Saturday, December 27, 2008

In full disclosure, The Camel and I are among the first in line at the marketing department's kool-aid counter each morning.  This being said, you have got to see this new rental system in action.

This morning, The Camel and I decided to enjoy our second cup of coffee while taking a little hoof around campus.  We started in the spanking new Discovery Center Rental Shop.  This entire facility is dedicated to first-timers.  It's unbelievable -- the fleet of new Burton LTR boards is impressive and these Stiletto binding's for the women are hot with lines like a backroad in PA.  Still, as good as it is, it's really not about the gear down there.  The techs are so knowledgeable that even The Camel learned a thing or two (not surprisingly, he's "goofy" but with these new boards he didn't even need to know that to get started; they're set up neutral so that together, the instructor and rider, can sort it all out).  Here's the icing on the proverbial cake: there are ski and snowboard instructors waiting, yes waiting, right there for you -- yup, we've got lesson's on-demand.  Plus, once you go through the experience once, you automatically become a "preferred" rental customer.  In short, this means that the next time you come to Camelback it will be even easier.  When you're at the ticket window all you'll have to do is tell the ticket-seller that you are a "preferred" rental customer and you  will automatically begin bypassing lines.

After we went through the Discovery Center Rental Shop, we headed upstairs to the Salomon Burton Rental Shop.  At first, The Camel did a double-take because without a line out the door and people walking around in circles with rental forms the size of pizza boxes he thought he was in the wrong place.   This electronic system is super slick.  Again, once you go through it all the first time all your stats are recorded so that the next time you come it will be even faster.

Here's what really blew my mind.  So, The Camel and I are standing behind the counter watching the whole paperless thing in action.  A guy from Florida gets to the counter (again, no fumbling for paper forms) and before we know it he's on his way to pick up his boots.  So, The Camel and I decide to go on the lam and shadow him through the shop.  Half-way through, a lovely young lady and her angelic daughter (yes, both mother and daughter were smiling and happy in the rental shop) asked a quick question about their Triple Ticket and if there was a time that they had to return their equipment.  Being the PR guy, I say, "No, not really, that's one of the perks of our open-to-close lift ticket.  You can stay as long as you want and return your equipment whenever you want."  Mom was stoked, apparently at some other rental shop she had to stand in line at the end of the day; bummer, so 1.0.  Back to the guy from Florida, after answering this one quick question, The Camel and I head for the exit door...who's on his way to the lift, already?  Yup, Florida guy.  That was fast.

Admittedly, The Camel and I tell a lot of stories, but they are all true.  You can dismiss this as marketing fluff, or you can come out here and check it out yourself.

Feedback is always welcome,

Ricky (and The Camel)

P.S.  KC and his Sunshine Band have an unbelievable hot roast beef sandwich as the special over in the East Side Bistro.  Better get there before The Camel catches a whiff.

Friday, December 26, 2008

We had more terrain available today than we've had all season.  Perhaps more impressive  than the 120 + acres of terrain that was open, was how the new Salomon Burton Rental Shop and Discovery Center Rental Shop performed with one of the first "real" crowds of the season.  Early reports suggest than the online pre-registration is a super convenience and real time saver. 

The Camel and I would like to salute the 60+ skiing and riding Santa's that came out in force on Christmas Eve...as they say, though the weather outside may be frightful, nothing stops Santa on Christmas Eve; especially at Camelback.  For some great footage do that litle "google" thing to view a great story from our friends at WNEP.

A great debate has emerged...do you think the real Santa skis or rides?

FYI...tomorrow launches the season of live entertainment here at Camelback as The YMI duo will take stage inside the Thirsty Camel.

So, if you get bumped from behind, relax...it's probably The Camel, and he's with the band.

Ricky (and The Camel)

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

The Camel just came in with a scoop from White Ops (c'mon, that's the code name for our elite snowmaking team; just don't ask them who they are...they won't tell you).

30 Trails are scheduled to be open on Friday.
1 Halfpipe is scheduled to be open on Friday
2 Terrain Parks are scheduled to be open on Friday.

All hail White Ops,

Ricky (and The Camel)

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Let me tell you a little story about my day...

This morning, The Camel and I took a roadtrip.  Our good friends down at NBC-10 in Philly, the same folks who supply our webcam and live shots, invited us down for a spot on their morning show, The 10! Show.  It was killer, though The Camel did make a funny face when they took him to make-up.  I suppose he got even by acquainting himself  with the catering spread in the Green Room.

Being the creative one, I suggested we take a cooler full of Mother Nature's kindness down to our city friends; you know, take a little of the Mountain to the City (a clever PR stunt I thought).   Initally, The Camel was all for it and promised to be on his best behavior (on account of being so close to the Main Line and all).

The morning started out great...The Camel was a smash.  Tim, the host of the show was great.  He graciously got us talking about the phenomenal start to the season, our partnership with Burton...everything was smooth; for a couple of country boys, we were behaving like a couple of well-heeled sophisticates.   

I told Tim that we had a little gift, as it was the holiday season.  Out comes the snow.  Wouldn't you know, an old-time snowball fight breaks out on live TV.  While I'm trying to make nice, The Camel is peppering the cameraman. For a moment, I had flashbacks to the 700 section of the old Vet.  For not having opposable thumbs, The Camel has pretty good stuff.  All in all, we had a blast and our hosts were great sports.  As for the suit who came in behind us, well let's just say that  he didn't look to happy to sit in a wet seat.

Driving back up the Northeast Extension I look over to The Camel and ask, "Hey, how did you learn to throw like that?"

He looks back and says, "Dude, we were in Philly...ever hear of a couple of cats named Cole Hamels and Brad Lidge?"  Professorially, he concluded, "Kid, there is more to Philly than cheesesteaks and Independence Hall."

Here's to the First Amendment and snowball fights,

Ricky (and The Camel)

Saturday, December 20, 2008 (UPDATE)

Deep down, The Camel is really a softie.
He would like to remind everyone that on December 24, 2008 (Christmas Eve), all Santa's will ski or ride for FREE.
To be eligible, Santa's must be dressed in all of the following:

• Santa hat & beard
• Santa jacket or solid-colored red jacket
• Santa pants or solid-colored red or black pants
• ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST CHECK-IN BY 10 am (Free ticket will not be issued after 10 am)

In addition to being a softie, The Camel can get a little sentimental.  So, he would like to remind all participants to rendezvous in the base area at 11:00am for the ceremonial photo.  Just keep an eye out for all the folks dressed in red.

Did we mention that anyone meeting the aforementioned critieria will ski or ride for FREE!!

Please hide the miseltoe,

Ricky (and The Camel)