Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Our impressive partner resorts

I was fortunate enough to ski two of our three ski resort partners this past week, Big Sky & Lutsen.  I am hoping to finally make it out to Grand Targhee in the next year or so.  (I have heard nothing but exceptional things about Targhee!) 

On this the final day of the Spring Season Pass Sale, I would like to share with you my experience with our resort partners this past week.  We are proud to offer season pass benefits at our partner resorts and we hope that you are able to not only experience many days at Welch Village next season, but we are also hopeful that you can experience a ski trip to one or more of these world-class resorts as well.

My wife and I organized a group trip to Big Sky, Montana and we were joined by a combination of Welch Village dept. managers, D-Team coaches, D-Team racers, season pass holders, and friends. I have skied many of the resorts in Colorado including Vail/Beaver Creek, Keystone, Breck, Winter Park and A-Basin.  I have to tell you...in my opinion, Big Sky & more specifically, Montana in general, has those resorts beat on many if not all levels.  The shear size of the mountain and the massive collection of varied terrain is unmatched.  They had a somewhat lean snow year but we were lucky enough to get dumped with 20+ inches of snow when we were there.  Besides the ski resort itself, I truly loved the Montana western skiing experience. There are no lift lines and there is so much terrain at Big Sky that you feel like you have the place to yourself even on a "crowded" powder day. Big Sky appeals to all ages and all demographics of skiers & riders.  Don't get me wrong, Colorado has some great skiing...but in this skier's opinion...Montana just went to the top of the list. We are going back....soon.

I got off the plane from Montana and drove up to Lutsen the very next day with Grandpa Leigh.  I haven't been to Lutsen since high school and I was impressed with how the ownership has continued to invest and improve the terrain and facilities.  We value our partnership with Lutsen and the value they provide to our season pass holders because it provides an exceptional experience for such a broad audience & demographic.  If you are an avid skier or rider, Lutsen provides great snow, great terrain, and great night life entertainment.  Where Lutsen shines is in providing a great first ski trip opportunity for families who perhaps are not ready for a western ski trip.  Or, better yet, Lutsen is a great ski destination for skiers who have just a few days or a long weekend to get away.

While in Big Sky, I began discussions with their sales & marketing team on the exclusive benefits they plan to offer our season pass holders in 2015/16.  We are hoping to announce those benefits late summer or early fall.  We are also in the process of discussing enhancements to the Lutsen benefits.  We have enjoyed the Grand Targhee partnership for several years now and we anticipate the continuation of similar benefits for next season as well.

Welch Village ownership and management would like to thank all of you who time to visit Welch Village this past season.  Thank you to all of you who purchased a season pass at our ski area for the 2015/16 season.  We are already busy planning improvements for next season and are looking forward to serving you for many more winters ahead.

The entire Welch Village Group at Big Sky, Montana
 Sunrise reflection on Lone Peak
Getting ready to board the Lone Peak Tram
Troy Carpenter, our ski school manager, enjoying the tree powder
 Adam and Bubba, Welch D-Team coaches

 Bubba slaying the powder on Pomp

My wife Jamie, resting her burning legs while enjoying the view
 The view of Lone Peak from the top of the Southern Comfort lift
 Grandpa Leigh (on this 86th ski day this season!) skiing Moose Mt. at Lutsen
 The riding the new 6-pack High Speed Quad lift on Moose Mt. at Lutsen
View of Lake Superior and the chalet atop Moose Mt. at Lutsen