Belleayre Plans for the 2012-2013 Ski Season!
With summer days dwindling in number and fall at our doorstep, there are many of you out there starting to think of winter and what Belleayre has in store for you. The process of moving from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to the New York Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) is not as easy as some might think. And, as I have read and as I have heard, there are some that are nervous about what is in store for them as pass holders. I would like to put your minds
at ease.
As most of you know, ORDA operates multiple recreational and sporting facilities, two of which are Gore and Whiteface. Since 1982 we have gathered experience in dealing with the ebbs and flows of operating these unique mountains. We intend to use that experience to move Belleayre forward and to meld it into our fold. We realize that Belleayre is different in how it operates and what it offers, just as we understand the differences between Gore and Whiteface. We will use this winter to gain more knowledge and to utilize the vast experience that the Belleayre staff has to offer to help us propel it forward.
Will there be differences in how ORDA plans to operate Belleayre and how it operated in the past? Yes. Will there be similarities in programming and operations that have previously existed at Belleayre moving forward? Yes there will be. The Governor’s commission asked ORDA to take over management of Belleayre for many reasons, but the primary motivation behind the change is that we are in the business of running ski areas and there are efficiencies that can be realized through this merger. With a focus on recreation and passion for the ski industry, we are looking to bring Belleayre and the surrounding communities even more success in the future. For this to happen, we will need your support and are listening to your feedback. We are looking forward to working with Belleayre’s knowledgeable staff and coordinating with other ski areas to build recognition for all of the fabulous offerings in the Catskills region.
So here is the plan. We are excited to announce we have already started implementing some much needed upgrades to the Belleayre infrastructure. We plan on making some improvements to the lodges prior to the start of the winter season. Rubber flooring will be added to Discovery and Overlook Lodges. We are looking to create more space in the cafeteria areas. With a new scanning system we hope to offer season pass holders the ability to go directly onto the lifts for 2012 – 2013. We have purchased two new snowcats to ensure that the slopes stay in great shape. We will be adding more energy efficient snow guns to the fleet to allow for optimal coverage of the trails. We are taking a look at food service and rentals and hoping to improve overall customer experience in these areas. We are exploring future Nordic opportunities on Belleayre’s cross country trails. There will be other changes that we will take on as we gain more knowledge of the ins and outs of the mountain.
In conclusion, snowmaking will definitely take place at Belleayre this season and will take place at times when management sees clearly that there is a proper window of time with weather patterns that makes sense to do so. Belleayre Ski School programs will continue as well as the exemplary children’s programming. We are working with the marketing team to come up with new and interesting promotions to continue to grow Belleayre in to the future. We will be looking at the mountain for places to add terrain elements for riders and skiers to enjoy. We basically are looking to operate similarly to how we operate our other mountains with great snow, great programs and fun times.
Please join us this winter, we would love to see you.
Ted Blazer
President/CEO ORDA
