Steamboat Pilot & Today

I think the non-sale of the ski area to the Muellers is a disaster for the community of Steamboat Springs. We are stuck with a company that can't manage itself or get along with the community. It's beyond belief. I don't think $500,000 is enough money to compensate the Muellers for backing out of a deal the Muellers worked so carefully to put together.

If you believe B.J. Fair's comments in the press release and article by Tom Ross, I've got the Brooklyn Bridge for sale and it's right here in Steamboat. Who will trust ASC based on their past performance since they purchased Steamboat? Ask Tim and Diane Mueller for a start. How will the businesses adapt to the idea of having a company around that is so broke they will have no operating capital for Steamboat after Aug. 1, based on their recent financial statement. How does Steamboat deserve being called a "longstanding, world-class ski destination?" What has ASC done to improve the ski area since they purchased it, besides build a hotel that is not sold out and is on the wrong side of a busy road with a roof that leaks? As a member of the lodging community, I know what my business plan is for the future. Hunker down and hold on for a rough ride.

If everybody in town is so upset and disappointed that American Skiing is going to keep ownership of the ski area, then why don't we start a grassroots effort and rebel against ASC, demanding that they sell Steamboat to the Muellers. We can start with the newspaper, and also go to the chamber and the City Council. I think people would support this if someone would take time to organize it.

I'm calling in regard to the fall-through on the sale of Steamboat Ski and Resort Corp. I think something should be said to the disappointment that is felt by the employees of Steamboat Ski and Resort Corp. as well as the entire community. This is clearly a big negative for everybody. I would also like to say that the Muellers showed class and integrity with their letters in the newspaper. I think that something needs to be said about how frustrated and disappointed the Ski and Resort company employees feel.

While I, too, am disappointed that the sale of Ski Corp. did not go through, I think the emotion and anger being shown is disproportionate to the actual impact of the decision. This was a business decision, plain and simple. Everyone thinks the Muellers got a raw deal, but the bottom line is, if they would have offered more money for Steamboat, they'd own it right now. Anytime something seems too good to be true, it probably is. I think the Muellers found that out last week.

As long as there is good snow and short lift lines, I don't care who owns Steamboat.