ski911

Not being open for nights is a good idea right now. The limited terrain and coverage would make night skiing a little risky. It also allows the snowmakers and groomers to work. The temps have been very "iffy" and they have been taking advantage of every available minute. Even if it is cold enough at BB or other areas does not mean it is at CB. Believe me, they are chomping at the bit to get as much open as they can.

I cant speak for all, but, I do a good share of "talking" to noobs in the parks. The ski patrol is as responsible for responsibility code enforcement as the rangers, we just also have lots of other responsibilities also.

Twins!!!? Them there are tele-twins.

You forgot Cleo

Actually, CB owns about 1/2 way up the mountain and has an agreement to "maintain" the state park. They have to get permission to expand from the top.

The main reason other areas "seem" to be able to open more terrain faster than CB is the base area at CB. Most of the other mountains, such as Blue, come to a point at the bottom where CB is stretched across the whole width of the mountain. It takes way more snow to get CB opened just for this reason. If you look around the bottom of the Meadows and Bailey lift, there is about 10' of snow over top of the "River". The trails near the base are wide and also require "tons" of snow. I agree CB played it safe when temps looked to be questionable in the beginning of the season while Blue seemed to take advantage of everytime they could. As far as the compressors, I am not sure of the setup at Blue, but, CB rents 4 for the ski area and 2 for the tubing park. They keep them from mid Nov. to mid Feb. They also have a pretty large compressor setup in house. This allows them to keep things going.

The reality of it is, CB is a ski area AND a waterpark. Both are very successfull. Unfortunately for us skiers, CB has already invested 40 years into skiing and is now trying to build its summer ops. Weather has everything to do with the ability to utilize the upgraded equipment. Yes, some of what they do is maintenance or replacement of older stuff. New equipment is way more expensive than the older stuff (mainly because the alot of the older stuff was "homemade"). Another thing that hasn't been mentioned as far as upgrades to the ski area is the lighting. Over the past 5 years, most of the lighting has been replaced with brighter fixtures and we are now skiing 100% of the mountain. That aint cheap. I don't want to come off like there is nothing else CB needs to do, but, dont say they haven't done anything. The parks are in serious need of help, and they discuss it everyday. The other areas have made a commitment to parks and pipes, because they couldn't compete with CB as regular ski areas. However, CB will be trying to improve in this area, they are just trying to keep the general ski/ride population happy also. As much as you dont want to hear this, CB doesn't want to be known as the "park and pipe" mecca of the east.

If you go back in time, CB has only been concentrating on the waterpark for the past 7-8 years. Before that, Nile, Cliff, Pharoah, Stevenson and Sullivan HS quads, several new buildings, many snowmaking upgrades, and so on. We tend to forget about life before Camelbeach. Since the beach, they have made mostly "invisible" upgrades. New snowguns, pumps, pipes, compressors, grooming equipment, snowmobiles and so on. CB spends alot of money every year on the ski area, we just dont always notice.

How about a "beefcake" calendar of the ski patrol?

That would be great, but, it takes more than a month to do the switch.

Those white buildings that youcan see at the top of the tubing hill are all from a Jewwish Summer camp that use to be there.

I am sorry that attempts to voice your opinions have aparrently been ignored. I do get to hear some of them being discussed by management. Unfortunately, change is the hardest thing to do, when what you are doing is still successful. There is alot of truth to the saying..."the squeaky wheel gets the grease."

Actually, it is both, deal with it. They are real close to doing the same numbers during both seasons. All businesses are in it for the money. That is why they are in business. Don't be fooled into thinking otherwise. Those that deny that, aren't making enough money to be prophitable.

You guys all have great points. CB has issues with some things, but , believe it or not, they are very interested in hearing about them. This needs to be done right however. You cant just slam them and expect results. The main difference between the mountains is, CB is a year round, very profitable area, the others, are not. They all have financial issues excpt for CB. As far as the closing early thing, I have been there for almost 20 years and even before the waterpark, closing aroun St Patty's and Easter has been the norm. There is a huge decrease in lift ticket sales once March roles around and obviously, it does not make sense to lose money.

Don't get me wrong, I agree with some of what you are saying. There are always a few that can ruin any organizations reputation. However, keep in mind, they are not all bad, and if you treat them respectfully (like you would a cop) you will be given that respect back. If you do this and still have issues with the ranger, get his/her name, and file a complaint with management.

You are right...the snotty attitude of a 15 year old punk, will usually piss a ranger off enough to make him/her treat you like a snotty 15 year old punk. Here is a little life lesson for you, respect gets respect. Show a little, get a little.

You do not have to speak with them if you do not want to. Just politely tell them you are not willing to give a statement. They can not take your ticket, and would not even consider that.

Thanks for clearing that up. I wouldn't wan't you folks thinking any less of the ski patrol. We are just trying to keep your experience from completely sucking.

It doesn't matter how the trail is closed, if we use signs, lollipops, net, or whatever. According to the responsibility code, you should obey all posted signs and warnings. I have had net, several closed signs, and all the postings you could possibly have and people still feel the need to "poach." I can say I have poached a trail or two in the past also, but, my point is, if you get caught, own up to it and don't come up with excuses to justify your obvious disobedience. I am confident that you had a pretty good idea that it was closed and figured it was the last run so what the hell. Another thing, don't assume that every ski area uses the same types of signage. The orange lollipops come with several different messages. It is your responsibility to know what they say and mean. Blatantly skiing/riding past a sign without knowing what it says could be a fatal mistake. For instance, some areas use the same size and type sign to mark off cliff areas.

As I said before, one or two signs is just as closed as ten. The orange nets can be used in conjunction with closed signs to ensure a trail is closed visually, however, we often just use closed signs to mark something closed. You are also correct about the net being used as a diverter to make people drop in instead of shooting the middle. I am assuming that you had been there most of the night or at least for a few hours. I find it very difficult to believe that you did not know that the pipe was closed. Not only where there closed signs it was also marked closed on the trail board in the base area.

Here is the deal. If there is a closed sign at the top of a trail or feature, that means it is closed, end of arguement. a net and 100 closed signs doesn't mean it is more closed it just means that most idiots cant read. The patrols at CB work very hard to try and prevent accidents and injuries. It is extremely frustrating to go through the amount of labor involved with closing a trail and then watching your efforts be ignored. It makes us a little cranky. It does not matter what any of the web sites or conditions pages say. The patrol will close any trail or area at any given time for many reasons. Consider yourself fortunate that you dont live out west where if you are caught on a closed trail you may be arrested for tresspassing, put in jail, and fined. When a trail is closed it is also "swept", wich means the patrol checks it so noone is left behind. After that, it might not be patrolled again that day. If you ignore the signs and get hurt, your care may be severely delayed.. The reasons a trail or feature may be closed usually are not because it is really good. Hazardous conditions, thin cover, rocks, ice, etc are the most prevelant. However, it may also be closed to allow it to "set up" for the next day. In the case of the pipe, if it is too soft, it is easily ruined. So in closing, stay off of closed terrain, pay attention to signs, don't try to outrun me, I will catch you.

Actually, we tend to have less problems with noobs on a bumped trail. They are very intimidating and usually turn them away. I also think that, in general, we would see less "serious" accidents because of reduction in speeds caused by the moguls.

So if CB has installed a pipe, rails, boxes and jumps, why not let some bumps build up on a trail? Let the top of Cliffhanger bump up (to the bottom of the steep) and just groom 1/2 when it starts to get gnarly. Dust it regularly, and bring back some old school freestylin' (minus the neon stretch pants and mullets).

Yep.

Wow, I have never been the topic of this much discussion before, thanks. I will attempt to stay as anonymous as possible because of my fear of the lack of first ammendment rights we have (thanks George W.). I really do not have too much negative to say about CB so this shouldn't be a problem. Besides, have you seen the Daves? Your grandma's could kick their asses! (just kiddin' Daves) There are quite a few Patrollers and Rangers that do the dual sport thing, and no, I am not Sam Newman.