Wednesday, February, 25, 2009

Man, The Camel and I are finally getting our feet (and hooves, I suppose) back on the ground.  Last weekend, was another whirlwind, and star-studded happening.  Flat out, the word is out...Camelback is the place to be and be seen.

On Saturday, we hosted our annual Corchnoy Memorial Ski Race.  We had over 150 of the regions elite out here rippin' down the Pocono Raceway.  Making a guest appearance was former U.S. Ski Team member, past Olympian and current pacesetter for NASTAR, AJ Kitt.  AJ seemed to be enjoying his afternoon on the sunny slopes of Camelback.  Obviously, racing is near and dear to his heart, and it was obvious that his enthusiasm and expertise was making a positive impression on the racers.  He even took some time to tip his hat to Camelback for the course set-up and conditions.

On Sunday, Camelback closed down the President's Holiday week with an exciting, and aptly named, "Jib for George Rail Jam."  Close to 100 competitors came out to stomp their stuff.  Our phenomenal suite of sponsors, including, Liquid Lightening, Burton, The Loft and Nike 6.0 dropped a heap of swag. 

Speaking of hat tipping...The Camel and I have practically thrown our backs out tipping the proverbial beanie to our Mountain Manager extraordinaire.  While walking around campus this morning and enjoying the second cup of coffee, The Camel and I heard rumblings of the "A" word...as in April.  We did it last year, so there's every indication that we'll take a run at is again this year.  The King of Snow says we've got a ton of snow to get there...bring it Easter Bunny.  Plus, wouldn't it be a lot easier to drop the tax bill if you could spend the afternoon on the hill?  Who knows, who knows.  Mother Nature has been quite kind so far...maybe she has a few more gifts up her sleeve.

In any event, check the big board and mark the calendars.  We've got more in store.  Coming up we've got the Mt. Dew Vertical Challenge, the annual cardboard box derby, and of course, the fan-favorite, the Pondskimming contest.

With fingers and hooves crossed,

Ricky (and The Camel)

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Ding...Ding...Ding
(you need to use your harmonic imagination some, but that's The Camel's attempt to mimick the NBC chime).

In all due respect to our other great media partners (as they're all great friends to Camelback; and always welcome to bring their camera, I mean, skis or board with them) our friends from the various NBC affiliates have really begun to make themselves right at home here at Camelback.  For a moment, I thought it was my charm and wit.  Then, I realized they've just got a thing for frothing, furry sidekicks.

Last week, our buddies from down in Philly (remember the on-air snow ball fight?) were up and throwing some live footage back to The 10! Show.  The host with the most, Tim Furlong, got up on one of the slick Burton LTR boards and even found is way up into the terrain park.  Carhartt Willie & Co. had the park primed for its broadcast debut. Though all reports are still unconfirmed, The Camel is hearing rumblings of a possible celebrity rail jam.  A certain sports director says that he would carve another certain reporter up like a Thanksgiving Turkey and take him down like he did Jose Canseco.  All The Camel says is, "Bring it...let's draw a line in the Snow!"

Not to be out done by our phriends phrom Philly, our local NBC affiliate, WBRE was out here yesterday with their morning team.  Eva, Doug and Kristi had a great time skiing and tubing (check out their chatter on Facebook)...keep an eye out during the coming weeks to catch a great story documenting their visit.  If you've ever seen this team in action on-air, it should be no surprise that the weather gal is the one in the uber-chic pink pants, pink scarf, pink gloves, and of course, pink hat and pink shades.

Remember, this weekend we've got two more great events planned...on Saturday we will host the annual Corchnoy Race showcasing some of the regions elite J1, J2, J4 and J5 studs and studettes.  And, on Sunday, we will bring a dramatic close to the President's Holiday with our "Jib for George."  All details can be found on the big board at skicamelback.com.

In this corner...weighing in at ....

Ricky (and The Camel)

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Dude, technology works; flat-out technology makes life easier.  No doubt, there may be bumps in the road (vista, y2k, sorry Motorola, but my "Q" ain't quite doin' the trick) but in the end, technology works.  Hey, "Bluetooth Bobby" isn't it more fun to manage the ol'inbox via touchscreen slacker-berry while on a lift than shackled to a desktop?

But, don't just take my word for it...for all you critics who dismiss the kool-aid-marketing-fluff, take it from the mother of four that I just chatted with down in the Salomon Burton Rental Center.  (Cue Public Service Announcement music) Please remember, The Camel and I tell a lot of stories, but we don't lie; they're all true. 

Here's the deal...family of six comes to Camelback on the Saturday of President's Weekend.  I know, I know, for some of you, this may sound like as much fun as shopping on Black Friday, but listen, they licked the system and had grins as big as googles to prove it.  

They harnessed the power...bought everything online (including rentals), picked everything up at will-call and went into the rental shop to find their equipment waiting for them and labelled by name.  And I am not just talkin' last name...first and last...Mom, Dad, little 'un 1, little 'un 2, little 'un 3 and little 'un 4 (names withheld for privacy, of course) Are you kidding me?  Labelled by name and waiting?  Dude, technology works, period.  It's five to nine and they're already on the snow.

While I was chatting it up with the guests, The Camel was getting the straight scoop from the staff.  Today, over 250 people have rental equipment ready, labelled and waiting for them.   Okay, okay so maybe your reading this and bummed that you didn't also take advantage of this killer new service.  Well, indirectly, you have.  Think about being #251 in line.  In the past, you're steaming.  Today, those 250 in front of you, well, they aint' there...just like that, you're #1.  Can you hear me now?  Can you hear me now?! TECHNOLOGY WORKS.

Scootin' through lines,

Ricky (and The Camel)

Friday, February 13, 2009

I've already openly acknowledged that The Camel is a fairly sophisticated fella.  Still, he never ceases to surprise me.  This morning, stuck to my coffee mug (like some Valentine's Day honey-do list), were a couple of quotes from President's Washington and Lincoln.  I'm not exactly sure what he's trying to tell me, so I figured I'd share them with you.

The first one was from our first President, General Washington:
"If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter."

This little nugget of wisdom was followed by a quote from President Lincoln (this is the one I can't quite figure):
"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt."

Man, I still can't figure out what he's trying to tell me.

In any event, I'm doing all I can to grind my way through this Friday the 13th...not my favorite.  But, boy, am I looking forward to Valentine's Day.  I'm still deciding for The Camel, roses or chocolate?  Perhaps he'll just get nothing and like it!

What I am looking forward to is the upcoming President's Holiday...the wind is dying down, more seasonable temperatures are returning, we've got a blue-bird day out there and our master White Ops team is poised to launch another snowmaking offensive, just to freshen her up a bit.  Don't forget, despite the recent little bump in temps we are still running on 100% of the Mountain: 34 trails / 2 terrain parks / 2 halfpipes. 

Some great events are planned...Captain Morgan will be in town on Sunday, so beware of a band of impersonators.  Remember, the first 50 over 21 dressed in full Pirate regalia will ski/ride for FREE.  Just so you can spot the "real" Captain, rumor has it that he's a "pin-head." 

Next Sunday, the 22nd we're hosting the first in a series of rail jams.  Cleverly enough, this one will be called, The Jib for George...hey, it is President's Week afterall.

I'm afraid that shortly The Camel is going to request his own secret service detail.

Hail to the Chief,

Ricky (and The Camel)

Wednesday, February, 4, 2009

I know I'm gonna get some flack from all you E-A-G-L-E-S and Big Blue fans, but you've got to give it up to Big Ben and the boys, they did The Commonwealth proud.  Not to play second fiddle, ol' Punxsutawney Phil did his part as well and has predicted six more weeks of winter.  That's great news for those of us in the winter-sports-marketing-world...P-Phil any time you need some lift tickets just give The Camel and me a call.

It certainly seems like the eyes of the world have been on PA lately.  With the conditions we've had it's no wonder.

In advance, accept my apology if this post lacks the usual wit and wisdom you've come to crave, but the creative one (yes, The Camel) has been out on the hill schlepping around and getting ready for an epic weekend (rumor has it, he even tried to hop in the new, tricked-out Prinoth Bison X, but Carhartt Willie had other thoughts).  Check the line up:

• The Midd-Atlantic Snowboard Series is returning for their 9th year and is hosting  a boarder-cross, slope-style and halfpipe competition
• Allegheny College is holding a race
• The Korean-American Association of NJ will be out here all weekend hosting a fabulous cultural exchange.  If you have yet to try Korean BBQ, you are in for a killer treat..Kom-Bei, my friends, Kom-Bei!

More information on all these events can be found back on the big board...skicamelback.com

Early reports are suggesting that this may be one of the biggest and best weekends at Camelback ever.  Don't forget, next weekend we have a great event planned with Captain Morgan...The 'Real' McCoy will be here, yes, the real-deal national Captain will be here with a treasure chest of swag.  The first 50 pirate impersonators over 21 will be eligible for FREE skiing or boarding, plus some exclusive face time with the man.