Well, with the first snow of the upcoming season already dusting the highest peaks of our mountains here in Colorado, and the recent news of Vail taking over yet another premiere ski resort (British Columbia's renowned Whistler/Blackcomb), I thought it was time to stir up a few more emotions about the state of the skiing world. Anyone who is looking for competent instruction at down-to-earth cost should recognize how difficult it is becoming to find it, largely due to the monopolistic arrangements the Forest Service has allowed resorts to enjoy. The following piece on RMPBS came out in March of this year:
With Vail's reach and influence expanding like the wildfires in California, competition gets thinner and thinner, shrinking the choices for the skiing consumer along with it. Vail's resorts tend to be consistently high-quality and well-cared-for, physically, with great lift service, luxurious lodging, and immaculate snow quality management (read "grooming"). But as the company's pervasive influence on the skiing experience of so many people grows, I think it is increasingly important to keep their business practices and corporate priorities in the public eye. Many probably don't care about this, and that is your prerogative. Many may prefer the reliable, comfortable, and well-known fare at McDonald's too. But for those who are interested, it's worth some discussion. Are they doing it right?
Best regards,
Bob
With Vail's reach and influence expanding like the wildfires in California, competition gets thinner and thinner, shrinking the choices for the skiing consumer along with it. Vail's resorts tend to be consistently high-quality and well-cared-for, physically, with great lift service, luxurious lodging, and immaculate snow quality management (read "grooming"). But as the company's pervasive influence on the skiing experience of so many people grows, I think it is increasingly important to keep their business practices and corporate priorities in the public eye. Many probably don't care about this, and that is your prerogative. Many may prefer the reliable, comfortable, and well-known fare at McDonald's too. But for those who are interested, it's worth some discussion. Are they doing it right?
Best regards,
Bob