Opinion

Letter to the Editor: Boyne not bad guys in Sugarloaf re-birth, provide better slope for future

By David Fullerton

Posted on April 20, 2011, at 10:42 p.m.

I’m writing this in response to an article entitled “Sugarloaf quality goes

downslope under Boyne,” written by Rob Stigile for April 18, 2011.

I’m not one to side with major corporations, but I feel compelled to voice

my opinion in the case for Sugarloaf. A native of Carrabassett Valley, I feel I can paint a clearer picture of the current situation at Sugarloaf than the one Stigile provided.

Stigile begins his article appropriately by addressing the fall of the Spillway

Chairlift that made national headlines this winter. I agree that people falling and getting hurt is bad and obviously the management of Sugarloaf should take the blame — which they have — because they’re the ones doing the day-to-day operations on the mountain, not Boyne. They are also the same folks who were running Sugarloaf before CNL purchased the mountain in 2007, but I digress.

Stigile continues to voice his concerns over the allocation of money being invested into Sugarloaf. He sarcastically says “Maybe the lifts are where Boyne has been investing millions?” It’s actually impossible for Boyne to invest millions because Boyne doesn’t even own Sugarloaf — CNL Lifestyle Properties does.

Some fact checking would have been helpful, no?

Sarcasm aside, Stigile couldn’t be more on point with this statement; CNL is in fact constructing a new $3 million quad this summer, which many Sugarloafers’, myself included, are very excited about.

Also, Stigile’s criticisms of the new “Mooscelator” and the painting of chair lift poles seems completely unwarranted. Perhaps he just has a grudge against children and basic ski resort maintenance?

Stigile continues to voice his displeasure with the recent Bracket Basin expansion, commenting that “more than 40 percent of the planned total was part of the existing Cant Dog glade.” I’m not sure if this number is correct, but regardless of this monetary fact, the project isn’t even finished yet.

By next season there will be an additional 135 acres of side country glades, which will be nothing short of amazing, but I suppose if you want more acres, grab a chainsaw and start cutting.

It is true that Jaws and the Salsa Shack have both been torn down to the displeasure of many skiers and riders, but knowingly allowing these shoddy buildings to continue existing just so some kids could have a place to smoke dope and drink would be an incredibly unwise business decision. We don’t want Sugarloaf’s money going to some Joe who sued the mountain because he broke his leg walking into the old Salsa Shack.

My point is that I feel like Sugarloaf’s future looks quite promising and we have

Boyne to thank for helping manage these long-term goals.

Is that so “haad to undah-stand?”

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