HR Interview of Laszlo Vajtay - Owner of Plattekill

We're currently working with Laszlo on an interview.  We've already asked him a ton of questions, but we're interested in hearing your input.  If you have questions for Laszlo or Danielle, that you'd like included please post them below.

    What  % of operating cost goes to snowmaking?

    What are his thoughts about blowing snow, when you know rain and warm weather in the forecast?

    How do you retain your seasonal help?

    Insurance cost?

    Competing with Hunter and Bell?

    Do you make money?

    How much does MTB contribute to your revenue..percentage?

    Do you enjoy running a ski area?

    Can the terrain at Platt be expanded?

    I have more. Looking forward to reading the interview.

Laszlo wrote

I love the tower bar tables made of old lift towers, and the bar rail and door handles made of the old lift cable.  I'll be copying some of those designs — that is the best form of flattery

What other ideas, if any, inspired you to do something different to Plattekill from your visit to Jay?

How many days a season do you ski? How many of those are not at Plattekill?

How come the webcam isn't always online after hours?

We bypassed the place once this year due not being able to see what took place overnight. Couldn't get a conditions report before we were already committed somewhere else early AM. If the cam was online this may not have happened

I've enjoyed reading yout TR from the perspective of an owner, thanks.

You made mention that..."There are locals who were pissed off about the new hotel, the RFID ticketing, the water park, tearing down the old hotel. They think Jay is going downhill fast and it's becoming another cookie-cutter resort, but I disagree. This is business"

Here at Greek Peak we're going thru the same thing. We have a new hotel, conference center, spa, H2O park and all the "fancy stuff" that goes along with such an animal. Right now the new "Adventure Center" is under construction with climbing walls, mountain roller coaster, zip line etc, etc.

There are many (myself included) that GP has lost their focus, or almost even have neglected what has gotten them there, and IMO, that's the skiing/hill. We've been promised a new lift for next year, well, it would appear that's on hold now due to lack of financing. Nobody will finance them for a new lift....that sucks as far as I'm concerned.

My question is: What would you do (as an owner) to (if nothing else) "dangle a carrot"  in front of your "jackass" skiers who only care about skiing.

Thanks...btw, I'm not complaining about GP, more venting. I love the place and will never leave.

I would like to know what your biggest start-up challenge was.  Also your biggest expense in start-up.  Has either paid off?  What would you do differently?

No questions here Harv, but I think as a ski community a great big Thank You to Platte, Laszlo and Danielle is warranted for their customer appreciation this past season.

The Face Book " ski free days " and the " bring friends for deeply reduced lift ticket price " days were really cool and unique. No doubt skiers felt the love. Who doesn't dig free tickets ? That's the bomb.

So, from all of us, please tell them.... Thanks!!! Platte rocks!!!

I want to second snowballs praise...I grew up skiing at Platte but now that I live up north I don't get down there enough anymore.  Facebook day ( the first of only three true spring days I got this year) was awesome as was the guided tour through the woods! Thanks Lazlo! but I do have questions...expanding on one of Jason's

Which turns a higher profit (percentage wise, if any) MTB or Ski?
Personally I have more fun on my skis than on my bikes but as an owner which season is more fun?  Stress levels, participation in season, are skiers or MTBers easier to deal with, etc
Is it easier to keep the ski trails or bike trails in good shape?
and lastly...Is there any snow left and is it skiable?

I will incorporate as many of these questions as I can. I can answer these:

sudsnbumps wrote

Which turns a higher profit (percentage wise, if any) MTB or Ski?

I asked Danielle this question on Facebook Day. MTB is barely a break even deal. They are really doing it to support the few local jobs it creates. Skiing is more profitable.

sudsnbumps wrote

Is there any snow left and is it skiable?

I asked this question of Laz Sunday night - he said several people hiked Platty over the weekend. He indicated that this is welcomed and encouraged. Looking at the webcam today though, I'd say they are done. Significant less snow than was showing on Sunday.

Jay Peak's name is resounding in the Eastern ski world and most serious skiers  have heard of this place. Here in Northeast Pa even with On the Snow, Snocountry... most skiers I run into at our home mountain SkiBB  still do not know Plattekill is on the map. Do you want to market this gem or are you content keeping this place underground. Droves of people crowd our tiny mountain on Holidays and could have a much better experience at Platt without a substantial drive.We would love to keep Platt for ourselves but just like a good fishing hole its too good not to share. Keep up the great work and thanks for the Free (other pass holders wkd) we enjoyed at the end of the season.