Life can throw plenty of curveballs our way, and over the years, I have always made it a point to keep a positive outlook. It is an approach that has served me well. When faced with challenges—whether my own or those of family and friends—I have often said, “Be thankful; things could always be worse.” And let’s face it, sometimes they are. I start with this sentiment to emphasize that what follows is a disappointment, not a complaint.

For many years, I have been a proud passholder at Blue Mountain Resort. Their 5×7 Pass, which offers excellent value for skiing and snowboarding, is a perfect fit for those of us who live locally and can hit the slopes during the week. Blue Mountain’s snowmaking and grooming teams are exceptional, delivering some of the best snow conditions in Ontario. And their staff? Consistently friendly and welcoming—a rarity these days.

That is why it pains me to point out an issue that has long been overlooked: the condition of the parking lot adjacent to the Village, known as Lot P2. This lot has been in a deplorable state for years. It is a minefield of potholes, some several inches deep, making it a challenge to navigate even at the slowest speed. It is hard to reconcile this with Blue Mountain’s otherwise high standards for customer service and guest experience.

Last week, my wife and I visited the Village to shop for a Christmas gift, and driving through Lot P2 was, as always, an ordeal. A few days later, after a snowfall when I retuned to ski, the potholes were temporarily filled, not with gravel but snow. While this quick fix improves things for the moment, the next thaw will bring the craters back. For a business that prides itself on excellence, it is surprising and disappointing that such a glaring issue has gone unaddressed.

First impressions matter in any business. Just as curb appeal is vital when selling a home, the condition of a parking lot speaks volumes about a company’s attention to detail and care for its patrons. A pothole-ridden lot not only leaves a bad impression but also poses a hazard to vehicles and pedestrians, especially at night when visibility is limited.  Trudging through this mess wearing ski boots is unpleasant at best. Further, every year when you purchase your Season’s Pass, the resort requires you to sign a waiver which is essentially a “Release of Liability”  which I fully understand.  At the same time the resort takes ample precautions to maximize safety on the slops.  Waiver or not, why not extend some attention to maintaining a parking lot so as to prevent a slip and fall for not only ski and snowboard patrons but for general visitors to the Village as well.

So, what is the solution? While I am no expert, regrading the lot seems like a straightforward, fast, and cost-effective option. Regular maintenance would enhance the experience for visitors, improve safety, and reflect the high standards Blue Mountain is known for.

Adding to the frustration is a new development: parking fees. Blue Mountain has introduced charges for Lot P2. The first hour is complimentary, but after that, it is $15 for up to 12 hours and $30 for 12 to 24 hours. For those planning a day of skiing, snowboarding, or even just a meal or shopping trip, this adds a significant expense.

Adult day passes at Blue Mountain range from $79 to $137. Tack on a $15 parking fee, plus travel and dining costs, and a family outing to ski and or snowboard quickly becomes prohibitively expensive for many. It is hard to justify paying for parking in a lot that has long been neglected.

The situation extends to the lot east of the Westin Hotel off Gord Canning Drive, owned by Freed Developments. Based in Toronto Freed owns Horseshoe Valley and Deerhurst Resorts and others. Payment there requires scanning a QR code, further complicating the experience. Freed’s signage reads, “Redefining the Village,”  It is clear this redefining comes with added costs but those costs will be regained via the real estate sales that Freed will see when they start selling and building the resort hotel units they have planned on what is now vacant land.

Visitors should be aware of these changes, which are detailed on Blue Mountain’s website. As for me, I will be avoiding these lots going forward. Whether skiing, dining, or enjoying summer activities at the resort, the additional parking fee is a deterrent.

It is worth asking: Is this what Blue Mountain’s founder, Jozo Weider, envisioned for the resort? Having skied at Blue Mountain since the 1970s and lived in the area for over 35 years, I have witnessed significant changes, not all of them positive. This latest initiative feels like a shift away from accessibility and toward exclusivity. Signage on the property by Freed reads “Redefining the village.”  It begs the question, what is wrong with it now”  Both in the winter as well as in the other seasons, the Village is full of people enjoying dining, shopping along with the myriad of activities that Blue Mountain offers year round.

Only time will tell how it affects the resort, businesses in the Village and its visitors, but for now, it is a disappointment I will take into account when planning future visits.  In the meantime my visits to ski with winter will force me to park in other locations around the resort where parking is no charge.  As a season passholder, I feel I have already paid and unless I am mistaken, I am sure others will feel the same.

As always I look forward to your comments.  Please feel free to Contact Me if toy have any questions.

NOTE: The author is a Broker, Market Value Appraiser-Residential with Sotheby’s International Realty Canada and a Past President (2008) of the Lakeland’s Association of REALTORS®.