Hi Scott, I agree that my posts have been a little on the negative side, but lets look at my record. 1) I was correct when, in the very beginning, I stated that there was NO sale of Blue Knob ski area. 2) So far, I have been proven correct when I predicted (last Fall, no less) that this would be a MILD Winter. 3) It now looks like I will be proven correct when I stated that Whitetail's ski season would be limited to 2 months (excluding extremely limited conditions). I'll take 3 for 3 any day of the week, even at the risk of sounding a bit negative. However, I believe that I'm a realist not a pessimist.

What you said last October MM was that the winter would be likely to be determined on whether November was colder or warmer than normal. Later you said there was a chance for it to be slightly above normal. You didn't call for a season-wash until December sometime, and now you're retrofitting your increasingly dyspeptic pronouncements to try to say you were correct. You're still not *correct* about the length of Whitetail's ski season, which puts you at best at 1 or 1 1/2 for 3, certainly not batting 1.000. For someone who looks so askance at the rest of the world you certainly have a way of seeing only the best in yourself.

Roger, I believe that you're taking things from my posts out of context in an effort to discredit and attack me! What about my statement that there was NO sale of Blue Knob (listed as item #1 in my previous post), which was later proven to be 100% correct???? You didn't even bother to address that statement (and give specific credit) because (in my opinion) your motive has always been to discredit me. And, I think that if you look at the sum total (not out of context) of my weather related posts, I have been at least close to the truth much of the time. Anyway Roger, thanks for giving me 1 to 1 1/2 out of 3.

So, how about that weather...

Really, it's a real "downer" for all of us skiers and boarders (and, perhaps even Debbie Downer and MM Downer) in the mid-Atlantic. When I picked up my 7-Springs season pass in Dec., I took the $50 Laurel Mt. upgrade. Now, I'm not so sure that I'll even get to ski Laurel all that much. My best guess is that, before Jan. ends, some cold Canadian air will make a run at the mid-Atlantic. However, I fear that the large warm air mass (that seems to be dominating our weather) will push any cold air North of the PA-NY border within 4 or 5 days after the arrival of an "Alberta Clipper". Perhaps each cold spell will last long enough for most ski areas to put some base down again.

I fear that unless someone invests in snowmaking for the entire existing terrain at Laurel, they just won't get the attendance numbers needed to survive. Taking advantage of my $50 7SP pass upgrade last week, I skied Laurel Tuesday and Thursday. On Thursday there couldn't have been more than 30 people the first hour of operation and when I left at about 3:30, there were only about 120 cars in the lot. Not that I'm complaining about small crowds and no "bombers" but this area ain't gonna make it with holiday "crowds" like that. All the trails covered by snowmaking were covered and groomed to 7SP usual standards but this only gives you 2 real ways down (Broadway and Wildcat) plus a few short beginer trails (Upper Innsbruck, Tamecat, Lynx, Last Chance, Deer Path). I sure would like to see 7 Springs run this place long term (I beleive the potential terrain here is superior to the "Great Western" expansion at 7 Springs) but with 7 Springs in the midst of their own long range expansion plan, are they really going to want to spend the money needed to make Laurel profitable?

To be honest, the reason that we are having a mild winter has nothing to do with a curse. I bought a snowblower this year

I believe that 7-Springs is taking a wait-and-see approach on Laurel Mt. Among other things, they might be waiting to see what ultimately happens to Blue Knob. Should BK close for good, which certainly isn't completely out of the question, skiers and boarders from the greater Altoona area would then head over to Laurel, which is somewhat closer (especially drive-time) to Altoona than 7-Springs. With most of the Altoona business (in addition to a number of skiers and boarders from other locations), Laurel would probably turn a nice profit paving the way for snowmaking improvements and slope expansion.

but nooooooo everyone wanted to be fair

myrto, aside from what appears to be a different understanding of the Freedom of Speech aspect of our American values (generally extended to posters on most internet forums), WHY do you think that I should be banned???? And, if possible, please be very specific. Banning a member from a forum is a radical idea. Why, pray tell, do you feel that it's necessary in my case? I'd REALLY like to know, perhaps I can learn something from your reasoning and wisdom. I'm always looking to learn something new. I'm a graduate from Proctor Academy, Andover, NH, where our motto was: "Live to learn, learn to live". I was also on the Proctor ski team and have worked for a major US ski area in a management position. And, I remain close friends with the general manager of a well known US ski area.

MM,
Let me jump in here. I usually just skip over your posts now-a-days because thay are all so negative. In fact, I feel even more strongly, I simply do not want even see one of your posts...they are just too negative! And that's really too bad, because you do have some thoughts to contribute, etc. I especially do not want to read any post from you about Blue Knob. I am a true senior skier and have skied in these parts for nearly 35 years, and I have sometimes enjoyed Blue Knob, but always marvelled at the never realized potential for greatness because of a series of miserable owners and managers.
Please, I have read way too many times about the logging, the rocky trails, the lack of grass, the enviornmental impact, etc.. I just want to read about skiing and let others, like you report on it. You always rant about the logging at Blue Knob, but frankly you are so emotionally envolved that you "can't seem to see the forest for the trees"!! ENOUGH ALREADY!!
The Colonel

Personally, I think censorship of someone who is seemingly polite and intelligent just because you don't agree with them is out of the question. I have participated in too many Boards that are run by a small clique of insiders. If you don't tow the line, you are out. I don't think that is the case here. IMHO, if someone annoys you on a board like this (and they don't meet the definition of an obscene, slandering Troll) just ignore them. Despite the negativity, there is a lot of insight to be found in MM's posts. That said, a positive post now and then wouldn't hurt

Back on topic....is anyone interested in seeing some pictures from Thursday at Laurel? If not, I won't bother posting them.

Bring 'em on!!! Why not start a new thread?!
The Colonel

Everyone is welcome here.. So let's try to drop this and move on to more positive subjects. Like the oodles of natural snow we'll be getting throughout February..

In terms of natural snow, Snowshoe and Canaan Valley should receive about 4 feet during the months of Feb. and Mar.! Hopefully, the mid-Atlantic will get a dose of the white stuff before the end of Jan., which will be the start of a snowy mid to late Winter through early Spring.

Well done MM

What is the curse of Lord Stanley's Cup? I grew up playing hockey in the Boston area and never heard of it.

It has something to do with corporate america coming in and ruining the sport with a union and franchises in Arizona.

Since DCSki is creating a curse of General Mellon, I thought I would find out something about the man:

http://fdncenter.org/grantmaker/rkmellon/history.html

Interestingly enough, saving Laurel for skiing would fit into the the goals of the Mellon Foundation. 7 Springs may want to approach that foundation for funding upgrades at Laurel. Just a thought.

Just kiddin u there eeore. Relax!!!! it's a long journey

Aha. Makes perfect sense.

There is a joke about the Bruins fan who dies and goes to heaven. The first thing he sees is a hockey player with a Bruins jersey with #4 on the back. Startled he turns to St. Peter and says, "I didn't know that Bobby Orr had died." "Oh, he didn't. That's God. He just thinks he's Bobby Orr."

MM,
OK, I'm going to hold you to that! Bring it on!!

-Warren-

myrto, yeah, I know that you were kidding....I was kinda asking for it anyway. Right now, I know we're all hoping that the weather will change so that we can salvage this ski season in the mid-Atlantic. If things don't start looking up, I might try to plan some sort of extended trip out West.

Good Suggestion!! Hey, let's all go out to Tahoe mid-march and hang out. Going to Heavenly 13 Mar for a week
and last I heard they have recieved 4 ft. After a dismal trip to 7 Springs this might be just what the Dr. ordered. No matter what, that kind of snow/base will still be there when I arrive. Any takers??

Later,
Doug