Of course it's about money. It's always been about money...with a good dose of bulled headed stubborness thrown in. They originally bet on the prefer-no-snowboard clientele for their money...that obviously...over time...wasn't the best bet. Now they've changed their mind/had a "change of heart".
As much as I do, and have, disliked their previous stance...especially how they were incredibly adament and vocal about "100% Snowboard Free" and their whole crock about "Pure skiing"...to their credit, I've always admired the small family oriented focus of the hill. Focus on the skiing and families, the other stuff be damned.
Hopefully they can keep that vibe alive and welcome their snow loving cousins on one board in one stroke. I'm just guessing it'll take a little time for that to happen.
The worst thing that could happen is have it bought out by some soulless corporation that cares more about property developement and condo fees then the skiing...and then have some suit decide their corporate family needed a ski only jewel in their crown. It would have kept the ban alive for another decade or so.
Now, it stays with the historic family and opens it's hopefully accepting arms to the entire snow loving spectrum.
The truly best is if the owning family (The Blakes) will eventually come to decide that the ban was a bad decision in it's time, and that, when their coffers over flow with the new business, will decide that it wasn't just good for business, but also the vibe and feel of the mountain...and most importantly...for the culture/karma of snow lovers nation wide.
Considering I've waited over 15 years, had to ride inferior hills and cursed them aplenty. I might just make it, 1,500 miles away, for their...uh...not "opening"...but emancipation day.
It'll be a great day...for skiers and boarders alike.
And for those fans of SW boarding...a truly historic day not to be missed.
