Smugglers' Notch Owner Asks For Alternative Suggestions Following Gondola Connect Backlash
The news that Smugglers' Notch, VT was discussing a connecting gondola to neighboring resort Stowe did not sit well with some locals and season pass holders.
You can click here to read my opinion piece on the matter, and for relevant background information related to the story.
Following backlash from locals, Smugglers' Notch owner Bill Stritzler has opened the floor for alternative suggestions that would rival the revenue increase brought by a connecting gondola.
He wrote a lengthy letter to skiers and snowboarders who expressed their dissenting opinion in a recent survey about the gondola.
Stritzler provided the following concerns as commonly given answers to the survey:
“We love the Smuggs culture, and the gondola will destroy the culture”
“We love the back bowls and the gondola will destroy the back bowl experience”
“Your secrecy has destroyed our trust”
“You will destroy the fragile ecology of the Notch”
“Vail will buy Smuggs and turn Jeffersonville into Stowe”
“We don’t want Stowe parking and lift line experience”
“Bill belongs in a Nursing Home” (Only suggested once)
The following are positive comments given in the survey:
"Thank you for protecting Smuggs future”
“It’s about time”
“ It will be a wonderful new experience for my family”
“All change is difficult, but this is necessary.”
“Love the idea of easy access to two iconic mountains.”
“I love the interconnect idea because my knees can no longer use the trail over and back”
“Smuggs needs to invest in the future and this makes sense”
The sides can be separated into two buckets.
Those against the gondola are worried that it will change the old-school feel of Smuggs by blending the mountain with Vail Resorts-owned Stowe.
Those for the gondola think it will improve their skiing experience and benefit both resorts in the long run.
The letter doesn't expressly say whether more people are in favor for the gondola or not, but the tone of the letter is revealing.
Read below as Stritzler acknowledges the concerns of local skiers, and asks them for an alternative suggestion:
"It is only fair to mention that my impression is the more local the skier the more passionate you are about Smuggs independence. It should be obvious from my behavior over the last 30 years that I feel the same. However, I am more passionate about assuring a sustainable future for Smuggs and all of our constituents.
I ask you: How can we retain the Smuggs vibe and experience and at the same time gain investment funds to remain viable?
I think our reasonable options are few if we do not explore alternatives that may have new income growth. We believe the connector will generate funds for investment for the long-term future but you may have other ideas you can share too. We need help in identifying those connector relationship options and deal conditions that can preserve the “vibe”. All ideas welcome, keeping in mind they must work for all stakeholders."
Smugglers' Notch Media Kit
Have you ever seen a ski resort ask its skiers for suggestions on capital improvements? I can confidently say it's the first time I've seen it happen.
Stritzler's letter is refreshing for its candor, but it leaves out important information that's needed for local pass holders to make a suggestion.
For example:
1. How much revenue is Smuggs projecting from the gondola?
2. How much is Smuggs willing to spend on a different CapEx project?
3. Who are the stakeholders that need to be satisfied? Are they looking for higher revenue? More pass sales? Better conditions on the mountain? More skiers?
4. Why does Smuggs need to make a large CapEx investment?
5. How does the connecting gondola ensure a sustainable future for the resort as stated in the letter?
Stayed tuned in with us here at Powder Magazine for all news related to the proposed gondola. We'll keep you covered.
You can provide feedback on the Smuggs Community Connector here. More information about Smugglers' Notch below.
Smugglers' Notch Resort Stats/Info:
Vertical: 2,610 ft.
Skiable Terrain: 1,000+ ac.
Average Snowfall: 280 in.
Lifts: 8
Trails: 78
Snowmaking: YES
Night Skiing: NO
Mega-Pass: NO
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