Excellent writeup Jay. Thanks. I’m in general agreement with your points.
I see some problems with the April 2015 KSL map as reposted. KSL shows the REMOVED Cornice II lift and a 2nd Far East lift where Headwall is on the map? Also the first section from Squaw has the top station in the Caldwell property with unloading allowed. I thought we heard somewhere there would be no skiing in the Caldwell area?
Jay Tierney
Nice catch on the map. Clearly just a mistake by whomever at USA Today (or KSL) put that together, using an older trail map as a basis (and a typo on Headwall it appears). The Caldwell property line is correct however, as he does own the top of KT-22 and Squaw has been leasing it from him for years. So that first unload station is located just above the saddle on KT, which he also owns.
Nick
“but I do wonder if this is the first step towards constructing a larger Alpine Meadows village”
Doubtful, I think this is to leverage the use of Squaws existing and proposed base areas. Currently heading to TC is just as easy as going back in to Squaw after skiing Alpine, this captures those skiers and justifies a big ass parking garage in Squaw. Also, since the base area of Alpine is on Forest Service property it would be a pretty large uphill battle to build lodging and shopping in Alpine.
AS for whats in it for Caldwell… Well, his property does sit on private land. I’d guess he is hoping to one day build a “base area” of his own.
Alex
What I am wondering is if they will be able increase capacity of the outer sections (>1400 PPH) when the middle section is closed. Seems like they would be able to by changing the spacing of the Gondola cars.
