Monday, August 18, 2014

Breaking News: Big Sky, Grand Targhee, and Lutsen programs finalized for 2014/15

We are pleased to announce that we have finalized our Member Benefit Programs with our partner resorts:  Big Sky, Montana - Grand Targhee Resort, WY - Lutsen Mountains, MN.  We are proud to offer our members benefits at these resorts and we thank our resort partners for offering exclusive opportunities like this for our season pass holders.

To view the full Big Sky Exclusive Package offers Click Here.  The benefits at Targhee and Lutsen will be virtually the same as recent years.

In a couple of weeks, we will release a new fall lineup of season pass options which will enable you to take advantage of all Member Benefits including exclusive offers at our partner resorts, exclusive discounts on lift tickets and rental for your guests, and more.  Watch for our new "Flex Passes" which will provide a series of flexible membership options to fit your life style and schedule.

Stay tuned for more information on our new fall passes as well as fall events, D-Team Picnic, Ski Swap, and more! 





Friday, August 15, 2014

Impressive

Here are some pictures taken today from the construction site of our new state-of-the-art Maintenance Shop.  This building looks more and more impressive my the day.  For the first time, you will see the 5 ton jib crane.  The block walls are complete for the most part.  We are hoping to start the framing process next week. Still anticipating completion this fall.  Winter is getting closer, we can feel it.






Friday, August 8, 2014

MSAA Conference & Trade Show

I was in Boyne, Michigan this past week... part of a group of five Welch Village management members attending the Midwest Ski Areas Association conference and trade show.  This is an annual event where ski area staff from across the Midwest come together to learn, network, socialize, and prepare for yet another winter season that is just around the corner.  The Boyne Michigan area is truly special this time of the year and the staff at the resort did an excellent job hosting this event.  This year's conference offered a variety of interesting and educational sessions on all topics relating to ski area operations.  Personally, I learn the most at these events from talking with ski area operators from across the Midwest region and learning how they run the businesses, what their seasons were like, what's new for them at their areas etc.  This year, I learned the most from the operators of Perfect North Slopes in Indiana, Cascade Mountain in Wisconsin, and Crystal Mountain in Michigan.  Specifically, I was impressed at how these ski resorts train and manage their staff in customer service across all the departments. I feel we do a pretty good job at this at Welch Village but there are always opportunities for growth.  The event also provides a chance to learn about the latest in equipment & technology from industry suppliers.  Below is a collection of photos taken during the week.  

We at the Village like to say that this event marks the unofficial start to the winter season for us.  We hope you are enjoying the last few weeks of summer.  We are busy getting ready for our 50th season and are looking forward to serving you for 50 more.

Tim Parker(Rossignol) with a passionate sales pitch to Joe Yasis (Afton Alps)
 Our preferred snow cat, Piston Bully
 The latest portable snowmaking units from SMI and Techno Alpin
 The latest snowcat from Prinoth
 Keynote Address from President of National Ski Areas Association, Michael Berry
 Rob Walz from Cascade Mt. in a session about staff management & guest service
 The Welch Team: (Left to Right) Leigh Nelson, Nate Lindholm, Stephanie Prink, Chris Walch, and yours truly
 Steph and Nate just before their Zip Line Adventure
 Sunset over Deer Lake during the final evening of the conference
 Enjoying the sunset with Grandpa Leigh