I heard from a fairly reliable source that nothing will be done at Hyak this summer, now we just have to wonder if it will get done next summer or ever.
I did see a bulldozer up near the hole on the FS road last time I came up. Not sure if they were just clearing snow off the road, or what. I would hope they at least get the slope in better shape and fix the drainage. I'd like to at least see them get the little chair running so I could still ride Hyak with the kids.
Ed, it looks like we'll be doing more hiking next season!
Hyak Ski and Snowboard Adventure
On the World-Wide-Web since 1997
I seem to recall that if they take out an old lift and replace it during the same year, then the new lift is considered a repair and doesn't need as comprehensive a EIS, but if they let the route lie fallow for more than a year, then a replacement chair is considered a "new lift" and had to go thru a much longer permitting and study process.
Could be wronng though, and even if I'm not, I suspect that since the Mt Hyak lift is already in the approved FEIS that it's covered and they can construct it when they can afford to.
Since 1/4th of the resort would be closed, think they'll cut the season pass price by a quarter? Hah!
I think they are not under any real time constraints as far as getting the lift up as the plan was approved. It seems they should at least get that soil stabilized but who knows. I heard they laid a bunch of people off and there is no plans to do much of anythingthis year as their $ was cut off. I agree with you Tom, if they dont open Hyak they ought to at least give a reduced pass price, that might be the only way I would buy one this year if Hyak is out of commission.
I'm sure they do NOT want to announce their change of plans for Hyak as they know it would reduce their season pass sales. They will have a bunch of pi$$ed off people though who buy one in anticipation of riding the triple only to find out it won't be installed.
Hyak Ski and Snowboard Adventure
On the World-Wide-Web since 1997
Many Ski Areas have Closed forever with less stress on them than the Summit has right now. Conservative Management is the way that they have survived this far. It is also how Boyne has been able to expand over time.
I DON'T LIKE (at all) Hyak not having a lift this year. But if the tradeoff is that the area will be stronger and healthier NEXT year (and beyond), then I guess I can live with it. Yes, you're right- I wasn't planning to ski there much this year anyway (I'm committed elsewhere presently), but I DO plan on skiing there for many more years and I want them to put the area into great shape again.
So Summit Management: Here is Hoping that you're listening and will keep the Hyak Lovers in the loop. Perhaps you can throw them a small bone (that won't cost much): Change the name back to Hyak and change the signs to show the lifts that will soon be there. If you ARE serious about Hyak, give the loyalist some hope!
Here is a thought...what about selling a 4 year HYAK only pass for $1000. If we could get 250-500 people to step up for this...we could raise $250,000-$500,000 towards the "new" triple. I have no idea what it would cost to install the used triple at Hyak...but one would think a 1/2 million might put a dent in the budget...thoughts?
This message has been edited by hyaker from IP address 71.39.141.215 on Jun 3, 2009 10:18 AM
If only that was realistic. I could almost be a player for that- IF (and only if) Hyak was made a Main Stay once again. 4 days and 2 nights per week MINIMUM... But I think you can guess how far this idea will go...
I would be into a Hyak only pass also, but they would have to be open at leats 4 days a week, say thur-sun anyway. I would also like to see it called Hyak again and not the sterile Summit East name.
They already were offering a pass for Hyak/Silver Fir only which was the Nordic pass. A couple years ago I tried to see about purchasing a nordic pass to use as a 'hyak only' pass for snowboarding but was told I could not use it to access a lift with a snowboard. All they would need to do is modify the Nordic pass and maybe make it an 'unlimited Nordic pass' for a litte more money..something like that.
Hyak Ski and Snowboard Adventure
On the World-Wide-Web since 1997
I thought about that. I don't think you'd have to retro the other area's names... although it isn't a bad idea. I don't think either of those areas have the following as Hyak. Sort of like how they tried (unsuccessfully) to call Alpy "Alpental at the Summit." Nobody liked that or paid any attention to it. It was just Bad Marketing. Instead of stubbornly pressing on with mistakes, admit your mistakes, cut your loses, and Move Ahead!
Hyak is a community just as Alpental is except the ski slopes at Hyak cut through the residental community. There is no connection of Ski Acres except the name, just as with Snoqualmie Summit(or Municipal Park as it was originally called).
