A new high-speed detachable quad will replace the existing Skye Peak Quad operating out of Bear Mountain base. This new lift will cut the riding time from 13 minutes to just under 5 minutes. Additional on-mountain trail improvements and further investments in the snowmaking infrastructure will also be made.
SP Land has announced that the development of the “Village” is on hold. The Town of Killington wants SP Land to present a new PUD (planned unit development) reflecting proposed changes to the Village project. SP Land requested an extension of the current PUD which the Town had previously approved in 2000 and 2004. ( The current PUD expires in September 2008). The Town feels that SP Land’s changes are significant enough to warrant a new PUD for approval and, while not opposed to the Village, wants these changes articulated in the new PUD. Had the Town simply agreed to the extension, SP Land would have gone forward with the State permit process (Act 250). While there are other issues between them, the conflict described above represents the most challenging sticking point between the Town of Killington and SP Land.
All I’ve heard since Killington ski resort opened this year on November 16th is how good the skiing has been. I finally let some friends talk me into getting out onto the mountain today. Boy, is it good! It would not be an exaggeration to say that the conditions were as good as they are in the middle of the winter.
So, three cheers for the new mountain management. I have been outspoken, to anyone who would listen, that we need to give the new team a chance. It took American Skiing Company years to run the operation down as far as it went. It’s going to take time and some tough business decisions to get it back to where it should, can, and will be. The new team has my support. A strong mountain operation can only help all of the other businesses in town, along with raising Killington real estate values.
So tell all your friends to try Killington again. I think you will all be pleased with what you find.
On Monday night, October 15, 2007 a group of two dozen or more town residents attended a meeting of the town of Killington Selectboard to voice their concerns about some of Powdr Corp’s new Killington mountain operations decisions. The decision that raised most concerns at this meeting related to Killington’s “announcement” to not run the lower Skyship gondola Monday through Thursday on non-holiday weeks. A flurry of e-mails after the announcement appears to have caused the mountain to rethink their decision and only close the lower gondola on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, mirroring the operating plan for Pico for the upcoming season.
Property owners most directly affected by the decision are those who own ski in/ski out homes and condos on the ski trails serviced by the lower gondola, primarily “Great Eastern” and “Home Stretch.” Their ability to rent those properties for mid-week periods is negatively affected and one could assume the value of those properties could be diminished. Although residents were slightly appeased by changing the closures to just Tuesday and Wednesday, concerns remain.
Unfortunately, the Board of Selectman and the town may have little influence over business operations decisions made by a private corporation. I think we all appreciate that Powdr Corporation is in business to make money and we support that objective. My hope is that, in making those operations decisions, Powdr realizes the economic affect they have on the entire town.
For further reporting on the meeting and discussion, see Bruce Edwards article in the October 17, 2007 Rutland Herald.
Real estate activity in Killington is picking up and Prestige Real Estate of Killington is leading the way. We recently sold a Topridge (ski in/ski out) for $819,000; 2 Sunrise units (also ski in/ski out) for $292,500, and $305,000 and 1 Mountain Green unit for $96,000. Currently there are 11 condominiums under contract and Prestige Real Estate is involved in 8 of these transactions. We are extremely proud to be leading the way in Killington sales.
Prestige Real Estate focuses only on Killington properties. We do not rent short term or long term. We are the Killington real estate experts and our record clearly demonstrates our success.
The price for the unlimited season pass will be going up from $999 to $1149 on August 1st. The pass with 18 blackout dates will be going up from $799 to $849. The midweek pass with blackout dates will be going up from $299 to $449. To take advantage of lower prices and a 2-payment option, passes must be purchased by July 31, 2007. For information on all pass prices, visit the Killington website.
Why should those of us interested in Killington real estate care so much about what the Killington Resort plans for 2007 and beyond? I think an editorial in the Rutland Herald was “right on” in terms of making the connection:
“Nyberg’s [new Killington President and General Manager] comments suggest the company intends to invest in the deferred maintenance and basic upkeep of the ski areas before making big capital improvements. Killington and Pico face strong competition, and shabby facilities will prevent them from returning to the top rank of eastern ski areas.
A prosperous ski area is good for the region. It spills over into the restaurant, lodging, and real estate businesses, as well as the retail and cultural businesses of the entire region. If Powdr is able to achieve its ambitions, the benefits are likely to be far-reaching.”
I fully agree that the tone of the resort sets the tone for all commerce in the town. If the mountain is successful, I see success for all neighboring businesses and property owners. For those who want to rent their properties, there should be more visitors to the area, needing a place to stay. For those who want to sell their property, a better image of the mountain and its prospects should translate into rising property values and more buyer interest.
Killington plans to invest $3 million in the resort this year and much will go toward polishing existing infrastructure and snowmaking improvements. New season pass rates are out that support a strategy to improve the customer experience and make money. Powdr says they will invest profits from Killington in Killington.
I like what they say. I think the future is bright. We just have to have some patience. Bottom line is that I think it’s a great time to buy Killington Real Estate.
It seems like we’ve been waiting an eternity. After all, in past years, season pass rates were announced in May for the following ski season. But this year, the mountain was sold in May, May 12th to be exact, and we’ve been waiting for announcements ever since, announcements about anything new!
I think people have been particularly anxious about what it will cost to ski or ride next season. The one good thing that ASC did in the past few years was to entice people to come with VERY attractive season pass rates, as low as $369 for an All-for-one Bronze pass. But was that really good? Based on what we’ve heard from Powdr so far, those rates just encouraged the masses to drive up and crowd the mountain on weekends, degrigating the quality of the experience to be had. Based on that perspective, one would expect that rates would go up, particularly rates to ski or ride on weekends.
So, this should come as no surprise. Season pass rates have gone up, but, how much?? Based on information, found today on Killington’s website
Midweek (M-F) Killington & Pico pass, any age (14 blackout dates): $299
Killington & Pico “Blackout Pass” any age (18 blackout dates): $599
Killington & Pico unlimited pass
According to the website, these prices are valid until July 31, 2007. There will be new prices announced after that, presumably higher. For more information and details about the offer, visit Killington’s website.
Personally, I am not surprised about the prices as they seem to support the strategy that has been quoted in other earlier pieces:
Please post your comments on what you think about the new rates. We’d love to hear what you have to say.
Skier visits are down but profits are up!
According to Joanne Kelley of the Rocky Mountain News, Vail Resorts reported profits of $78.5 million for their fiscal third quarter, a 15% increase over the same period last year. While overall skier visits at all Vail Resorts combined was down 1.1%, the resorts attracted more out of town visitors. Rob Katz, Vail Resorts CEO, attributes the increase in profitability to more “destination” skiers who spend more because they need lodging and meals and tend to take ski lessons and spend more in retail outlets.
Sounds like the strategy for Killington
From what we’ve heard from the new owners of Killington, they seem to be focused on improving the overall guest experience. This may mean a reduction of the number of skier visits because of higher prices, discouraging weekenders and day-trippers from making the “trek.” However, I expect to see attractive ski and stay packages encouraging “destination” visitors to come and stay a while. This should enhance the rental income potential for property owners and improve the business income for retailers and restaurant owners. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.
Tankers aren’t turned on a dime
All of us in Killington and those who have an interest in Killington are anxiously awaiting some positive sign from the new owners of how the resort is going to improve. Certainly, I want to see something NOW but let’s be honest; we need to give it a chance. After all, the ownership transferred less than a month ago. A tanker cannot be turned on a dime.
First strike and you’re out??
OK, the first announcement (came from ASC, not the new management) did not enamor anyone to the new owners. (It was an issue about “lifetime passes” and their expiration within 2 years, if you missed it.) But, let’s be honest, we cannot fault the new owners for paying attention to making money. They did not agree to take on ASC liabilities when they bought the assets of the resort. If “lifetime pass” holders have a “beef”, shouldn’t it be with ASC for “selling them out?”
Profits are to be reinvested
From what I hear, when the resort makes money, the money will be reinvested back into this area and will help to continue the improvement of the resort. We have no reason to believe that this will not be the case, other than that’s an approach that we have not seen in many years. Powdr says it will invest this year what ASC invested in the last two years combined. That amounts to millions of dollars. The unfortunate part is that is a drop in the bucket of what is needed in Killington. But, we have to start somewhere. No reasonable business person can expect money to be spent without regard to payback. That will take some time.
New priorities
Powdr wants to make money. Let’s be real, if they aren’t profitable, nothing will improve. Powdr feels that the path to profitability comes from improving the quality of the guest’s experience. The objective is to get people who come to Killington to stay longer and come back. That sounds like a noble objective to me. They go on to say that low prices may bring in the masses, but that does not necessarily translate into a high quality experience for anyone. We have all been on the mountain at some time when there have been 18,000 other customers there. I expect your reaction was similar to mine, “AHHHH, get me out of here. This is a death trap.” Then again, those people lucky enough to experience Killington on a non-holiday midweek probably go home telling everyone how terrific the place is and cannot wait until their next trip back. Did those two different experiences occur at the same place?
Expect a new pricing strategy
I think the bargain season pass rates are a “thing of the past.” I do expect to see a pricing strategy that may dissuade people from busy periods (i.e., higher prices) and encourage a balance of traffic to provide a more even higher quality experience for all. This should result in visitors wanting to come back.
“Beast” versus “Best” of the East?
To some, “beast” IS “best” but to many, particularly the more profitable guests, it is not. I personally think that an objective of creating the “Best of the East” will be better for everyone.
So, when??
I think we will begin to see some solid announcements within a week. Powdr executives have been in town in meetings with key employees and these meetings have been characterized as very productive. Season pass rates should be “out” any day. Hopefully, there will be announcements of other tangible plans for this summer as well.
Let’s give them a chance!
