Build it and they will come. Make it free and they will come in GROVES. Arriving at the parking lot at 8:30 I saw something that you haven’t seen at this resort for a long time, a full parking lot on a Friday morning. Talking to several people unloading their equipment many haven’t been at this resort for several years and it is nice to see them back. Walking with the crowd to the lodge sunshine and temperatures in the 30’s greeted us, a perfect day for snow sports. The upper skier’s lodge has new carpet, fresh paint, new tables and chairs and the snack bar crew was busy getting ready to open. Over the last year just about everything at this resort has been refurbished and upgraded. I had a chance encounter with smiling VP of Resort Operations Scott Bender, who had his cell phone to one ear and talking with the parking staff to manage the hundreds of skiers and boarders on the way. He is going to be a busy man this weekend.
At 9:00 there were easily over 100 people in line for the free tickets. The slopes have a great base from the new snow making equipment and groomed smooth by the new groomers. The new triple and quad chairs are now moving and every chair is full. In a few moments the empty slopes will be marked with the first tracks of the season for Hidden Valley. I walked into the slopeside restaurant and although there were just a few people having coffee the smiling ladies at the grill looked a little anxious about the growing amount of visitors. I think by 11:30 getting a table here will be at a premium. As I worked my way back to my car an endless stream of skiers were walking to the lodge and the cars are now being directed to the overflow lots. I am sure this day will test the staff and systems in dealing with this big of a turnout, so I hope you are patient with them as to want to please all of you, especially the new and come back visitor. Take note, if you plan on skiing over the weekend come early and enjoy the day. It is truly a HAPPY DAY at HIDDEN VALLEY. Make sure you check out their web cam!!
