Where is everybody?

With the arrival of the new, four-banger chair, all the additional lodge space, and new buildings, some skiers and riders may have been concerned with Whitewater maintaining its charm and manageable lift lines. Was our little beloved hill somehow going to be transformed into a mega resort? 

Things were a little worrisome between Christmas and New Years when some of the lift lines grew to 10-15 minutes (they'd be categorized as "minor" at other resorts).  And then, something happened. Hello 2018 and bye-bye  lift lines. I have skied five of the last eight days, the snow has been excellent—and there have been NO lift lines.

I'm admittedly a little conflicted. The skiing has been so high quality I want to share it with as many people as possible. Conversely, I really, really cherish the lack of crowds and available first tracks. Judging from the full parking lots, there's a "have your cake and eat it too" scenario happening: the hill is absorbing the crowds, many people are enjoying first tracks and, they are nowhere to see seen. It's part of the magic of Whitewater that has stuck, regardless of the new lift and amenities. Phew.

This snap, taken mid-January, is what we want to see. No lift lines (good for skiers), yet parking lots are full (good for business).                                       

Our season is far from over (I know, don't even mention the "o" word), but it looks like the improvements to the hill are just that. Improvements. A comfy four-person summit chair, a spacious, far-from claustrophobic main lodge, the spanking new "Glory Lodge", better guest services AND no perceivable increase in the size of lift lines.  Whitewater's charm prevails. Thank the heavens, thanks Whitewater and thanks everybody.