Some HUGE news MMC, we have found a sponsor for our wonderful Library Pass Program this year. The ink has yet to dry on the agreement, so we unfortunately cannot announce who the generous contributor is just yet. The agreement, to the tune of $78,000, will completely cover the cost of the program. We are very much looking forward to the official press release, and to properly recognize this important stakeholder. The Library Pass Program puts four free day passes at each of our three libraries (Kitimat, Terrace and Prince Rupert) for each operating day of the season. The initiative is part of our Best Friends 2.0 Program and hits all of the MMC operational cornerstones: Innovative, Collaborative, Sustainable and Affordable. In other great news, we have also established agreements with a handful of other invaluable Corporate Sporsors:
Sherwood Mountain Brewery has agreed to $15,000 worth of Black Diamond and Blue Square title and entertainment sponsorships for our events.
RollyWorks has agreed to $15,000 worth of Black Diamond, Blue Square and Green Circle Sponsorships.
E360 (the company which has taken over operations for one of our original BFFs, Geier Waste), has agreed to $10,000 worth of Best Friend Contributions.
Terrace Tourism has agreed to $6,000 worth of Black Diamond title event sponsorships.
Thornhill Subaru has agreed to $5,000 as a Double Black Diamond sponsor. These funds will be put towards vehicle related expenses for the season.
Thank you to these amazing local businesses, they are a huge part of the MMC-Shames Mountain experience.
On that fan-fricken-tastic note, here are your November updates!!
FINANCIALS
- Pass sales are a little low compared to last year but finances are looking OK.
- The lion’s share of maintenance was completed during spring shut down which has removed some financial burden as we prepare to open.
- We will continue to promote new products and a series of extra events at the hill this year as we work to make up our financial shortfall from last season. Check out the MMC Webpage for details!
- Our returning board member Tara Wilson has hit the ground in A FULL SPRINT and has secured a number of different wage and training subsidies for us this year. Boy, are we lucky to have her back!
OPERATIONS
- October volunteer weekends were a great success this year. THANK YOU to everyone who came out! Ski racks have been repaired and repainted, the base area has been thoroughly brushed, our deck, hungry hut and picnic tables have all seen some love and trim was added to the conveyor lift. Please keep an eye out for additional volunteer opportunities.
- We have passed load testing on our lift and for the first time, have received downloading clearance (albeit at 1/10th capacity)!! This will open doors to new private events and off-season opportunities! Who has dreamed of saying ‘I do’ with a view of the Shames Valley!?
- The groomers are in ship shape and champing at the bit to get dug in.
- Our staffing roster is filling out nicely and housing has been secured. Some of our new employees have already arrived and are getting settled in. Training will begin soon!
- Our food and beverage team is working on ways to provide additional, cost effective options for the season. We are also working on a plan to allow bagged lunches upstairs without having a significant financial impact on our F&B related income. We appreciate the feedback provided in the member survey last season! Stay tuned!
- We are still looking for leads on a small bobcat or tractor to load sand in our maintenance building. We’re lucky to have some incredibly competent operators, but threading the needle with the big loader feels a litttttle too risky for the long term – please keep ears out for a smokin deal!
PARKING
- No major changes to our parking policy this year. Overnight parking continues to be restricted to the lower lot and no tow behind trailers are permitted due to safety concerns.
- The upper lot will continue to be 4×4 access and one way traffic only (up before 1pm, down after).
OVERNIGHT PARKING
- The creation of an Overnight Parking Committee will be underway in December. The committee will be composed of coop members and will be lead by an MMC-Shames Mountain Staff member to ensure operational realities are considered. The goal of the committee, will be to:
- Look at the program in its current state
- Understand the operational needs and limitations to the program
- Survey membership to better understand the needs and wants of the overnight parking community.
- Provide recommendations to management and board of directors on how to grow and improve the program for the future.
- Email [email protected] if you are interested in getting involved.
PROJECTS
- There has been lots of progress with our REDIP funded planning project which will help us to create an updated and professionally designed base area master plan, including a plan for lodge renovations/ upgrades!
EVENTS
- The Uphill Shredfest kicked off our backcountry ski season on November 18th and 19th – these folks are already hard after it! Remember to get your Uphill Passes (annual/ day) and get your waivers signed before heading out.
- Watch our events calendar for information about the many sponsored events we will be hosting at the hill this year. There’s something for everyone!
The countdown is ON, MMC! As long as the snow keeps coming, opening weekend is right around the corner. Holy smokes, Batman. Can you believe it!?
Thanks for reading! See you soon for some SHOOOOOOSHY turns!