The Thanksgiving holiday has come and gone and Magic is preparing to welcome the Magic faithful and new guests back for our favorite season of the year.
While many resorts around us have already opened, Magic moves to a slightly different beat. Our budget is not as big so we have to plan carefully the timing for beginning snowmaking operations. Then, of course, there is the seemingly inevitable start-up issues. Originally, we planned for a 12/1 start to snowmaking but were set to move that up to 11/24 with promising cold weather. Then a major pipe issue arose that caused a delay from Saturday. It now looks like we are back on track and ready-to-go for the start of the big blow before that original 12/1 date. This will have us on track to open by 12/15. Earlier than last year. So until then, come up and enjoy skiing and riding at our southern Vermont neighbors.
Speaking of our neighbors, we are set to welcome other Vermont resort season pass holders this season at Magic with our new “Change-of-Pace” pass policy. Any Vermont ski area season pass holder can come ski and ride Magic at a $10 discount off regular weekend ticket prices ($59 adult price reduced to $49!) just by showing their pass at our ticket window. It’s our way of welcoming those from Stratton, Bromley, Okemo, Mount Snow and other areas to a different ski and riding experience. Magic has a lot to offer in terms of challenging steeps, interesting 1960s-era trails for all abilities, greater emphasis on natural snow conditions, extensive glade and off-piste adventures, lower skier density on trails, top-to-bottom 1700 foot vertical runs and lifts, and our famous community “vibe”. And, for those who love their own home hill elsewhere, Magic can serve as an exciting diversion to refresh one’s skiing and riding soul.
As well, Magic will also be laying out the welcome mat for new visitors brought by our own Magic pass holders and card holders. “Share the Magic” weekend will be on January 26th and both our visitors and the Magic faithful who bring them will be rewarded with special prices and discounts, with our new guests treated to a tasty and fun Magic apres ski dinner party. It’s our way of having new families and friends come experience what makes Magic special: the people who come here and the great time we have together on the mountain. So make plans to bring a new family to Magic as we welcome the start of winter!
Don’t forget that this is the last week we sell Magic 3-Packs for only $129. We look forward to opening day soon and seeing every one here. Think Snow!
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We’ve decided to spice things up in October. Germans like to celebrate the month by enjoying a good brew or two. We’re all for that. But with ski season fast approaching, we thought it might be nice to celebrate with a festival of ticket sales. Hence…OCTticketFest!
For the next two weeks through Halloween, day and multi-day tickets will be on sale for all specific dates throughout the Magic Ski Season…even holidays. The reduced rates start as low as 34% off as a reward for skiers and riders who want to plan ahead and purchase tickets upfront. The tickets are available for the next two weeks at the online Magic Store (http://store.magicmtn.com). There are limited quantities available for each date, so if you want to buy for the holidays, please do so soon.
We hope you enjoy our new OCTticketFEST sales event. And, feel free to crack open a beer or munch on a bratwurst while you search the store.
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As you know, Magic folks try to keep it simple and real. Here it’s all about the sport of skiing, riding and the fun that comes with hanging out with a bunch of highly stoked winter fanatics. Nothing wrong with fancy amenities, we just happen to think the 1700 feet of vertical “amenities” is what it’s all about. And, we feel very few things should get in the way of accessing Magic’s amenities. So the parking lots are close by, the one lodge is centrally located, the crowds at lifts and on the slopes are non-existent, and our prices are affordable.
No doubt most of this industry has gone increasingly upscale in its appeal, but we need to remember that families, college kids, new entries into the work force, military, and seniors all deal with economic issues which can put skiing out of reach for many on a regular basis. So we again kept our regular lift ticket prices the same as the last two years and our season pass prices are still below $500, with no black outs! (Almost all major resorts are now well beyond $1000 for unrestricted season passes. )
And what do you get here for $439?—a pass that pays for itself in just 7 ski days so every day after that is “free”; all-access to southern Vermont’s best terrain from boundary-to-boundary; opportunities to bring guests at reduced rates on Sundays and earn Magic bucks for each new visitor (more to come on this); backstage passes to the most fun, relaxed après ski scene around at the Black Line Pub (well, we really don’t have a backstage); “on-top-of-the-ground” parking just steps from the lodge (how many steps will depend on how early you get here, but no matter what, no shuttle bus required); and, cushioned seats on two bottom-to-top “express” chairlifts covering the 1700’ vertical in well under 15 minutes—just enough time to rest and actually have a conversation with your skiing partner or to meet someone new. Is there more for the $439? Well, that’s up to you, but most have found a second home here—their winter home, with their winter friends. So a Magic Pass sure does seem like a pretty good deal.
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1 Down, 2 to Go!
Tags: glades, Magic Mountain, ski, skiing, snowboarding, southern Vermont, tree skiing, vacations, Vermont
Posted: September 24, 2012 |
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 Ready for a lift up the hill on the Red Chair
The first day of fall was also the first day of volunteer projects at Magic. And what a beautiful day it was to gather as a ski community and help prep the mountain for the coming winter season.
At least 40 people came to trim current glades, create new ones, and spurce up the lodge and deck. Thanks to all that came–you truly represent the spirit and dedication needed to keep an independent ski area vibrant in an era of large corporate resort entities.
The first glades crew went up at 9 am to tackle the mountain’s largest glade which is now “officially” on the map: The Wardrobe. It is steep and vast as it lies between both Sorcerer and Talisman. The crew cleaned it up and cleared it out to make the fall line to skier’s-right more accessible. But while the objective was The Wardrobe, the crew hit another great spot, not to be mentioned here, which is not on the official map, making a great new line for the upcoming season.
 The first team cutting a new line ![]()
At 10 am the next crew headed up to the East Side of the hill to hit glades both on and off the map…”on” being Disappearing Act which now has a new skier’s-right route and “off” being a baby called “Up Your Shirt”. Also on the East Side there was an additional crew of pros weed wacking both Goniff Glade and Twilight Zone–two trails that only “goats” with power tools can handle.
Meanwhile back down below, volunteers were busy painting and repairing the lodge–with plans for a new sound system for the outdoor deck!
So with sun and temps in the 70s as the leaves start to turn, Magic was a hub of work this saturday, while customers also flowed in to challenge themselves in the new TimberQuest tree-crossing obstacle courses. But lest you think Magic is all work and no play–all our volunteers came together at day’s end to share a few cold ones, some food and talk about the new hidden stashes which await the new season. And with that, Day #1 was in the books, with two more Volunteer Days coming on October 6th and 20th.
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With Magic’s first of three Volunteer days coming up on September 22nd, it is appropriate to recognize how important our volunteers are to this ski area. It is also important for the non-volunteers (yet!) to understand that this volunteer activity is truly a mutually beneficial relationship–and worth giving a try.
For Magic, our volunteers get critical work done to prepare the mountain for the new ski season. Our steep trails need hands-on trimming because in certain areas, machine-driven mowers just can’t tread. And, this cutting is necessary so that when we get snow, it doesn’t take as much to get a trail open. The glades also need attention to clear brush growth and remove fallen trees/limbs. And, for those that prefer to stay lower down on the mountain, a fresh coat of paint around the buildings is a big help to freshen Magic’s face.
You see, Magic is a place that needs a community to pitch in so we can control costs and keep things affordable for more skiers and riders. But it’s also about letting our skiers create some new skiable terrain which leads to a natural, incremental expansion of the adventure to be had here (for those who know where to find it).
So Magic looks forward to our army of volunteers to put their imprint on Magic. And, just as importantly, Magic puts its imprint on each volunteer after they’ve given their hard work and sweat.
Volunteers see the mountain in a different, more personal level out there on the hill (without its winter coat on). The tremendous natural terrain here is appreciated even more up-close (it’s why Hans Thorner selected Glebe Mtn to be the home of Magic, as its contours reminded him of the Swiss Alps). Plus, the camaraderie of working with other like-minded enthusiasts builds bonds and creates new friendships. And, clearing a trail or creating a new glade makes skiing or riding that trail a much more personally satisfying feat come winter time. In essence, you become one with the mountain–and that stays with you forever.
For those that have yet to experience it, a Magic Volunteer Day will leave you deeply tired, but also deeply fulfilled. Our volunteers have a part themselves on that hill, and both they and Magic are the better for it.
 Bonding with Magic
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What you say? Snow in August? Not quite, but Magic is opening…opening the TimberQuest at Magic treetop obstacle courses and zip lines on the lower slopes.
TimberQuest at Magic is probably the most fun and challenge you can have on a hill without your skis or boards on. Although you do get to shred the trees from heights of 20′ to 40′ up!
This is the next gen of all-season mountain sports–with both physical and mental challenges, mixed with the all-natural beauty of Green Mountain forests, that will re-energize you, your family, and your friends. There are dozens of obstacles to overcome as you “tree-cross” up the slopes, and then ride exciting zip lines on the way back down. In just a couple of hours, you will have left the plugged-in world behind and discovered a sense of accomplishment and determination in challenging oneself to do something different and unexpected.
Much like skiing and riding the steeps of Magic, you are going to have some fun sharing stories about what you did in the trees of TimberQuest Park at Magic.
So come have some fun in our trees!
For tickets and reservations, visit www.timberquestparks.com/magic
Think Trees!
-The Magicment
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There is a lot more going on at Magic this summer than ever before. The crew is working hard on improving the snowmaking system; there is a new tree-top ropes adventure course being built; and, the Black Line Brew Pub is open from Thursdays-Sundays every week with great Vermont farm fresh food, drinks specials and our wide selection of specialty draft beers. (more…)
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Greetings from Londonderry. I want to provide you all with a brief update as to the happenings at Magic since the inception of the Magic Partnership.
First, Tom Barker and I are very pleased to be working with the new shareholder elected Board members, John Jacobi, Dave DeMatteis, and Duke Sullivan. They are already providing inspiration, ideas, and energy.
Snowmaking Investment Planning
As discussed in the Business Plan, improving the snowmaking is the primary focus of our efforts and as such a majority of share funding will be deployed in that arena over the next three years. We have engaged Slavko Stanchek of Mountain View Technologies to consult and assist in modifying and where necessary redesigning our snowmaking system. Slavko has a more than thirty years background in designing and engineering snowmaking systems all over the country including both large and moderate sized areas in Vermont. His role will be to create a system using as much of the old as is reasonable and meshing that with new equipment and piping as needed. Efficiency without sacrificing production is his goal. There will be many components of the snowmaking upgrades and Slavko will help us implement them in a coordinated fashion assuring notable progress over the next three summers. The end result will be a far more productive system which specifically caters to the unique needs of Magic. Work on the snowmaking improvements will commence shortly and will include pipe replacement, new valving, and purchase of higher efficiency guns. We will keep you closely posted as to the progress on projects which are being tackled this summer.
New Leadership For Outside Operations
As we look to improve our outdoor operations, there is no doubt that personnel plays a critical role. I am pleased to announce that we recently added an important piece to the personnel puzzle. Travis Richmond came on board this week to direct and manage all outside operations. Travis spent the past seven years working at Stratton in the mechanical/grooming field. He also has been involved in lift construction and snowmaking renovations. Prior to Stratton, Travis graduated from Lyndon State College where he majored in ski area management and for two years after his graduation he worked at Magic. As such he has an in depth knowledge of the outside operations at Magic as well as a wealth of experience over the past seven years at Stratton. We welcome Travis aboard with great enthusiasm. As an aside, some of you may recall meeting Greg Kinsey (our primary groomer last season) or at the very least you had the pleasure of enjoying his work product. Travis and Greg were roommates at college, and we are expecting that Greg will return to Magic this year and join Travis to further the mission to make Magic the best skiing and riding experience in southern Vermont.
Summer Fun at Magic
In terms of activities at the mountain this summer, we are again hosting the Londonderry Independence Day fireworks show which will take place on Friday July 6th. There will be live music, BBQ dinner on the deck, and a great time will be had by all. Shortly after that, The Butties, one of the best Beatles cover bands around, will be playing their annual show on Saturday July 14th. Both of these are fun family events, so be sure to make your way to VT to participate in the festivities. Another event which is taking place at nearby Timber Ridge (the back side of Magic) on June 14 -16 is the Frendly Gathering which is a three day music festival. There will be lots of music and many other activities. For more information please visit www.frendlygathering.com.
On another note, we have held several discussions with someone who is interested in investing in Magic by building an aerial tree park in the woods. The park would consist of platforms built around trees connected by various balancing elements, bridges, and zip lines. It is a challenging, active, and fun sport which dovetails with Magic’s outdoor adventurous spirit perfectly. If this project comes to fruition it will provide much needed summer activity at Magic. At present we are engaged in the permitting process which is an inevitable/mandatory stepping stone in VT. We will keep you posted as to the progress and when to expect the building to commence. In conjunction with this park, we are planning on opening the Black Line Brew Pub on summer weekends for dining and entertainment. We have not yet determined the schedule, so please keep tabs on line, and wewill put out the word when it is set.
Spread the Word
Please also remember that it is never too early to be spreading the word about Magic amongst your friends and encouraging them to make Magic their winter home or at least to give it a try. Growing this mountain by spreading the enthusiasm within the community of the Magic faithful is one of the most effective ways to build our following and perpetuate the Magic experience long into the future.
Thank you for your support. We’re looking forward to a productive summer and will keep you closely posted as to the progress on specific projects with a monthly update. We will outline how people can participate in the effort to improve Magic in the next newsletter. In the meantime, be sure to come to Vermont and enjoy the beautiful green mountains, and while you’re here, stop by Magic to say hello.
All the best,
Jim Sullivan
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We have hit our threshold of 300 shares sold! The momentum created by the matching challenge issued two weeks ago has brought forth both new shareholders as well as many who already owned shares, and as a result we have reached the “magic” number. This is a very exciting time for the mountain and everyone associated with it. We have taken a great step in stabilizing and perpetuating Magic’s future. I want to express my gratitude to all of you who have stepped forth and purchased shares not only in conjunction with the recent challenge offer, but since day one when the shares were first offered. Thank you all for your support and enthusiasm in putting this monumental task over the finish line.
There are still some shares coming in, so I will not have an exact count until the weekend. After a few minutes of appreciative reflection, it’s back to work to try to reach the ultimate finish line of 333 shares sold which would sell out the offering. Those of you still out there who have yet to pull the trigger, there is still an opportunity to become part of the Magic Partnership and own a piece of the mountain’s future.
Again, thank you all so much. This effort epitomizes what Magic is all about: a spirited community of enthusiasts who love their mountain.
-Jim Sullivan
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Magic just finished a real good weekend of skiing and riding with trail count climbing, fun natural snow trails on both east and west side, snowmaking on Talisman for the first time in 4 years, and a succesful hosting of the Vermont Alpine Race Association’s SVC J5/J6 race on Saturday. We are also picking up new shareholders and current shareholders are re-upping to buy more shares so Magic can put its capital raise over the top and begin to implement our skier-owned Magic Partnership. The share purchase has been give a boost by the offer from a generous Magic family to match any new shares between now and January 31st until we meet our 300 share goal. This share match challenge essentially makes any new share purchase worth double! The response to the challenge has been swift, but we need to make the most of it over the next week to meet our 300 share goal, and then continue the momentum toward 333 for a fully funded offering. Many thanks to all for participating and making the commitment to Magic’s future. We literally can’t do it without all of you. Let’s make our 50th Party on February 4th even more celebratory!!!
-The Magicment
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