abreast of changes at the area.  Speaking of changes, I noticed that Palmyra in the Lift 5 area is now called "Henry's" on the new trail map.  I understand the reason for the change, but who is Henry?  I haven't heard that name in my 25 years skiing Telluride, but I could have missed someone who was there before me.

Thanks,

Gary

Dave's reply: Hi Gary, Henry is friend of TSG. I don't think he's aware of the run at this time. Let's not spoil the surprise:)

Just saw the article about the possible expansion into upper Bear Creek, and I agree that it would be great to leave it as it was, although that is no longer possible with the addition of the Revelation chair.  I guess it only seems logical to properly manage the area as there will no doubt be more people than ever wanting to ski the extremely dangeous terrain of upper gold hill( east side).  A chair up to Rev seems like a good idea to keep most skiiers out of the BC preserve, as many people hike the trail in the winter.   Just wondering how far the area proposes to manage?  Out to D&D, Safe and Sound, all the way to the backside of Palmyra?  Also will Telski have to close this terrain for a number of days/years to do avalance mitigagion studies?  If expansion involves closing this terrain for a number of years (like Prospect Basin) I'm not sure how well that will sit with the community.

Dave's reply: Hi Erik. Thanks for your questions.

At this time, the ski company has not proposed to expand the ski area boundary, or "manage" the Bear Creek area. What we have proposed to do is a Snow Safety Study for the coming season though. This includes mapping, forecasting, and testing various AC techniques and recording results.

It's important to realize that the Snow Safety Study is not the same as hazard reduction or "managing avalanches". The study work is not intended to "control" avalanche hazards in Bear Creek at all.

We're still working with the Forest Service and a group of local folks on the details of the Snow Safety Study Operating Plan. Once that is complete we'll be communicating the plan, assuming the Forest Service approves it.

One of the things that the local user group expressed was that they were concerned about extended closures in Bear Creek in the course of the Snow Safety Study work. The patrol came up with a concept that the closure would not extend past 10:00 am unless there was some unusual circumstance. The "10:00 am Rule" would be easy to communicate broadly.

Here's the YouTube video referenced above: <" target=_new rel=nofollow mce_href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YvLyjPWKFI>">www.youtube.com/watch

Dave,

Here is  a better link to the video I think Stanton was trying to point to:

www.youtube.com/watch

It does look pretty cool if that is really last week.

Re: Bear Creek lift.

When I first heard of the possibility of another lift in Bear Creek I thought it was a great idea. Then when I heard more about it I was concerned. I expect this to be a contentious issue. I think you should flag the proposed lift line this summer and put a couple comment books there for hikers to weigh in on (ala Valley Floor). At least you'll get input from the people who actually use the area in the summer. I'd hate to see anything near Lena Basin.

Dave's reply: Hi Mike, the ski company has only proposed a Snow Safety Study at this time. Thanks for your input.

If this article does not make you proud of what ski resort you oversee I don't know what will: www.sierradescents.com/.../palmyra-peak.html

Dave's reply: Hi Samuel, Thanks for sharing the article. I had not seen it.

Hello Dave,

Justin (TSSC) and I have spoken with you a couple times about the status/plans for getting Comp Hill back as a true race/training hill.  Any chance of getting the Poma up and going for a portion of each day (ie.  Wed-Sundays 1-4 would accommodate our racers and the public (Nastar) very well).  Thank you.

Jeff

Dave's reply: Hi Jeff. Justin and John have agreed upon the following schedule for Lift 2: Saturday and Sunday 9:30 am to 3:00 pm beginning 12/27, Wednesday 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm beginning 1/21. Plus a few other random days for TSSC training. Justin should have the schedule. Thank you.

What's up with donation day this year Dave?

Dave's reply: Hi Joe, Like I said earlier, I've not received any proposal from TSSC. We changed the terms of it last season but due to a delay in opening by a few days it didn't happen. I would not object to doing it under the same terms that we agreed to last year.