Nov 20 2008
Sugarbush introduces a snowcat
It is good to be an innovator, or at least someone who introduces or implements an idea new to a particular place. In terms of skiing business we witnessed Okemo Mountain resort installing loading and, most importantly, unloading carpet to make those lift rides a bit faster and safer for skiers and riders. It is pretty cool and I think should eventually become a standard lift operation at the most trafficked areas so kudos to Okemo’s management.
At the same time, Sugarbush, also decided to chip in and introduced the first in the North East snowcat! Here is an official press release:
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Cat skiing? In the East?? Yup. Well at least if you’re at Sugarbush. We bought a 12-passenger Pisten Bully cat cab that will be used to transport guests up to Allyn’s Lodge for specialty dinners and full-moon skiing and snowshoeing. But the real fun will come on powder days when the first 12 people to show up at Guest Services by 6:45 a.m. will get to own the mountain until the lifts spin. It will also make Sugarbush the only resort in the East to have cat skiing, and when Mt. Ellen’s closes the last Sunday of March, our highest peak will become the domain of the cat.
snowcat is ready for action
I also found it interesting that Sugarbush offers some really exciting guided backcountry tours expert coaching on off-piste skiing and riding, plus winter survival skills, wildlife viewing and a summary of the natural history of Slide Brook. And if you want a full-blown north eastern backcountry experience you might consider “Backcountry’s Doorstep” option offered by Sugarbush. It will cost you hefty $370 per person and that is without lift tickets although if you book this option lift tickets will come with a discount, but where else in the East you can get the following:
Backcountry’s Doorstep is our new, fully customizable adventure overnight package for groups of 4 to 40. It’s like “Choose Your Own Adventure” for skiers, riders, and telemarkers. The basic trip includes two days of skiing or riding at Sugarbush, including unlimited access to our famous backcountry terrain like Bear Claw, the Church, and Slidebrook, with the evening spent at our rustic Alynn’s Lodge. From there, we work with you to make your adventure the trip of a lifetime.
Want to ski from the summit under the full moon? Sleep in a snow cave? Maybe just build one? Want your final night to be fully pampered at the Sugarbush Inn? Want to cook your own meals outside, or have lobster delivered by Snowcat? Whatever the ideal adventure for your family, corporate group, retreat, outing club, bachelor party, or favorite friends is, we can make it happen under the guidance of John Egan’s Adventure Learning Center instructors. For more information on this program, or to start designing your version of the Ultimate Sugarbush Adventure, please call the ALC at 802-583-6542.
Includes two days of skiing and riding, one night’s lodging at Alynn’s Lodge, lunch both days, dinner at Alynn’s, breakfast, and unlimited access to backcountry terrain. Also includes your choice of three out of four activities:
* Skin up to the Summit and ski down in the moonlight
* Build a Snow cave – sleep in it if you’re brave enough
* Guided Snowshoe Hike – day or night, it’s up to you
* Terrain Assessment – learn safety techniques for all different terrain environment and situations
After all, you will probably do it once and judging by the description the whole thing should have some long lasting memories.On a side note, I also want to mention that Sugarbush offers graduate student passes for $419. And it is really cool because most resorts only offer discounts to full time students. But come on, a recent graduate does not always make six figure salary right out of the school. Thus a grace period would be nice and thus I am more than excited to order a graduate student pass from Sugarbush. Let;s the season kick off!
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