Here We Go Again!
By Sall Goodman
December 5, 2005

Well, from what I understand, opening day was a success for those that managed to get out and enjoy the new pow that fell on top of the existing meter or so that was on the ground. Of course, only Red was open, but many, I know sure hiked into the back country and around the rest of the mountain to find some great riding.

It’s therefore time for the annual, “What’s Changed (C) / Not Changed (NC) This Year at Red and in and Around Town.”

1. The pool is now a bigger hole without the concrete, but I am told it will eventually become a hotel condo thing. Reading between the lines, parking still sucks at the base for at least another season. Result – NC.
2. Condo, Condo, Condo – to quote Ricardo Montebalm. It seems that everywhere else but the base is adding units. Result – C.
3. Prices have leaped again this year – a single day ticket has shot to $52.00! Two years ago the price was $38.00. That’s an increase of 37%. Well ya know, with the work that they have done to the Base Lodge, and the new hotel and the upgraded lifts and the work on Paradise Lodge, and the new parking lot, and the new night club and last but not least, that impressive tourist kiosk how can you not justify the price jump! I can’t even imagine what a bowl of soup and a bagel will cost this year. Result – Big F*&^ing C.
4. Rafters is now a nightclub and movie theatre – HUH?? Whatever. Result – NC.
5. Big Red Cats has finally started operations. Result – Great C.
6. The Shovel has been sold and remains The Shovel. Result – NC.
7. The Uplander is now the Prestige which is essentially the Uplander without a night club and a nice new coat of paint. Result – NC.
8. The Shell station is now The Garage but doesn’t serve petroleum products, other than the peppercorn sauce. Result – NC.
9. The Rock Cut is still the Rock Cut. Result – Thank-you for NC.
10. Town Council. Result – C (whether it’s good or bad remains to be seen).
11. Jim Greene. Result – Alas NC.

Of course the only thing that really matters is that the mountains, Red, Granite, Roberts, Record, Gray, Kirkup et al, are all still there waiting for those of us willing to play with them for another season. The best part about that folks is the mountains will never change regardless of what happens around them.

Rock-On
Sall