posted by Jim Gentling
OK, so I have been remiss in maintaining an up to date blog – now its catch up time. Let’s start with the Lower Mountain, Grizzly and Kodiak rumor control. Now that the lower mountain & Griz lift are open, the rumor that the USFS will not let us open it, should be dispelled.
SOOO what takes so long to get it open? The ski patrol as well as BVM Management and Owners will always err on the side of safety in opening the lower mountain. The opening procedures require a diligent and prudent AC (avalanche control) plan to work the lower mountain into submission. That generally takes 2 days of snow safety work. That work has to be done by the ski patrol before we can send any other depts. or staff into the area. Once the Ski Patrol gives the all clear, other depts. respond with their respective tasks. The patrol then starts putting up tower pads, stringing perimeter ropes and setting up the signage at the gates. The Lift Dept has to build ramps and a maze for Grizzly & the Grooming Dept sets up the roads. ONCE AGAIN - NO – THE GRIZZLY BOWL WILL NOT BE GROOMED!!!! We will however work on Snow Valley once we have sufficient coverage.
As you can imagine this is a very exhaustive and tedious process for all involved. Now for all of you data driven skiers the Grizz opened this year in Dec for the 1st time in the last 3 years .
As to the future of Kodiak - Yes - Kodiak is in the process of being decommissioned.
Just as important – Section 5 – Home Run/Lunch Run opened Friday Dec.26th the earliest opening in the last 3 years and our intentions are to groom Lunch Run, at a minimum, on Friday nights for Saturday morning. So take a cruiser down Lunch Run to Headwaters in the Village for lunch or just make a “bus run” or two!!
The grand opening of the new terrain park was delayed by mass quantities of snow (170% of the monthly December avg). But it did open on Saturday the 27th. SO, “what’s up with having a terrain park again” (you ask) – “we all thought you were against them, over the last few years all you did is trash talk them”. WELL, all I wanted was the proper equipment & talent to create a park with unique features, elements and in the right location…and then build one. NOW we have the Park Bully, Jon Mahanna, Mike Schimke and crew, $10,000 in new hits and West World as the trail – so here we go!!. Build it and they will come and you did!! Opening day in the park saw at least 500 users, unbelievable!!
You may notice that some of your favorite trails are not being groomed, we are trying something new – if it works BVMT just may end up with couple of bump (mogul) runs. We intend to leave Lone Pine, Tigers & Mokelume ungroomed in order to let the bumps build up. This is a work in progress, there will be some trial and error as we go – we will monitor it and see if it works or how well it works. If it does work and then bumps get ugly we may groom and start over.
Let’s talk Koala – the rumor is Koala is going to be closed Monday through Friday. The Facts: Over the last 3 seasons and with the installation of Polar, we have operated Koala as visits require and this season is no different. Polar has changed the traffic patterns and Koala use. When skier/boarder visits warrant running the lift - the lift will run, other wise it is on hold but available and if enough skier/boarders are here we will run it. Typically over the last few years there have been some days in January, a few more in February and in March where Koala did not operate but always available. The days at the highest risk of having Koala on a standby basis is Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and on an occasional Monday. You can count on it operating Friday, Saturday, Sunday and most (not all) Mondays.
As a reminder, the trails are all open and the terrain is easily accessible from the Tuck’s Run and we even groom a trail in that area. Yes it takes a little longer and slightly more effort to get there but think of it as your own private ski area when you get there, and enjoy the serenity.
Well that’s enough for now, as I need to get this to the presses for launch. Its been a great beginning of the season after a short & brief rocky start. Get out and enjoy your home away from home as there are only 89 days of skiing left!!!


