Friday, February 24, 2017

Just south enough...

Welch Village is now the proud owner of a new foot of snow.  It snowed for most of the day and everyone here today had a blast. This was a real blessing for us.  We had a decent base on most of our runs but a foot of snow will really make a difference heading into March. Yes, we groomed a lot of the snow into the base overnight.  Why? Because it was heavy, wet, and wouldn't have been what you call "powder".  Plus, with the high winds, we wanted to keep as much snow as possible to stay open as long as possible.  We still left a lot of runs ungroomed and we plan to save some ungroomed stuff for tomorrow.  Pete's Pike, Dud's Dream, Sweeny, and portions of Chicken and the Back Bowl will not be touched by a snow cat tonight.  Join us this weekend.  Thanks to this storm, the snow conditions will be excellent everywhere.

Pics from today.  My 3 girls living the dream.  No school means going to "work" with Mom and Dad.







Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Whoops we did it again!

I can't believe I just referenced a Brittany Spears song in my blog....please forgive me.

Yes, it's not a typo.  We are selling  2017/18 season passes now for a great price.  I don't like to use this blog to sell stuff.  I started this blog a few years ago now in an attempt to give you more glimpses through my eyes and offer a fresh perspective from me the GM and our talented team here at Welch Village.  So...let's look at the decision to sell passes for these prices....

A lot of you will remember the $99 season pass sale from 6 years ago.  The reasons we had to do that 6 years ago are very similar to the reasons we made this decision again.

We want to stoke the fire.  We want to get your attention.  We want to remind you that there isn't anything better in the winter than skiing & snowboarding.  We want these season pass prices to force you to put skiing & snowboarding BACK into the conversation.  You are bombarded many times daily with ways to spend your hard-earned money and TIME.  We want skiing and snowboarding to become part of your life.  Skiing and snowboarding is life changing.

This time around, we have teamed up with two local ski shop partners: Valley Bike and Ski in Apple Valley and Tyrol Ski Shop in Rochester.  We are hoping that you will not only buy a season pass, but you will buy some new gear as well!

We have issued an FAQ document that will answer a lot of the specifics of this season pass sale.  We are only going to sell a certain amount of season passes at these prices.  Sorry, only myself and a couple other key people at Welch know this number.  Don't worry, I think you have a little time to decide.  But don't take too much time.

Again, we are not selling season passes.  We are selling Joy.  According to my grandfather Leigh, "Joy...is Deeper than Fun. "  And rumor has it, things may get a little deep around here later this week!

Yes, we still have snow. Skiing was great today.







Thursday, February 16, 2017

We are fine, trust me

By now I'm sure you have heard that 60 degrees is in the forecast for this weekend starting tomorrow. I took this picture of Lookout this morning.  Rest assured, it's going to take many 60 degrees to affect our deep snow base.  Our snow is still great and our grooming crew is the best in the Midwest.  Join us this weekend for some spring skiing.  And guess what, the forecast for next weekend looks more like winter.

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Valentine's Day Snow Report & Spring Season Pass Sale!!!

We have snow.  We have a lot of snow.  The snow we still have (which is a lot) is very fun to ski on right now. The snow we have will be around for a while yet.

A few things to keep in mind heading into President's Weekend:
  • The snow conditions are excellent.  We have a deep snow pack, the grooming crew is doing an amazing job right now, and we are 100% open. 
  • Don't miss the band, "Useful Jenkins", who will be performing this Saturday at 5pm in the Main Chalet.  The show is FREE and open to everyone.  This band was the headliner for our October Bakkelyka Brew Concert.  
  • Spring Season Pass Sale is happening very soon.  We will begin selling season passes for NEXT season early next week.  The prices will be announced soon....trust me, you will want to read your email this year 🙂
Did I mention we have a lot of snow?  Here are a few pictures from skiing today.  I took a few runs with Grandpa Leigh as well as 3 good-looking ladies I happen to know.  Happy Valentines Day and we'll see you this weekend...on the snow....because we have a lot of it. 

  














Friday, February 10, 2017

Phone Calls

We are currently receiving phone calls asking the following questions: "Are you still open?" "Do you still have snow?" "Will you have any snow left next week"? "What is the snow like there, really slushy"?

The snow conditions are incredible right now.  Today could have been the best day of the year so far in terms of snow conditions and grooming quality. Of course I made some turns with my lovely wife which always makes the experience better.  But still, the snow was perfect.

The weather people on TV are already getting wild and crazy about the warm temps this weekend and next week.  I'm so glad that certain meteorologists remind me that snow melts when the air temperature exceeds 32 degrees.  I would like to personally thank Ken Barlow and Dave Dahl on KSTP for the job they do.  They do an outstanding job of not sensationalizing the weather and always presenting the weather in a straightforward, journalistic way. Belinda Jenson on Kare11 is also one of our favorites.

It's still early February and we have plenty of great skiing and riding ahead of us at Welch this year. Join us this weekend and bring a friend!  



Saturday, February 4, 2017

Great Snow, Women's Programs

Great Saturday of skiing today. Perfect temperatures (although I think any temperature is perfect for skiing), sunshine all afternoon, and people of all ages enjoying the great February snow.  The snow is great everywhere right now. Kudos again to the grooming crew.  I took my girls over to the triple chair for a while today and we made multiple trips through the new mini-moguls on Long Way Home.  If you have kids, go check them out, they are fun for all ages. We had some cool women's only programs happening today too.  Our PMTS  All-mountain Women's Ski Camp is happening all weekend.  This camp sold out in this the first year we offered it!  And...our very popular Women's Ride & Wine took place.  If you have ever wanted to try snowboarding, and you like wine, this is the program for you.  Great start to February, join us on the slopes and bring a friend...






Future Mountain Bike Trail !!!