Robert Drake

SAM: You guys had a near miss with a fire this summer, tell us about it.

Robert Drake: We did. The Cascade Fire started at the far end of the West Fork Canyon behind the resort and quickly made its way down canyon toward us. It started over the weekend when there are typically not a lot of people on the mountain over the summer, however we could see the smoke from our house in town and immediately started making phone calls and headed up to our offices. The Fire Chief immediately notified us of the fire and potential dangers to Red Lodge Mountain. Several members of our crew were on site throughout the fire evacuating all items of importance (historical items, computers, accounting files, etc.). In the end, thanks to an outstanding effort from firefighters and Forest Service crews we only had a few spot fires in the Headwaters area of the resort.

SAM: Did the ski area have a wildfire strategy in place? If so, tell us about it. If not, would this be something you'd suggest western resorts to consider?

Drake: We did not have a wildfire strategy in place. We definitely recommend resorts come up with a strategy even though it is a timely and expensive undertaking. We brought in a wildfire expert after the fire to discuss future development guidelines, thinning guidelines and infrastructure protection.

SAM: How did the local community respond to the emergency?

Drake: The support from our local community was amazing, to say the very least. Everyone recognizes the value of Red Lodge Mountain Resort and its contribution to the health of our local economy. The Fire Commander and our local Fire Chief had assured us that saving Red Lodge Mountain was a high level priority. Every effort possible would be made by dedicating all available resources to the protection of the ski area from Hotshot Teams, bulldozing two miles of fire line on the ridge, helicopters, ground support teams and a large number of scouts; the team effort was amazing.

SAM: And when the burn was controlled, what was left?

Drake: Everything. In the end, we were not affected by the fire as a resort.

SAM: Looking into the future, Red Lodge has a lot on tap. Tell us about the investments you've made over the summer.

Drake: We are in the beginning stages of a future growth spurt for Red Lodge Mountain. Over the summer we invested $2.5 million into the resort. Improvements include lift upgrades-we're doing complete electrical upgrades and retrofitting Miami Beach, Willow Creek, Grizzly Peak and Midway Express, with new drives, motors, electrical wiring components and controls. We're also doing electrical preventative maintenance on Cole Creek and Palisades lifts. New comline and individual tower detection for the Triple Chair are also part of the upgrade process.

We're also installing a conveyor lift in our learning area and we're upgrading the seating on all double chairs with lift pads. We've also painted three lifts. The Triple Chair, Willow Creek and Miami Beach all have fresh coats of paint.

Our summer trail crew was also busy. They've removed trees, shrubs and rocks on most of Lower Mountain; and are currently working on Lazy M and then on to Latigo.

Base area improvements include a fresh coat of paint on all structures, new rental and demo equipment, a new deck and brand new furnishings inside and out for our Bierstube. And the main lodge will have new deck furniture as well. We've also added new recycling centers around the base area.

We've also improved our snowmaking with 14 new automated snow guns.

SAM: And plans for the future, what is going on with the Red Lodge master plan?

Drake: We have hired a new master planning firm and are in the process of planning and revising our old master plan now.

SAM: Obviously ownership is committed to making improvements. How will the current economic situation impact Red Lodge? Do you see any major issues on the horizon?

Drake: So far, so good. It's business as usual at RLM and JMA Ventures. Our new owners are fully committed to the future of Red Lodge. I believe the current economic situation could actually benefit us this season as we are still offering some of the lowest priced ski and stay packages around and it's going to be the deal folks are looking for. Where else can you ski and stay starting at $43.50 per person/per day for the amount of terrain and vertical we offer?

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