IMHO, the new mgt has done and is doing an outstanding job. The place was basically in shambles when he took over late this fall. Years of delayed maintenance from lifts, to snowmaking to the lodge made the place feel decrepit, not retro.
I was there on Thursday 2/23/17. The lodge was bright and inviting. Bathroom was clean; all urinals and toilets were in working order as far as I could tell. Workers in the lodge were friendly and helpful despite my enthusiasm and constant questioning. ;). The mountain skied remarkably well considering the (above average) temps all week. While perhaps lacking a continuous steep fall line, Magic has as much gnar factor as many of the larger, more well-known ski areas. The upper mountain is steep and rocky with jumps, cliffs and other natural features, which, with the right snowfall, become an expert skier’s playground paradise.
IMHO, getting the Black lift back was huge. Magic needs 2 summit lifts, given how old those chairs are. I think the only older chairs that reliable lifts are Halls. Those things are workhorses. At this point for Magic, snowmaking improvements must be their number one priority. Updating, repairing and replacing infrastructure such as pipes, compressors, guns, etc. and expanding and improving snowmaking terrain should be their most important task. They need to offer a good, consistent product from Christmas/New Years through President’s Day. Without that, there is no need for additional lifts. Even this year, other than President’s weekend were there any liftlines to speak of?
In my personal opinion, once they get there, they should consider putting in a new Green Chair lift and then perhaps changing the blackline to an upper mountain chairlift. They may need to extend Wand a bit so one would be able to access this new upper mountain Black Chair from Wand after riding the Green Chair. But again, IMHO, as long as new mgt keeps up with maintenance and repairs, new lifts can wait a bit until the mountain is back in the back.
Magic was the first place I skied about 47 years ago. I introduced my youngest to Magic on Thursday…and would love to be able to get the chance do the same to her kids in about 20 years or so. Long live Magic!
