Powder Mountain Updates-Passes and Meters

[Augie]

I spoke with Powder Mountain management on Friday and I have some new info. In the past they have said that everyone needs a pass to kite there. This implied that you needed an all area pass that cost $50. The latest word is you only need to buy a Tiger Tow pass for $12. The Tiger Tow is a rope tow by the beginner hill and the ski school. They said that they realize no one is out there checking passes but the pass is really for liability/tresspass reasons. This may open up the area to those of you who want to kite and have your spouse or kids ski at the same time.
There are also a few options they are looking at for a wind meter. They have to have one for the lift and it sits on the last tower before the top terminal. They will look into getting that meter on line since it already is operational. Other options are getting the existing meter working in the lodge, since there is already a gauge and hardware but they don't work. I don't like this idea since the lodge may not be there long. I also just heard Saturday that Les is now accessing the mystery meter on the ridge that was put there by one of the local universities.
I was riding there Friday in 20-25mph NW winds by myself and the new investors/owners were touring around. They really are interested in kiteskiing and I guess they stopped by to look and took some photos of me. The old management who were mildly opposed to kiteskiing is now 100% out of the business.

[lesvierra]

Auggie, the "mystery meter" is still a mystery meter. I was told by mesowest that it was originally installed by UDOT and handed over to Powder Mountain. Powder doesnt seem to know anything. Although they (UDOT) were collecting snotel snow data, they couldnt find historic wind data. So it remains a mystery to me anyways.

So does the new lift have a new meter at the top or are they evaluating the best place for a meter? The bad thing about having the meter for us at the last tower is it will be slightly obstructed by the lodge and ridge line to west and south winds ( I think). If it were on the lodge, that'd be a good place. When the lodge is replaced, the meter would have to be replaced since it is a lift requirement. Also, they wouldnt have to worry about new telemetry.

They probably already have all the expertise to do this, but if they need any help, let me know. Saw your tracks on Sunday, looked like you had a good time.