posted 04/18/10 06:31 PM | updated 04/24/10 06:42 PM
Featured Post! | Views: 1638 | Comments : 15 | Alpine & Backcountry Skiing and Snowboarding

Sterling Silva: Great Reviews for 1st Ski Season Under New Sun Valley GM (video)

By davechase
(0 votes) ( report abuse ) ( add your comment )
Tim Silva (Sun Valley Resort's GM) photo courtesy of Sun Valley Resort

Update: Several comments have come in from locals, tourists, community leaders and the head of the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation. See below.

Valley locals are a critical bunch when it comes to the goings-on of the Sun Valley Resort. There's a lot of chairlift quarterbacking that goes on when it comes to assessing how Baldy and Dollar are run. Thus, it's an unusual event when you hear nary a negative word about the running of the mountain which has been the case in this 1st season with Tim Silva as the General Manager of the resort.The buzz is also building beyond the valley. I've heard people when I've been in Seattle commenting on how Sun Valley is going through a renaissance of sorts. The numbers don't lie either. Despite what may be the toughest economy in the resort's history (outside the war years), they posted strong skier days with over 405,000 skier days making it one of the 4 strongest in the last 10 years.

Photo Courtesy of Sun Valley Resort

I've asked a bunch of people what they thought of Silva's debut season and there's been a wide variety of things that they have been happy to share why they are excited about what's going on with the ski hills. The following is a list of the items that people have talked about as a positive:

 

  • People have raved about the terrain park at Dollar. It's obvious it has brought a whole bunch of kids back from Baldy to Dollar to have fun.
  • Evening Rail Jams at Dollar were entertaining
  • Kids skier cross race. Not only were there a lot of kids participating, I was there when the race was over. It seemed like the entire mountain flocked to the skier cross course like it was fresh powder in the bowls. My kids didn't want to do anything else the rest of the day.
  • Bringing in busloads of people from surrounding areas such as Twin Falls, Pocatello and many other communities. Talking to some of them, they didn't feel welcome at Sun Valley before and now they do. In the process, the resort created an army of evangelists raving about their Sun Valley experience.
  • End of season pond skim at Dollar Mountain. I've never seen Dollar and the streets surrounding so jammed. Hats off to the city of Sun Valley for letting people parked on the road for that huge afternoon event.
  • The Monster/Scott event.
  • Reaching out to college kids with attractive passes.
  • The final day free for all pass holders was a nice touch to cap off the season.

We invite you to share your thoughts below on what differences you have seen with Silva at the helm.

Update: Comments (see below) are flowing in from many locals including Rob Santa (owner of Sturtevants/Sturtos), Curtis Bacca (owner of The Waxroom and tech for the top skiers/snowboarders in the world - Seth Wescott, Lindsey Jacobellis, etc.), Don Wiseman (Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation Executive Director), Carol Waller (head of the Sun Valley Ketchum Chamber) and others.

Pond Skim Highlights Rail Jam Highlights

SVSEF Freestyle Team in Dollar's Terrain Park

Monster/Scott highlights shot by Mark Oliver

Monster - Scott USA - Snow Park Technologies - Sun Valley from Mark Oliver on Vimeo.

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Tim is a mountain man
I think Tim's had a very positive impact. He's a skier and mountain-biker who appreciates our extraordinary natural environment, and basically 'gets it' on the business end. We may be seeing a refreshed approach and synergy between the resort company and the rest of the community. We can all benefit by a mutual realization that the remarkable classic infrastructure created by Earl Holding and SVC is greatly complemented by the color and messy vitality of our real mountain towns. The local economy is best served by a marketing partnership between SV Company, Ketchum, Hailey and the people of the valley. Tim Silva has indicated a willingness to move in a very constructive direction and will be supported in kind.
Comment by Rob Santa
April 18, 2010
( +1 votes )
Sun Valley a better value this year
In the past, I bought the early late and the 20 day pass, thinking that the full pass was not worth it. This year with the lower price for the full pass I bought it and it was definitely a great value. I skied more this year than I ever thought I could and had a great time.
Comment by Michael Burchmore
April 18, 2010
( 0 votes )
Optimistic about Sun Valley's future under Tim Silva
Three main things struck me about this ski season under Tim's management:

1. Friendliness and customer service! All employees made efforts to say hello, be friendly and genuinely concerned if you were enjoying your experience on and off the mountain! Not only does this exemplify the commitment to strive for 100% customer satisfaction but I truly believe the employees are happier too. It's clear he empowers people and that it is paying off!

2. I often saw Tim on the mountain, chatting with lift operators, guests and checking things out. For instance, I noticed Tim walking around Seattle Ridge Lodge, on the deck and inside, taking everything in, making sure things were right, even picking up trash from the floor. His attention to detail illustrates a commitment to making Sun Valley recognized as a first-class ski resort.

3. Offering more in terms of pricing, deals and, of course, the terrain park on Dollar! Tim recognizes the need to attract the youth market and Dollar's many features was a clear hit! Besides, we all loved seeing Tim pond skim.

Tim's a pragmatic man, he's openly acknowledged the challenges the industry faces in general as well as those specific to Sun Valley. I, for one, feel optimistic about our future with Tim as General Manager. It seems Tim is an effective team builder as well; it is my observation that Wally, Jack, Rick and everyone at the company seem to be enjoying working together. Thank you to Tim and everyone at the Company for a fabulous 2009-2010 ski season!
Comment by Joy Kasputys
April 18, 2010
( 0 votes )
Fresh start for Sun Valley!
One scenario sums this up:
Free day for locals on the last day of the season! When would SVCo have ever done that before?! We welcome the fresh start!
Comment by Jason Fry
April 18, 2010
( +1 votes )
Much improved vibe in Sun Valley
I was very impressed by the first ski season under Tim Silva's management. He definitely understands the heartbeat of skiing & snowboarding. He has the ball rolling in trying to change Sun Valley image. He made a very smart decision hiring Snowpark Technologies to build the terrain park & pipe. The whole vibe and attitude has already changed in just one winter. The morale of the employees seems to be the best I have seen in 25 years. It is only the first season and more needs to be done, but I feel things are heading in the right direction. I get to work around the globe with the US Ski team & now the US Snowboarding team, this allows me to see and experience many of the worlds top destination resorts. Sun Valley has always been home, but in the past it was like stepping back in time when I returned home. Ninety percent of my athletes and friends from around the US and the world have never been here and know nothing about Sun Valley. I feel now with Tim's new management, it will give more people a reason to come visit Sun Valley.
Comment by Curtis "Waxroom" Bacca
April 19, 2010
( 0 votes )
It's a whole new Sun Valley!
I have worked on the mountain for three years. I have lived and skied here my whole life. This year was Special. Even with the lack of snow, the mountain was well maintained and always fast and fun, just the way I like it. This year SV resort sold discounted day passes through Costco all over southern Idaho, which brought in a whole new crowd of first time visitors. There is nothing better than seeing someone’s expression after the first time they rip down Warm Springs. They now know why this place is so special and I bet you they will be back next year. I skied 80 days on both hills this year. With the new terrain park keeping me busy, I could ride another 80, no problem!
Thanks Tim for a great season!
Comment by nthompson
April 19, 2010
( 0 votes )
WOW
Tim Silva and Peter Stearns have done a spectacular job this winter. Although it was a well below average snowfall, it was hard to tell with the superb snow-making and grooming. Add to that, a new and improved employee attitude, and Sun Valley will be reaping huge rewards in future ski seasons. I'm looking forward to next season, and to the upcoming summer events. Tim and Peter are an example of the saying, "change is good". Well done.
Comment by Ed Simon
April 19, 2010
( +1 votes )
Wally & Tim Show - Proudly Sponsored by WREP
When SVCO decided to get Wally some help, they couldn't have done better than choosing Tim Silva to be GM. Wood River Economic Partnership is proud to work side by side with members Tim Silva,Wally Huffman and Rick Hickman trying to create a more vibrant economy for the entire valley. We can learn from Silva's focus on Customer Satisfaction and create similar positive results in our own businesses. The incredible turnout in the Limelight Room for our presentation of "Wally & Tim Show" on the 14th shows that the community is hungry for information about the future direction of our valley's largest employer and driver of the tourist economic engine. THANK YOU TIM & WALLY for all you do that we benefit from. And thanks to the Holdings for making it happen.
Comment by DougBrown
April 19, 2010
( 0 votes )
Sun Valley's awesome improvements!
I have lived in Boise for 23 years & have skied at Sun Valley a few weekends a year ever since I moved here. This season was Sun Valley's best ever. I was so impressed that our family (& many others we know) will be spending a LOT more time at Sun Valley in the future. Here's why:
1. The terrain park was much improved. Our son competes in freestyle/freeride skiing & he wants to ski where jumps are safely designed, big & properly maintained. This past season was a HUGE improvement in this area.
2. The superpipe. Earlier in the season, Sun Valley's pipe was incredible. The resort kept the pipe open through closing &, even though it was smaller near the end, it was still good enough to host sanctioned competitions through spring skiing. With Tamarack closed, Sun Valley has the only halfpipe in the area. That's a major selling point.
3. The freestyle/freeride coaches. Andy Ware, Joey Cordova, Ben Verge & their assistant coaches were awesome to all of the freestyle/freeride competitors, no matter what teams they skied for. Ware is an excellent leader. Cordova & Verge are masters of technique & are also the kind of coaches kids want to be around. Great staff!
4. The employees' attitudes. Ticket sales people were friendly & helpful--even suggesting discounts being offered to see if we qualified. This was not our experience in the past.

Suggestion: offer affordable packages that appeal to skiers who work in Boise but want to regularly make the trek to SV to ski.
Comment by Sam Sandmire
April 20, 2010
( 0 votes )
Tim Silva and the Jazz Jamboree
We have been involved with the Sun Valley resort for almost 21 years now. The relationship that my father in law, Tom Hazzard and Wally had was the basis for the now world famous Sun Valley Jazz Jamboree. Over the years this event has evolved, as have the relationships that make it happen. It has always been good, and we consider it a privilege to work with the resort’s great team. But as of today we look toward an even better future than we have had a past.

We were a bit apprehensive going into our 20th Anniversary Jazz Jamboree, wondering if the transition might be a bit rocky. As we began working with Tim Silva, our apprehension became excitement, as a sense of partnership and teamwork evolved.

The relationship that started with Tom and Wally now falls to Tim, my wife, and me. We are thrilled at the opportunity to work with him, and see just what we can do together to bring new people to the valley to enjoy a week of great music, dancing and fun. We look forward to the promise of a deeper relationship with Tim and many hours of Jazz in October for years to come.

Jeff Loehr,
Director
Sun Valley Jazz Jamboree
Comment by Jeff Loehr
April 20, 2010
( 0 votes )
Tim is and will be great
Tim understands the situation (visitor count needs to increase) and he is keeping to the fundamentals: understanding what the customer wants and is interested in; and how to get them here - the transportation question.

The Wood River Valley is special place. We have so much to offer. I believe Tim will succeed in the long run. He'll make some mistakes, but he'll also recover and redesign quickly.

I could keep going on but I would be repeating a simple thought: Tim is and will be great.
Comment by Don Wiseman, Executive Directo
April 21, 2010
( 0 votes )
Thank you
Sun Valley is wonderful place, but, beautiful buildings themselves don't sell the experience. Happy, smiling, and welcoming attitudes will. Thanks to Tim for the differences he's making and to all the managers and most especially to the Holdings for all they give to our community.

Happy Spring.
Comment by Maureen McGonigal Patterson
April 21, 2010
( 0 votes )
GRATITUDE FOR GREAT SEASON TO TIM & SUN VALLEY CO!
It is no small feat that in tough economic times, and with less than optimal snowfall, Sun Valley would have such a great season! The first-class resort amenities and programs built over the years by the Holding family and Wally Huffman plus the new events, energy and continued improvements ushered in by Tim and the rest of the awesome Sun Valley team this past season have been enjoyed by more visitors and more locals, and most importantly those visitors and locals have had a very positive experience. And that is exactly what we need for the future of our destination. More "brand advocates" spreading the word to others about this very special place.

Thank you Sun Valley!
Comment by Carol Waller
April 21, 2010
( 0 votes )
The last Day of the Season
What a wonderful gift to Make the last day FREE on Baldy. It was such a joyous day for me, my daughters and my grand children. Not only was the weather beautiful but to be able to all go on a mountain that I was attracted to way back in the 50's. I fell in love with Sun Valley, Idaho when I first saw the picture of the Sun Valley Opera House with the snow carvings in the 1948 Minneapolis Tribune Travel section. I felt honored to be an employee of Union Pacific and ride the train here to be employed. Last sunday, the beautiful day made me well aware of sun Valley's progress. My first day to ride the gondola and do a run from the top with a Grandson, Emmet making his first run down Baldy on the last day. Thanks for the Memory and Hospitality! You are doing a great job!
Comment by Mrs Bill (Betty) Grant
April 21, 2010
( 0 votes )
Mountain management
I am great fan of Sun Valley, in particular I'm a Snowbasin skier a Sun Valley resort in Ogden Utah. I've alway thougth that Sun Valley managed a mountain better than anybody else. It seems that the new manager is exceptionally good. I wish he would take a drive down south a help out at Snowbasin. This year the mountain managment was not up to standards. I would hope that there is some synergy within the company, you would think so with all the branding they do. There is still a ways to go. Again I'm a life long Snowbasin and Sun Vally skier and want the best from both resorts.Keep up the good work!
Comment by JeFf williams
May 08, 2010
( 0 votes )
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