MEADOWS BLOG

I would like to see a better front page for non-flash clients; at least an alternate image or something.  Login will help keep users in line.  Would like to see the grooming plan online during the season.

Maybe more girls would help?

Matt's reply:

David: Thanks for the post. We are going to change up the front page but still use a flash driven slide show which can be controlled to focus on the picture or information you want to see without having to wait through the location. We'll take a look at an alternate page without flash. Regarding grooming, before we start forecasting the plan, I think we need to do a better job communicating what is groomed, both on natural slopes and in the parks.

--Matt 

how about an update?

I'm still thinking about skiing. Am I the only one?

Matt's reply:

jamie: We'll be updating the blog to talk about some of the improvements going on this summer. Hang in there it'll be coming soon!

--Matt
 

Agreed.  On the mountain and website communication needs to be improved dramatically.  On the mountain communication is frustrating at the moment.  Lifties never even seem to have an idea of what is open and/or when it's opening.

I do agree with David that a projected mountain grooming/feature map would be very helpful in keeping expectations by us guests reasonable.  Especially for the parks and pipe.

A public forum dedicated to park/pipe feature requests, design exploration and feedback would be helpful too IMO.

Matt's reply:

nicbot: Great post. We are looking at ways to improve the communications, as I mentioned, to provide better real-time information to both our staff and guests. Forums regarding park construction have not fared well in the past - they tend to attract extreme opinions that pass judgment (in very short two to three word phrases) without providing much input on how to make improvements. This blog has been helpful in gaining feedback from guests about our parks and other operations.

Thanks for the post!

--Matt 

blog updates:

in 2007 there was a blog update in June, July and two in August.

Matt's reply:

jamie: Thanks for the post. An update is overdue.

--Matt 

Thanks Matt.

In regards to:

"Forums regarding park construction have not fared well in the past - they tend to attract extreme opinions that pass judgment (in very short two to three word phrases) without providing much input on how to make improvements. This blog has been helpful in gaining feedback from guests about our parks and other operations."

I agree that forum trolls and flamers are a big big problem with this sort of topic, but are also a problem with any open forum.  I think that the user registration will help to weed out some and with a little moderation this type of open discussion could yield good constructive feedback.  This will of course depend on what you will do with this information.  I guess a good question would be, is your park staff open to this sort of feedback and discussion in the first place?

I just feel that if you are truly dedicated to your online community then a moderated forum design would be most or more effective.  Currently I think the blog system is still a bit on the "News" or "what's happening" side and does not allow for proper feedback to be sorted through and evaluated.  I mean how much easier would it be for a guest interested only in what's happening on the Heather front to just click on the "Heather Canyon" forum thread and read through it?

Just a thought.

Thanks again for the respect and hard work Matt.

Nicbot: Thanks for the follow up. Our crews are open to feedback and suggestions and we do share the comments and opinions expressed here with our staff and management team. It does shape our decisions. But I would also encourage those who have ideas for improvements in terrain parks to talk to a staff member while at the ski resort. The Blog is a great place to exchange ideas, but the face-to-face conversation real time and real place allows a guest to show a staff member what they're talking about. It also allows a staff member to dialogue, explain why we may be doing something a certain way, and perhaps come up with an even better idea. I am impressed with our park crew - they are committed to creating and presenting a fun freestyle experience, they're talented and have a lot of park riding experience. We seek out this kind of input from our guests at the resort in all aspects of our operation and getting that personal critique, suggestion or compliment helps us make the experience better for all guests.

Thanks for the post!

--Matt