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RESORT NEWS PAGENews of XC Ski Resortsand XC Skiing in North America(Updated on Feb 1, 2012) The XC Action Page will be updated regularly throughout the year. At last, there is a xc ski news service where cross-country skiing and snowshoeing enthusiasts will be able to learn about recreational events, programs, and special offers taking place at resorts throughout the USA and Canada. This service includes "Where's the Action?" blurbs and feature articles. For news about products go to the XC Style Page or click Equipment. An asterisk indicates the newest entries.
Glide Your Way to Romance - Valentines Getaways * Lapland Lake is Finn-tastic! * Snowmaking Becomes Imperative at XC Ski Resorts * New Owners at Garnet Hill Lodge * Ski for Light Week Set for 2012 NH Trail Pass Program Available * 1960 Olympic Nordic Event Legacy Ski For Heat Warms Hearts & Homes Gourmet Ski Tours - Feed Your Face without the Guilt * The Case for Skiing at Commerical XC Ski Resorts * Bohart Kids Science Program is AWE-some! Adventure Guides for a Great Winter Experience? Skijoring: Enjoying Winter Trails With Your Dog Milestones of Modern XC Skiing Smart Ski Travel Using the Internet Green Efforts at XC Ski Resorts Ski Walking - Get Ready for the Season Choosing a Destination XC Ski Resort
Newest AnnouncementsNew Owners at Garnet Hill Lodge in NY Garnet Hill Lodge in North River, NY (Gore Mountain area) was acquired by new owners on December 9 and the change was celebrated at an Open House on December 17. New owners Don Preuninger and Mindy Piper are from nearby Johnsburg and Minerva, respectively and they’re raring to go. The Garnet Hill Lodge is a rustic mountain lodge with the charm of a country inn. It’s in the southeastern central region of the Adirondacks, which was the home of the now inactive Hooper Mine that was established in 1893. The mine delivered the ore of the “Adirondack Ruby,” also known as garnet (the January birth gemstone). Many of the businesses around North Creek and the Gore Mountain area have counter top displays with homemade jewelry adorned with garnets. The cross country skiing and snowshoeing at the Garnet Hill Lodge is unique with its Tailings location on the property that is a multi-level open area sculpted with hills, open slopes, flat areas, and mountain vistas. Accommodations are in the lodge and in a loghouse and various cabins, too. There are about 70 miles of trails near the lodge and there’s backcountry skiing in the Siamese Ponds Wilderness Area. Garnet Hill Lodge opened during the holidays. Presently there are new rental and retail cross country ski and snowshoe products and trail improvements are underway, a snowcat was refurbished, and Chef Andrew returned to a redecorated dining room where his menu of fine cuisine will be served. Preuninger’s Pub features a variety of beer, wines, mixed drinks, specialty coffees, and dessert drinks to enjoy après ski. For more info, click Garnet Hill Lodge and check the owners’ blog at http://www.garnet-hill.blogspot.com/ VAIL Opens XC Ski Track Colorado’s Vail Mountain opened a 5-kilometer cross-country track at Eagle's Nest in late December. It is at the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola (No. 19), just west of the Pride Express Lift (No. 26) overlooking Mount of the Holy Cross. On a recent visit to the Vail region, the Vail Mountain xc ski track was not ready for prime time. XC skiers can check the Vail Nordic Center located in east Vail on the golf course for some trails on flat terrain among the million dollar mansions with scenic panaramas in eavery direction. While within earshot of vehicle traffic along I-70, the homes are neat to ski by and in front of one there's a cool statue of an Indian on a horse. A nearby destination is the Beaver Creek Nordic and Snowshoe Center where the lift is taken up to McCoy Park for nice trails with overlooks and warming huts. You can ski or snowshoe to lunch options, too. Beaver Creek and Vail are unique and among the don't miss experiences in the ski world is a stop at Gorsuch, a store for the well-to-do in both locations. Bike to School Day Scheduled for May 9, 2012 The National Center for Safe Routes to School has come to its senses by scheduling a Bike to School Day in the spring time. For a few years, it has scheduled the event (and will probably continue to) in October, which rarely works for schools in northern climates. Kids break out the bikes in the spring time so it makes sense to coordinate the Bike to School Day when kids are getting back on their bikes. October often is cold and dark for bicycling to school in northern regions and this may have hampered many programs that were intended to encourage kids to ride their bikes to school. Let's hope the spring date is a great success. WinterKids FunPass Offers Free Intro to Skiing and Snowshoeing in Maine The WinterKids organization in Maine gives kids in preschool through fourth grade a chance to try xc skiing or snowshoeing on groomed trails for FREE at 20 locations across Maine. The offer is for the kids to get a free trail pass three times. Lessons and rental equipment are not included and the accompanying parents are not discounted. The WinterKids program helps children develop healthy lifelong habits through fun outdoor winter activity. More info about programs such as the FunPass or the Passport can be found on the WinterKids Web site at http://winterkids.org/ Welcome Pass Offers Free Skiing to First Time Skiers The Welcome Pass is a new punch card available to first time xc skiers at select ski retailers that can be redeemed three times for a FREE trail pass at a participating xc ski area. The program was conceived by the trade organization named the Cross Country Ski Areas Association. There are now 75 xc ski areas honoring the card across the nation. A list of participating xc ski areas can be found at CCSAA Welcome Pass. Passes are non-transferable (can’t be shared with other skiers). The Burlington, VT retailer stated that “the pass has changed the discussion with the first time skier on the sales floor from price to the experience. It’s a terrific tool to create a life long participant.” Getting first timers to start at a commercial xc ski area on groomed trails with a lesson is key to a positive introduction to cross country skiing. It just makes the sport much easier compared to starting out on your own making your own tracks at a park covered in snow. Retailers that are offering the card include Akers Ski in ME, Cross Country Ski Shop and Cross Country Ski Headquarters in MI, SkiRack in VT, LL Bean in ME, ORS Direct on line, and West Hill in VT. The Value of Nearby Trails to Homes A University of Cincinnati study regarding a trail in the nearby metropolitan region showed a direct financial impact on residential property values in Hamilton County, Ohio. Using a research model it was found that from a real estate perspective, trails can have significant, positive spillover effects on property values when these properties are located within reasonable distances to the trails. Specifically, housing prices went up by nine dollars for every foot closer to the trail entrance. Devil's Thumb Ranch Honored Devil's Thumb Ranch in Tabernash, CO was named among the 2011 Best Hotels of the West and one of 25 best weekend getaways by Sunset Magazine (Oct issue). It also was called the top favorite for Best for Outdoors and properties under $250/night. Trapp Family Lodge Announces Backcountry Access Trapp Family Lodge has identified 2,500 acres and 40 km of back country terrain for laying tracks on un-groomed snow. The lodge offers a selection of back country equipment along with lessons and guided tours. There is a trail pass $22 for adults, $18 for Seniors and $14 for Juniors. Call in advance for gear rentals. Tuesday 1.5 hour clinics start at 9:30 AM for $30 and Saturdays for 2 hour guided tour for $40.For more info and pics click www.trappfamily.com/activities/backcountry. Just heard that Trapp Family Lodge plans to start snowmaking earlier this season, aiming for mid to late November. They look forward to testing out a new cutting edge fan gun that will increase season production- by up to six times previous productivity if temperatures allow. There’s a very experienced and motivated crew chomping at the bit- eager to see how the 2011-2012 winter will shape up. Keep apprised online via Facebook or www.trappfamily.com. Lighted XC Ski Trails in Mnpls Metro Area In the Minneapolis metro region lighted cross-country ski trails will be open and groomed for cross-country skiing from dusk till 10 p.m. daily at Cleary Lake Regional Park in Prior Lake; Hyland Lake Park Reserve in Bloomington; French Regional Park in Plymouth; and Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove. Survey in Colorado's Whiter River National Forest A recent survey in the White River National Forest, Colorado that was reported in the Summit County Citizen’s Voice looked at activity and impacts associated with visitors to the national forest. In more than 44,000 interviews it was projected that there were 9.12 million people that visited the White River National Forest in 2010 and alpine skiing was a primary activity of 78% of them. There was $14.5 billion spent by those visitors. To put it in perspective, there are a projected 170 million annual visitors to all national forests across the nation and 223,000 jobs are associated with these forests. The average total spending per person on each visit was $2,057. After alpine skiing, people visited the White River NF for viewing natural features (31.7%) and viewing wildlife (23.2%). Hiking was the second most popular form of recreation with 13.6% of the interviewees treading on the trails followed by cross country skiing (7.8%). The survey also showed that 43.8% of the visitors to the White River National Forest were between the ages of 40 and 59. Communities and businesses greatly benefit from activity in the national forests and the more that impacts are measured, the more that we can appreciate the value of these national forests for good management and preservation. Winter Olympics Venue Selected for 2018 The International Olympic Committee selected Pyeongchang, South Korea as the host of the 2018 Winter Olympic Games. Events will be held in the Alpensia mountains and on the Gangneung coastal area. You may remember that the 2014 Winter Olympics will be held in Sochi, Russia near the Black Sea. Food On the Go in Tahoe, CA Ski area operators at Tahoe XC in Tahoe City, CA are serving the xc ski-equivalent to “Meals on Wheels” with their Mobile Kitchen on Skis. Valli Murnane, marketing director of the area knows from experience that “Cross country skiing goes great with food,” so Tahoe XC schedules events such as “Breakfast on the Trails" for the early fitness skiers and has also used the mobile ski kitchen for lunches and private parties on the Tahoe trails. On a recent visit to Tahoe XC, I was treated to a delicious chicken and cheese flatbread sandwich with a choice of guacamole, chipotle sour cream, salsa, and other savory flavors. Taking the meal and a drink to a nearby picnic table was the cross country ski epitome of “the good life.” For years, cross country skiers and snowshoers have held a romantic image for the “wine and cheese” picnic along the trails. Now at Tahoe XC with scenic panoramas of the picturesque Lake Tahoe, they are delivering that experience with their mobile ski kitchen on the trails.
Kikkan Randall, US Ski Team and Olympic Team member from Anchorage, AK, is famous as the first American female to win a World Cup podium, victory, and world championship medal in cross country sprint races and she is working with fellow international ski star Petra Majdic to help people in the affected areas of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami. Top athletes wrote messages of support to the Japanese and were on TV to encourage other athletes and industry partners to pledge donations. In the pic, that's Kikkan on the right next to the XCSR editor with fellow Olympian Kris Freeman on the left. See www.skiershelpingjapan.com Aspen's Ashcroft Ski Touring Proposes Overnight Lodging According to an Aspen Times story on PostIndependent.com, Ashcroft Ski Touring outside of Aspen in the upper Castle Creek Valley has proposed to construct five guest huts (500-800 square feet each) near the Pine Creek Cookhouse. Two existing housing units would also be converted to guest huts. The huts would contain no kitchens and they would there are plans for wood-burning fireplaces to heat water, solar panels for heat, and micro-hydro turbines and small wind turbines to generate electricity. The huts are intended for a three-night minimum stay to hold down on traffic and they would be used for a camp in the summer. As might be expected, there are some people who oppose this development on environmental (no growth) grounds. The Pitkin County Planning and Zoning Commission will decide about the proposal after an updated assessment of avalanche risk and several years of Pine Creek Cookhouse records can be reviewed. Mountain Top Named Most Pet Friendly Resort In most of these xc ski area dog offerings there is a trail fee for both the skier and the dog. Check the area’s policy because some allow dogs to run loose while others require a leash or harness. There are some resorts that require proof of rabies vaccination. A full list of 70 xc ski areas that welcome dogs and the amount of dog-designated kilometers within their trail networks are at CCSAA Dog Trails List. Other resorts named as the most pet-friendly included the Lake Placid Lodge in NY, The Little Nell in Aspen, CO, and Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in Alberta. Winter Trails 2012 Intro to Snowshoeing and XC Skiing Winter Trails is an event where children and adults can try snowshoeing and/or cross country skiing FREE at about 100 locations in the U.S. and Canada set for January 7, 2012. Venues will be posted on the WT site later in the year so check back for updates. Each Winter Trails event is run by a local organization or business. If you have questions about the location nearest you or if you have a group you wish to bring, please contact the venue directly for details. Winter Trails, now in its 16th year, offers entire families or groups of friends, regardless of age, an opportunity to get outside in the winter and enjoy a day on snow. Both snowshoeing and cross country skiing provide exercise, a chance to enjoy nature and they involve a minimal to modest learning curve. The size and scope of Winter Trails events vary from location to location. All provide the necessary equipment and assistance and many include short nature hikes and other activities. Most offer both snowshoeing and cross country skiing but a few offer one or the other. Some events require pre-registration. The Winter Trails site lists details about all Winter Trails locations and is updated weekly up until the January events. However, locations will be added until the date of the event so check back weekly for additions. The site also includes practical information about getting started and how to dress. Glide Your Way to Romance - Valentine's Getaways for XC Skiers or Snowshoers!It has been said that cross country skiing is one of the most romantic forms of recreation. The XCSkiResorts.com Top 10 features favorite romantic xc ski resorts across North America (in alphabetical order). Callaghan Country, Whistler, BC – Secluded lodge where couples are transported to the site situated in 8,000 acres of wilderness with 36 feet of guaranteed snow without high altitude problems. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Louise, AB – The Chateau is a grand old resort with all the trimmings and places for romantics to enjoy each other and an outstanding rear window panorama of the Victoria Glacier. Galena Lodge, Ketchum, ID – The Honeymoon Yurt is a love nest that is only 20 minutes out on the trail but couples can enjoy the backcountry accommodations in comfort themselves and get dinner delivered and maybe even a massage for two. Garland Resort, Lewiston, MI – This Triple A Four-Diamond resort with a main facility constructed of logs is known for its rustic elegance, a great restaurant menu and various accommodations. Lone Mountain Ranch, Big Sky, MT – Near Yellowstone National Park, the ranch has cozy cabins, a lodge with great cuisine, massage services and a staff that treats all of its guests warmly. Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz, NY – A Victorian castle within an hour of NYC with free use of xc skis, snowshoes or ice skates. Climb the Sky Top Tower for a 360 degree vista. The spa has instruction for couples massage. Mountain Top Inn, Chittenden,VT – This resort is buried in the Green Mountains, where you can sit fireside in the restaurant with a wonderful menu or in the pub with live entertainment. Sled on the hill behind the inn or enjoy extensive trail network. Royal Gorge, Soda Springs, CA – With more than 300 km of groomed trails this is the largest trail network in the U.S., which has great views of the Sierras and the Rainbow Lodge with its pub. Sun Mountain Lodge, Winthrop, WA – There is a 360 degree view of tranquility with guest rooms and lakeside cabins, extensive wine cellar and spa services. First Person - Lapland Lake is Finn-tastic!On a preseason visit to Lapland Lake XC Ski & Vacation Center in Northville, NY, I was given a true taste of Finland. This is cross country skiing Finnish style from the resort owner, Olavi Hirvonen to the authentic woodburning sauna and the two resident reindeer on site. Olavi and Ann Hirvonen have operated Lapland Lake for more than 30 years and visitors’ testimonials speak to their friendly, caring, and personal customer service that is Lapland Lake. Actually, the resort is tucked away in the town of Benson situated 60 miles northwest of Albany in the 6-million acre Adirondack Forest Reserve. In February 2010, Olavi celebrated the 50th anniversary as a member of the 1960 US Olympic Team in Squaw Valley. He participated in two events and in the 50-kilometer distance he finished second among the US skiers. His performance was marred by a broken ski, which compelled him to proceed 1.5 miles on a single ski before he was able to obtain a replacement. Olavi applies that compulsiveness to overseeing the trail grooming and after winter storms he has the Lapland staff clearing twigs and branches off of the trails. Olavi works in the rental and repair shop, certainly a labor of love for the octogenarian, while Ann focuses on most of everything else. The kids line up to spin on a sled upon the frozen pond, where a Finish experience called Napa Kiikku has the kids on a sled that is attached to a pole protruding through the ice. The “Ski-like-a-Finn” lesson package helps first timers to get the hang of xc skiing with rental gear, a trail pass, and a lesson. And from the looks of it, the trails are mostly on comfortable level terrain so that skiers need not climb too much or worry about out-of-control downhill experiences. There are a total of about 50 kilometers of trails with nearly 40 km that are groomed, 2.5 km lighted for night skiing and some panoramic views of nearby Woods Lake. I sampled a small comfortable cottage called a “tupa” for overnight lodging and walked through the Lapin Tupa, which is a bigger dwelling that can be rented as private rooms by couples/individuals or shared by a larger group. The tupa where I stayed had electric heat, two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a small family room, and a woodstove. And when the snow is abundant, skiing from the front door and around the property will have you shouting tervetuloa (greetings) to others. The Finnish Line Lodge is Lapland Lake’s main facility in a two-story building that literally rose from the ashes as it burned to the ground years ago, was rebuilt and now houses the retail store, rentals, fireside lounge area, and upstairs at the Kuuma Tupa snack bar for soup, chili, or a beverage. The Tuulen Tupa Grill is a dining room that has lunch and a catered dinner menu and it is slated for redecoration by the Hirvonen’s daughter, who is studying interior design and will undertake the project during her college break. Lapland Lake welcomes people to cross country ski and snowshoe from kids and seniors, to ladies and teachers in weekly group programs that are scheduled. It has received the 2011 Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor among other recognition awards in the past. Ann Hirvonen stopped during our tour of the area and revealed that this was the spot she liked to stand at night to look at the twinkling lights of the tupas in the winter - knowing that people are enjoying it makes running Lapland Lake all worth it to her. You’ll say tavataan ladulla or “see you on the trails.” Snowmaking at XC Ski Resorts Becomes ImperativeTrapp Family Lodge steeped in tradition in Stowe, VT has been added to the ever increasing list of cross country (xc) ski resort snowmakers. That’s right, they’re making machine-made snow at Trapp Family Lodge. In fact, a list of xc ski area operators have dabbled in snowmaking over the years is now at about 30 xc ski areas. The list includes Breckenridge Nordic Center in CO; Craftsbury Outdoor Center in VT; Frisco Nordic Center in CO; Mountain Top Resort, and Trapp Family Lodge in VT; Bretton Woods and Great Glen Trails in NH, Pineland Farms in ME; Weston Ski Track in MA; Royal Gorge in CA; and Soldier Hollow in UT. Why did Trapp Family decide to invest in a snowmaking operation? The availability of less expensive and portable snowmaking systems are main motivations, but other business-driven issues are relevant too such as filling lodge rooms and fulfilling season pass holders’ desire to extend the ski season beyond Mother Nature’s whim. Twenty years ago, one industry consultant dubbed the xc ski resort quandary as “precipitation roulette,” and some business-oriented reasons to install snowmaking include operational security to guarantee skiing programs, and staffing; competitive advantage against other xc ski resorts that do not have machine-made snow’ and guaranteeing snow cover n important holiday periods (which can represent more than 30 percent of annual winter business). The necessary elements of a snowmaking operation include cold temperatures, water, high pressure, power, and system components such as piping, pumps, compressors, and snow guns. The power requires both manpower and energy supplied by electricity or fuel. There are many industry horror stories about the night hours and difficulty of the work associated with snowmaking for xc skiing. Getting the snow to efficiently cover a narrow corridor trail is also a challenge. Many operations simply cover a field and then move the snow to the trails. Pineland Farms in Gloucester, ME is making snow this year because it wanted to ensure its ability to host local school and club race programs and a one kilometer loop has been created with the intention to cover a 5 km loop. Soldier Hollow in UT made snow to cover 2.2 km of trails and 4-6 lanes on the tubing hill while snowmakers used machines to make snow on 2 km of trails at Craftsbury Outdoor Center in VT. But the most significant issue has always been the investment required for many xc ski businesses that are small and seasonal. It is now at a point where operators at Mountain Top Resort in Chittenden, VT decided that snowmaking was a higher priority than selling retail products at the xc ski center. Snowmaking supports so many aspects of the business from rental operations and ski lessons to dog sledding and snowshoeing, In terms of the guest perspective, winter guests expect to book travel to a destination and get the experience that was desired…and that includes snow! Who knows, perhaps there will be a day sometime soon when snowmaking will be a basic aspect of xc skiing at commercial resorts. Grand Opening Planned at Newest XC Ski ResortThe newest cross country ski center in Vermont is the Strafford Nordic Center in east central Vermont. It is operated on two locally owned farms with scenic and varied terrain. The 20 km of groomed trails for classic and skate skiing are set on rolling fields and wooded trails. The Strafford Nordic Center Grand Opening celebration is scheduled for December 31st. Strafford Nordic was created to accommodate the need for local xc ski trails, use the land for its fullest potential, and integrate community support and participation. The proprietors including Jeremiah Linehan, Rhett Emerson, and Earl Ransom were raised on the land now being used for the xc ski center and they want to make it the best skiing experience for their guests. Jeremiah Linehan was a Nordic Combined competitor, who participated in regional, national, and international competitions. Rhett Emerson grew up on the Tamarack Hill Farm, which is known as a top rated equestrian training center. Earl Ransom was born and raised on the Rock Bottom Farm, and he is founder and owner of Strafford Organic Creamery a working organic dairy farm and producer of organic ice cream. A variety of racing and training programs are in the planning stages beginning with the Turkey Trot race on the trails in November. A biathlon shooting range is also under construction at the center and will be opened soon. A recreational After School Program will be run thanks to the support of the Strafford Athletic Association, which is also supporting free rental equipment at the center for Strafford kids under the age of 18. These are great examples of community involvement at Strafford Nordic Center. Best of luck and jubilant applause from XCSkiResorts.com! New Owners at Garnet Hill Lodge in NYGarnet Hill Lodge in North River, NY (Gore Mountain area) was acquired by new owners on December 9 and the change was celebrated at an Open House on December 17. New owners Don Preuninger and Mindy Piper are from nearby Johnsburg and Minerva, respectively and they’re raring to go. The Garnet Hill Lodge is a rustic mountain lodge with the charm of a country inn. It’s in the southeastern central region of the Adirondacks, which was the home of the now inactive Hooper Mine that was established in 1893. The mine delivered the ore of the “Adirondack Ruby,” also known as garnet (the January birth gemstone). Many of the businesses around North Creek and the Gore Mountain area have counter top displays with homemade jewelry adorned with garnets. The cross country skiing and snowshoeing at the Garnet Hill Lodge is unique with its Tailings location on the property that is a multi-level open area sculpted with hills, open slopes, flat areas, and mountain vistas. Accommodations are in the lodge and in a loghouse and various cabins, too. There are about 70 miles of trails near the lodge and there’s backcountry skiing in the Siamese Ponds Wilderness Area. The plan is to open the Garnet Hill Lodge during the holidays. Presently there are new rental and retail cross country ski and snowshoe products being received daily while trail improvements are underway, a snowcat is getting a refurbishing makeover, and Chef Andrew prepares his menu of fine cuisine. For more info, check Garnet Hill Lodge owners’ blog at http://www.garnet-hill.blogspot.com/ 2012 Ski for Light Week PlannedSki for Light, Inc. is an organization founded in 1975 to teach blind, visually- and mobility-impaired adults how to xc ski, in an atmosphere that encourages participants to recognize that they can usually accomplish much more, both on the snow and back home in everyday life. Each year Ski for Light, Inc. conducts a week-long event where blind and mobility-impaired adults are taught the basics of cross-country skiing. The 2010 SFL week at Snow Mountain Ranch in CO attracted 289 people and 68 first-timers including participants and guides. The location of the event changes from year to year in an effort to spread the Ski for Light philosophy and idea to as many parts of the country as possible. This year the week will be February 5-12 at Soldier Hollow near Provo, UT. During the Ski for Light week each disabled skier is paired for the entire week with an experienced, sighted, cross-country skier who acts as ski instructor and guide. The disabled person skis in tracks or grooves in the snow, while the guide skis along side. The guide offers instructional tips and suggestions, support and encouragement, and describes the countryside. The blind and mobility-impaired adults, who attend the Ski for Light week, come from all over the U.S. and from several foreign countries. Many of them come to Ski for Light with a desire to become more physically active and fit, and to find recreational opportunities that are lacking at home. Most of the SFL skiers discover, in the process of learning how to xc ski, that they can accomplish much more than others have told them, and much more than they themselves believed. They leave Ski for Light with a sense of accomplishment and motivation that carries over to every aspect of their lives back home. The volunteer guides, who attend Ski for Light, are a very special group of people. They pay the same event fees as disabled skiers so that they can share a favorite activity with someone who would otherwise not have the opportunity to participate. Most of these guides discover that in the process of giving of themselves they are getting as much or more back in return. Many of them return to each event, year after year. The 2012 Ski for Light International Week will be held at the Marriot Hotel & Conference Center in Provo, UT with xc skiing at Soldier Hollow in Midway, UT from February 5-12, 2012. The organization is always seeking new guides and participants (visually impaired or mobility impaired) and word-of-mouth is how most first-time attendees are attracted to the program. Please help spread the word to anyone, who might be interested. Information about the event and application forms for the 2012 event will be available at www.sfl.org. Those interested in attending or volunteering for SFL may also call (612) 827 3232 or send an email to info@sfl.org. [BACK TO TOP OF PAGE]NH Statewide Trail Pass DiscountThe Nordic Anywhere, Anytime Trail Pass package offers vouchers for transferable trail passes that are redeemable on any day including weekends and holidays at cross country ski areas across the state of New Hampshire. The list of NH xc ski areas where the vouchers are accepted is broken into two tiers at $12 per pass and $8 per pass. A package can be created for a minimum of 6 trail passes but no more than half of the passes can be used at any one area. Some of the xc ski resorts on the $12 tier include Bretton Woods, Great Glen Trails, Jackson XC, Nordic Center at Waterville Valley, the Balsams Wilderness. The regular trail fee at these resorts is normally as high as $19 per visit (for a $7 savings). Some of the $8 tier xc ski resorts include Dartmouth XC, Dexter’s Inn Trails, Eastman XC, and Franconia Village. For example, the purchaser can request vouchers for 3 visits at Bretton Woods and 3 visits at Franconia for a total of $60 and get a savings of $27. Transferability refers to the ability of sharing the vouchers with other people as long as more than half of the voucher package purchase is not used at one ski area. For a full list of xc ski areas participating in the program or to get an order form to purchase the vouchers visit www.skinh.com or call 800-887-5464. 1960 Olympic Nordic Event LegacyThe Squaw Valley Winter Olympics held in 1960 led the way to many technological advances that shaped today’s operation and broadcasting of the Winter Olympics. The Nordic event venues built in Tahoma, CA are now covered with dense new growth as all of the structures, which were temporary, have been removed. The land located on Route 89 about 10 miles south of Tahoe City on the west side of Lake Tahoe is now the Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park. The Nordic venues and practice areas for the men’s 50 km, 30 km, combined, and relay races were held in the General Creek and McKinney Creek areas, which were privately owned when the Squaw Valley Olympics was in the planning stages. These games were also the first time that the biathlon and women’s 10 km were included at the Olympics. The 57 km of trails were developed in 1958 and completed in 1959 for a test run championship. The 1960 Winter Olympics were the first time the winter competitions were ever nationally broadcast on TV. This was also the first time that sno-cat grooming vehicles were used to mechanically groom the race courses. Tucker Sno-cat machines towed agricultural choppers and tines to “tenderize” the snow conditions. They had yet to think of track setters in today’s terms, so skiers set the tracks by skiing behind the grooming machines. The downhill sections were raked by hand. Another first was the use of electrical and manual timing. To keep spectators abreast of the competition, interval times of the racers were taken along the trail and were phoned to the stadium area where they were announced to the spectators and posted on the scoreboard. Since there are few remnants from the Nordic events remaining, there is now an effort to reinvigorate these “forgotten Olympics” in a partnership with the state park to reestablish the trail network, construct interpretive panels and trail markers, and develop a museum of historical artifacts. Currently there is an Olympic exhibit at the Reno Airport and there is some signage at Sugar Park Point State Park. For more information there is a book by David Antonucci entitled “Snowball’s Chance: The Story of the 1960 Winter Olympic Games,” which is filled with information and photos. US Nordic Combined Team Winners Talk with XCSkiResorts.comThe Winter Olympics were first held in 1924 and 86 years passed before the US had a gold medalist cross country skier standing on a podium at the famous quadrennial competition. Bill Demong of Vermontville, NY was the man to attain the gold amongst a team destined to gather hardware in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. In past games, American cross country skiers have had as much promise, but they have not delivered as expected, until the 2010 US Nordic Combined Team stepped up to the podium with individual gold and silver medals and a team silver medal. Johnny Spillane, Bill Demong, and Todd Lodwick had previously won world championships (Demong in 2009) and were internationally ranked 8th, 10th, and 13th respectively in the Nordic Combined World Cup standings last February. Johnny Spillane broke the ice with a silver medal in the first competition for the team at the new facility built for the games outside of Whistler, British Columbia. He appeared to have the gold in hand but he was caught from behind by a Frenchman with only 4 tenths of one second remaining to the finish line. The French guy was born in the USA and lives in Missoula, MT. It was also tough luck for American Todd Lodwick, who led that race for 95 percent of the time and then ended up in 4th. His comment, "Fourth place sucks." American Bill Demong, who started in 24th position after his jump, made it back to finish in sixth place. Add it all up and the Americans had three finishers in the top six and things bode well for the team competition in Nordic Combined later in the week. Spillane commented, "I spent too much energy catching the racer ahead, who it turned out was already dead on his skis." Spillane said that he was so spent that he didn't even remember entering the stadium or being passed. "Obviously, you want to win the gold, but what counted was that I was satisfied with my performance." He also spoke about "added pressure in the team competition compared to the individual races because it is more for country and your teammates." Spillane and his wife had a baby girl last July and he also had a knee operation in the summer. The baby and the rehabilitation will slow his getting back into the competitive fray until late January. He realizes that with a baby that "it will be tougher to be on the road so much and hard to keep motivated this year." Bill Demong is a goal and plan oriented fellow and after the Olympics he took a couple of weeks reflecting and decided to "enjoy and continue success with the team and individually and try to defend my championships." Demong's story is made for TV. After winning the gold in Vancouver in the Nordic Combined big jump, he proposed marriage to his girlfriend and then was selected by the US Olympic Team athletes to carry the flag in the closing ceremonies. "It was a whirlwind of a few days but a perfect ending to a perfect Olympics," commented Demong about the "pretty hectic and exciting" time immediately following his triumphs. But why no Wheaties box cover? Demong said "those things are predetermined before the games even start." A few years back his career was hanging in the balance after a serious accident in a swimming pool. "Fracturing my skull was the turning point in my career as it gave me a year off to recuperate and redefine why I wanted to ski and what I wanted to get out of it. I like to get my angry out and chase people." And then in the 2009 World Championships in the team competition, Demong made headlines for misplacing his racing bib amidst his racing outfit. The US team was disqualified in that competition but his teammates were quick to forgive him. After the incident, he not only went out and won the big jump world championship, but later in the month he took gold at the King's Cup in Vikersund, Norway, which is considered one of the highest honors in Nordic Combined competition. Do Olympic Athletes Turn those Medals into Cash? Demong also said there were more opportunities after winning Olympic gold but he pointed to the nonfinancial opportunities that are very meaningful such as supporting a renovation of Dewey Mountain where he grew up skiing, and developing a new company. He wants to take advantage of "new venues that were opened up so he can build something long term and make a difference." Both skiers spoke of their development work with younger skiers as "giving back to the sport." There was some sniping at the Olympics about the weather advantage for some of the jumpers in Nordic Combined events and upon being asked about it Demong commented, "It seems that at every event the weather causes whining, but it evens out. The best skiers usually win." And it also seems that Bill Demong taking an individual gold medal and a team silver medal was indeed the best Nordic Combined skier at the Vancouver games. Congratulations! Ski For Heat Warms Hearts & Homes in VermontVermont is known for long, cold, and snowy winters and the Ski for Heat program is a FUNdraiser to warm hearts and homes for some less fortunate people, who live in towns across this rural state. Ski for Heat provides direct and immediate assistance to help low income families stay warm by for example, purchasing fuel to burn in the furnace. This year the Ski for Heat xc ski pledge program is scheduled at Wild Wings in Peru, VT on January 29th and Morse Hill Farm in Montpelier, VT on January 28th.. As a sign of the economic times, "the number of people seeking help is increasing exponentially," said Central Vermont Community Action Council (CVCAC) staff person Sarah Phillips. Money is raised by participants, who cross country ski or snowshoe in the program. They solicit "per kilometer" pledges or direct donations from family, friends, businesses, and organizations. The Ski for Heat program has been operating in southern Vermont at Wild Wings in Peru, Vermont for 10 years where it has raised about $140,000 for fuel assistance. While this program is a typical pledge-style fundraiser, helping low income families stay warm in the winter is central to the issue of energy equity in an economy that is squeezing those who must choose between food, heat, and other essentials. Skiing participants can feel that they are supporting their neighbors-in-need by their efforts as the money comes from within the local region to support local people. Program founder, Martha Robertson says, "We make the program as easy as possible to participate…there's no registration fee and no specific minimum requirements of donations or time. Program donations come from local businesses, families, and individuals. For many businesses, it is just good will." The Ski for Heat program is sponsored by Clark's Quality Foods and other businesses. Skiers or snowshoers come and go as they please. They keep track of the kilometers that they ski. Last year, Robertson's program not only received the Governor's Award for Outstanding Community Service, but former Vermont Governor Douglas and his wife visited Wild Wings to participate on snowshoes. The Ski for Heat Ski-A-Thon will be held on January 30 at Wild Wings in Peru, Vermont in the state's southern region. Chuck Black of Wild Wings donates the use of the trails for the day, which means there is no charge to ski. Rental equipment is discounted for participants, too. The Bennington-Rutland Opportunity Council helps with the program to direct funds to people that need it. Last year in central Vermont a Ski for Heat Ski-A-Thon was held in January at Morse Farm Ski Touring Center in Montpelier, Vermont and we are awaiting a date to announce. The CVCAC staff coordinated the event. All donations up to $5,000 were matched dollar-for-dollar by CVPS Shareholders (the regional electric company). There's no need to be a "hot" skier to Ski for Heat. Why not help some neighbors keep warm this winter? For more info check with the xc ski areas or www.skiforheat.org Gourmet Ski Tours - Stuff Your Face with Less GuiltWant a guilt-free way to indulge yourself with food while exercising? XC Skiing is one of the best forms of aerobic exercise but if you go on a "Gourmet Ski Tour" on your xc skis or snowshoes, you may very well eat your way to fitness at a number of trailside food stops. What a grand time so go ahead, eat, ski, and be merry - appetizers, wine, champagne, fondue, entrees, desserts, and more. Here's a cross section of the culinary xc ski events that are planned this winter across the country with a varied menu of fun and fine cuisine. EAST The Sweetheart's Chocolate Tour at Bretton Woods on February 11 with a self-guided tour to stops for sweets from 10 AM – 4 PM. And enjoy the Sweetheart's Ski or Snowshoe Tour by candlelight at 7-8 PM that evening. The Chocolate Festival at Mt. Washington Valley Ski & Snowshoe Center in Intervale, NH on February 26 is an inn-to-inn affair at 10-12 stops to experience your chocolate fantasies including moose and fondue. Go on a tour of any length and actually gain calories, even if you ski as far as 20 kilometers. A shuttle is also available for those that have overindulged. CENTRAL MOUNTAINS Just Desserts Eat & Ski in the Enchanted Forest in Red River, NM on February 25 features goodies from 20 different local restaurants at three trailside stations with up to 100 desserts within a 4 kilometer loop. Also the Headlamp Snowshoe Cookout Tour is a new monthly affair on Jan 14, Feb 18, and Mar 17. Crested Butte Nordic Center has Sunday Brunch @ the Yurt reached by a 2 km tour, the Full Moon Dinner @ the Yurt, Valentine’s Dinner, and Fundraiser Dinners on scheduled dates. Look to the Galena Lodge in Ketchum, ID for the Full Moon Dinners on nights associated with the full moon Dec 9-10, Feb 5-7, Mar 8-10) whereby you can go ski or snowshoe (half price rental gear offered) and then return to lodge for a 4-course dinner at $40 or half price for kids under 12. Lone Mountain Ranch in Big Sky, MT has a trailside one-stop buffet every Friday that can be reached on foot, snowshoes, or skis located so that one can either begin or finish their outing with the feast. WEST Cypress Mountain outside of Vancouver, BC has Chocolate Fondue Tours on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights starting at 6:30 PM and the Cheese & Chocolate Fondue Tour on Fridays and Sundays at 6 – 10 PM. Tours are organized by pre-registration. The Case for Skiing at Commercial XC Ski ResortsIs there a difference between cross country skiing at a commercial center and “in the woods?” Are people aware about the difference between designed trails at a commercial xc ski area compared to cross country skiing in a field, in a local park, or on a trail in the forest? One of the greatest obstacles for xc skiing growth is the common notion of a lone xc skier going into a narrow dark trail as if the very isolation in the woods was the goal. Interestingly, some ski areas have marketed that isolationism, but there are a few things that focus on the average recreation enthusiasts’ experience that are offered on designed trails at a commercial xc ski resort. Often trails that are built by loggers and the government parks’ people have long straight ascents and descents and they are boring. Most average skiers are very afraid of the speed of a long downhill. Instead, trail designers such as John Morton of Morton Trails recommend undulating and twisting trails that spark interest on every turn and also help slow down the speed. Destinations, scenic vistas, and accomplishment upon arrival make great sense on xc ski trails and these are characteristics of what well-designed trails should provide. Most commercial xc ski resorts charge a fee between $15 and $29. For that fee the patron (hopefully) get a business operation and trails that: * are designed for xc skiing or snowshoeing in harmony with the environment and are skier-friendly; Yes, admittedly many people can xc ski out their back door in the backyard, on a local golf course, or on a trail in a nearby forest and it is very convenient to do so. But commercial xc ski resorts offer a different skiing product. New Hampshire’s Jackson Ski Touring Center, emulated by hundreds of xc ski resorts across North America could be thought of as quintessential because it provides a perfect example of most of those services and amenities. The investment required to supply the list of services above is no small number (snowcat grooming machines and such), but Jackson has something more and it is called the “culture of xc skiing.” This is why Jackson can be considered one of the true meccas of xc skiing. Of course, the major issue with noncommercial cross country ski trails is about snow conditions. The whim of the weather rules the snow and without trail grooming and trail maintenance, the snow can be to hard packed, icy, sticky, too deep for nonpowder skiers, or too inconsistent to offer a good experience. The statistics have shown over many years that less than 20 percent of xc ski outings are at commercial resorts. Skiers that experience the other 80 percent of the xc skiing outings are missing out on the list of services above and many of them are not even aware that those services exist. It needs to be spelled out for them and an effort needs to be made to differentiate commercial ski area experience from backyard skiing. Bohart Kids Science Program is AWE-some!Bohart Ranch in Bozeman, MT has developed a unique program with the Montana Outdoor Science School called Adventures in Winter Ecology Ski Program (AWE). Bohart has offered a half day Nordic Adventure Ski Program since 1983 but the desire was to provide more in-depth ecology instruction and environmental awareness to kids. Bohart is very proud of the success of the AWE Program, which has grown exponentially in popularity and has been fine tuned during the past 9 years. An aim of these programs is to expose kids to an awareness of their outdoor environment and introduce them to a sense of responsibility as stewards of our environment, while also exciting them about the lifelong activity of xc skiing. The AWE program gives kids the
opportunity for hands-on field exploration with a guided focus that
compliments school ecology curriculum. Topics such as animal fur and
feathers, adaptations, skeletons, snow, watersheds, and people of the snow
are typical. The cost is $14 per student for a full day program that includes
lunch or $8 per student for a half day program. WinterKids Brings Snow Sports to Students in MaineThe WinterKids organization in Maine is a non profit entity committed to helping children develop healthy lifelong habits through fun, outdoor winter activity. The org's programs are diverse and target families, teachers, and community leaders to help combat the challenges of obesity and winter inactivity. The WinterKids programs incorporate xc skiing, snowshoeing, alpine skiing, snowboarding, tubing and sledding, ice skating, and dog sledding. Now in its 13th year the WinterKids program has served thousands of students, who participate at facilities across the state. Here is a snapshot of the programs: The "Passport" program is for 5th, 6th, and 7th graders in Maine, whereby Passport holders and their families receive a coupon booklet to get free and discounted tickets, lessons, and rentals at over 50 outdoor recreational facilities such as alpine or cross country ski areas and ice skating arenas. This winter, 4,373 kids participated in the Passport program. The "FunPass" provides coupons downloadable from the WinterKids Web site for pre-school to 4th grade kids to cross country ski or snowshoe at commercial cross country ski areas. This winter, 826 kids signed up for the FunPass. The "Guide to Outdoor Active Learning" engages teachers and students with active and scholastically challenging outdoor winter lessons and games. It is a tool that incorporates the respective snow sport disciplines and it meets state and national educational standards while using the wonders of the winter outdoors to deliver effective lessons in many subjects. The "Active Academics Workshop" brings the "Guide to Outdoor Active Learning" to schools and provides an opportunity for teachers to see how physically active, experiential learning may be incorporated into the school day. This winter, 2,363 elementary school kids experienced Active Academics Workshops. The WinterKids program has been endorsed by Maine's governor, senator, Superintendent association, Principal association, the National Association of Physical Education and others. Teachers, scout leaders, after-school coordinators, rec centers, fitness gurus, or others that are interested can get more info or initiate the WinterKids program in a new area using the existing program materials for the respective snow sport disciplines at www.WinterKids.org or 207-871-5700. Adventure Guides for a Great Winter ExperienceThese days, cross country skiing is easy on groomed trails due to improvements in ski equipment and regular trail grooming. But, the secret is that great winter ski experiences can be had as a guided adventure in the backcountry. Perhaps the term backcountry skiing paints pictures of avalanches and extreme skiing movies. The fact is that this type of cross country skiing can mean anything from a quiet morning tromp through the woods, getting back in time for a bowl of hot soup in front of the fireplace, to a challenging all-day trip to the top of the world. You can maneuver your skis up hills and then swoosh back down...but if you don't want any hills, you can ski over frozen snow covered lakes, alongside rivers, or through meadows. Guides can virtually hold you by the hand or offer a recommendation for a self-guided tour. They can suggest appropriate equipment and clothing to make it a more comfortable experience and they can offer ski instruction to a first timer. Expect an experienced guide to help intermediate skiers master higher skill levels or lead advanced skiers on more extreme expeditions reaching new heights. Adventure guides can plan your trip to match your skill level and desired intensity. The value of a guide is that your comfort level is increased multifold. That is because the experienced guide knows about trail and terrain selection to fit the skier level; he or she knows technique tips to help successfully crossing terrain in different types of snow conditions, but most of all the guide will give you personal attention and help you to avoid backcountry calamity. A resort vacation is great, but while you're there take half a day with a guide to ski off into the untouched powder where the snow is fresh and fluffy. The pace might be like a hiking trip - where you can hustle along if you're looking for a killer workout, or just take your time and enjoy the scenery. Most ski guides love to talk, too - so expect some gab about local historical, geological or interpretive to provide a more informative and interesting experience. Guide services to backcountry adventures on XCSkiResorts.com include Vista Verde Ranch in CO; Sun Valley Trekking in ID;High Peaks Adventures in NY; Bredeson Outdoor Adventures in CT and VT; International Mountain Climbing School in NH; and Swan Mountain Ranch in MT. Other guides services include Hilltop Adventures in MA; Randonnee Tours in Eastern/Central Canada; Northern Cascades Mountain Guides in WA; White Pine Touring in Utah; Alpine Skills in CA; and Yellowstone Expeditions in MT. Fees in the UnFriendly SkiesTravelers are experiencing fees for everything under sun when they travel domestically by air these days. Recent articles in First Tracks and Tripso.com point to the particulars of checked bag fees EACH WAY for each traveler. New info from the National Ski Club Newsletter informs us that United Airlines baggage fee has been increased to $20 for the first checked bag and $30 for the second checked bag...but if you pay on line there is a $5 discount. The airline industry collected $1.1 billion for checked bag fees last year with American Airlines alone collecting $278 million. These fees are quite a hit to a flying family of four…but there's more. Southwest Airlines does not charge fees for up to two bags that are checked and it has posted a chart on its Web site that covers fees of the other airlines. Some of the airlines now charge fees for phone reservations, curbside check in, priority seating (requesting an aisle or window), oversize baggage fee (penalty for skiers and snowboarders), first and second checked baggage, unaccompanied minor, meals, alcohol, and beverage/snack. There must be jokes about using the restroom on board (fee to pee?). And will fees soon be charged for even carry-on bags? Why have the airlines instituted these fees? Well, one answer might be "because they can," but the corporation's common refrain is that the fees are needed as a surcharge to offset the increased cost of fuel. Most people can accept that - remember the summer of 2008 when the cost of a barrel of oil topped $140? But, the price is now below that for a barrel of oil, and there has only been one airline that has eliminated some of the fees in correlation to the decline in fuel costs. There are various "bailout" programs that are now marketed by vacation services, whereby if you commit to a longer vacation that includes lodging and other associated expenses or stipulations, a reservation service might offer a limited discount to offset the airline fees. Will more ski travelers opt to rent gear at their ski destination rather than lugging their own equipment through airport terminals and stuffing it in rental cars? Time will tell how people react to this new round of increased travel costs. Skijoring: Enjoying Winter Trails with Your Dog by Louisa MorrisseySkijoring is a Norwegian word that means "skidriving." A team of one or more dogs pulls an xc skier and the skier "drives" or directs the team as he or she skis behind. In Scandinavia, skijoring has been done for centuries and it is gaining popularity in the US. It is simple to learn and can lead to man magical winter days for you and your canine friend. Skijoring will help keep your dog fit and healthy and it can deepen and enhance the relationship that you have with your dog. Learning to work with your dog and become a team is a great reward that skijoring has to offer. The Skier If you are new to xc skiing, it is recommended that you take ski lessons and practice prior to trying skijoring with your dog. Ski ability requires that you are able to control your speed, stop, and keep balance. But as previously mentioned, skijoring is a team activity and you should expect to work as hard as your dog. It is not a FREE RIDE! Dog training and handling skills are equally important so it is useful if you and your dog have participated in an obedience class together. Key elements include being positive, patient, and consistent. Positive reinforcement is important with any animal training and short simple sessions will yield great results. You want to feel successful and gain confidence together. The Dog Some dogs may learn immediately and others may take a little more work and encouragement, but keep things in perspective. Dogs need adequate water and it is recommended not to run then on a full stomach. They can overheat in warmer temperatures (above 40 degrees) and dogs with thin coats (such as pointers) can get too cold. You might consider dog booties for abrasive snow conditions (may take some getting used to) and for furry footed dogs, you should trim the hair on their paws or used oils (Musher's Secret) to prevent snowballs. If your dog is not regularly exercised, start with very short sessions and work up from there. Consult a veterinarian for advice about ideal running weight for the breed of dog that you own. Skijoring Equipment Communication and Sharing There are many commands you will learn as a skijorer such as "whoa" or stop, "on by" meaning leave that irresistible distraction alone and keep going, "gee" means go right and "haw" means go left. "Come around" means turn around. Taking a class in skijoring will help you get started the right way. While on the trails with your dog please be aware of trail etiquette. Respect the guidelines at an xc ski area and stay on the dog-friendly trails that are specified. Loose dogs can be an annoyance and even a danger to both skiers and other dogs. Be aware of others on the trail. Louisa Morrissey teaches skijoring clinics in Colorado. at Devil's Thumb in Tabernash, CO (970-726-8231); at the Canine Country School in Gypsum, CO (970-524-1440); or by reservation at Gold Run Nordic in Breckenridge, CO (970-547-7889). Has Snowmaking at XC Ski Resorts Arrived?Trapp Family Lodge steeped in tradition in Stowe, VT has been added to the ever increasing list of xc ski resort snowmakers. That's right, they are making machine-made snow at Trapp's. In fact, a list of xc ski operators that have dabbled in snowmaking over the years is now at 32 xc ski areas. The list also includes Mountain Top Resort in VT, Bretton Woods and Great Glen in NH, Royal Gorge, CA, and Soldier Hollow, UT. Why did Trapp Family decide to invest six figures in a snowmaking operation? The availability of less expensive and portable snowmaking systems are main motivations, but other business-driven issues are relevant too, such as filling lodge rooms and fulfilling season pass holders' desire to extend the ski season beyond Mother Nature's whim. Twenty years ago, one industry consultant dubbed the xc ski resort quandry as "precipitation roulette," and some business-oriented reasons to install snowmaking include operational security to guarantee skiing, programs, and staffing; competitive advantage against xc ski resorts that do not have machine-made snow, and guaranteeing snow cover on important holiday periods (which can represent more than 30 percent of annual business). The necessary components of a snowmaking operation include cold temperatures, water, high pressure, power, and system components such as piping, pumps, compressors, and snow guns. The power requires both manpower and energy supplied by electricity or fuel. There are many industry horror stories about the night hours and difficulty of the work associated with snowmaking. Getting the snow to efficiently cover a narrow corridor trail is also a challenge. But the most significant issue has always been the investment required for many xc ski businesses that are small and seasonal. It is now at the point where operators at Mountain Top Resort in Chittenden, VT decided that snowmaking was a higher priority than selling retail products at the xc ski center. Snowmaking supports so many aspects of the business from rental operations and ski lessons to dog sledding and snowshoeing. In terms of the guest perspective, guests expect to book travel to a destination and get the experience that was desired...and that includes snow! Who knows, perhaps there will be a day sometime soon when snowmaking will be a basic aspect of xc skiing at commercial resorts? Yellowstone Begins to AdaptAccording to a story in the Casper Star-Tribune in Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park's largest concessionaire Xanterra Parks & Resorts is offering services including more groomed xc ski trails, ice skating, and massage therapy at the Snow Lodge. The company still has snowmobile tours, but winter business in the park and the gateway town of West Yellowstone is undergoing a shift that is less focused on resolving the long standing dispute about snowmobiles in the park and more about adapting to a changing market. Presently 720 snowmobiles are allowed in Yellowstone daily and all of them must be accompanied by commercial guides. A third major study of the associated issues has now created a permanent plan for snowmobile use in the park. The business in the town has been dependent upon the snowmobile tourism, but the national park should be a draw with or without the machines. The geysers and wildlife are great attractions for winter enthusiasts and so is the access to human-powered winter recreation such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and winter camping. The companies that provide winter snowcoach tours have increased fleets and the snowcoach ridership has increased. At the same time, the number of snowmobiles decreased 20 percent last year compared to previous years. It is unknown whether the lack of snow last year was the prevalent factor causing the downturn in business or if the politics associated with the battle about snowmobiles had a negative effect. An updated report showed that since 2003, visitor interest in snowmobiling in the park has been about 250 per day. The National Park Service has reported that Yellowstone's air has improved dramatically in the past few winters resulting from a decrease in snowmobile traffic and increased snowcoach use. There is a new Old Faithful Express snowcoach service out of West Yellowstone with few stops getting visitors to Old Faithful more quickly so they can have more time to explore the trails before taking the return shuttle. There should also be express skier drops at Seven Mile Bridge or at Madison Junction for a 14-mile ski back to the park's West Entrance. The Rendezvous Trails in West Yellowstone has a full slate of competition race events but town businesses and the park will need to increase the volume of recreational events, programs, and special offers as well as marketing efforts to encourage more winter awareness and visitation to the region. It sure appears to be a great place for family vacations! New Info About Yellowstone Park From the Outdoor Industry Association The National Park Service established a new policy about snowmobiling at Yellowstone Park. It defers the implementation of a final new policy until the winter of 2008-2009, leaving the existing level of snowmobile use in Yellowstone capped at 720 machines per day for this winter of 2007-2008. * Actual use in recent years has averaged from 250 to 290 snowmobiles a day. The policy decreases the cap on snowmobile use in Yellowstone from 720 to 540 machines when the new policy kicked in during the 2008-2009 winter and it required that all snowmobiles and snowcoaches use the best available technology aimed at reducing noise and emissions. All snowmobiles have to be led by commercial guides. The Blue Ribbon Coalition has said it will sue in protest of the lower snowmobile numbers and commercial-only rule. The conservation community is likely to file suit as well. Conservation groups want snowcoaches to transport tourists in the park. They cite government research that says noise and air pollution levels are too high even with the reduced snowmobiling and cleaner machines. The "sue you, sue me" blues continue and there appear to be little interest for negotiating by the sides. Can't we share the park? Milestones of Modern XC Skiing in the USA
Since the time that wooden skis were found in a peat bog in Sweden dating to 2,000 BC, there have been many milestones that brought xc skiing to where it is today. Focusing on the USA, the forefathers of our recreation include people such as Snowshoe Thompson, who delivered the mail in the Sierra Mountains of California and JackRabbit Johannsen, who xc skied in northern New York. The editors of XCSkiResorts.com using various sources considered the milestones and developed this list of the Milestones of Modern XC Skiing in the USA in order of significance: 1. Development of synthetic xc skis in 1974. Adaptive XC ProgramsHere is XCSkiResorts.com information about adaptive programs. These programs positively impact the lives of people with physical or mental challenges through quality adaptive recreation. XCSkiResorts.com is a sponsor of Ski for Light, Inc., which is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization founded in 1975. The primary goal of the program is to teach adults with visual or mobility impairments the sport of xc skiing. There are instructor guides that share a favorite sport with an enthusiastic skier and enable a disabled person to master an activity that would otherwise be inaccessible. Details about the Ski for Light organization, regional events and the international week and costs associated with the program are available at www.sfl.org or contact Brenda Seeger on the Internet at brenda@sfl.org or by phone at (507) 274-5502. Visually impaired individuals may contact Lynda Boose at 906-250-7836 or lynda@sfl.org. Mobility impaired individuals may contact Jeff Pagels at 920-494-5572 or jeff@sfl.org. * In another program, Maine Handicapped Skiing’s goal, through Veterans/No Boundaries, is to help any veteran (or active duty service man or woman) with a physical disability to learn new skills, build physical strength and gain self-confidence through participation in adaptive recreational activities. Veterans/No Boundaries is coordinated by a volunteer planning committee that includes numerous veterans, local business people and Maine Handicapped Skiing staff. Several veterans serving on the committee are currently participants and/or volunteers at Maine Handicapped Skiing for winter and summer sports activities. Maine Handicapped Skiing also offers a winter Veterans/No Boundaries program. Veterans downhill and cross country ski, snowboard, and snowshoe all free of charge. Meals, equipment and lessons are provided by Maine Handicapped Skiing (along with discounted lodging) thanks to the generous support of Sunday River, Bath Iron Works, local businesses, individuals and many veterans organizations throughout Maine. For complete details about the Veterans/No Boundaries program or to learn more about Maine Handicapped Skiing for adults and children with physical disabilities, go to www.skimhs.org , call 800-639-7770 or email MHS at info@skimhs.org. SkiDuck.org is the organization that is Skiing and Snowboarding for Disabled and Underprivileged Children and older Kids. Other programs that have xc ski aspects by state: Alaska - Alpine Alternatives, Inc. - www.alpinealternatives.org Colorado - Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center and Breckenridge Nordic Center - www.boec.org Idaho - Sun Valley Adaptive Sports - www.svasp.org Illinois - Adaptive Adventures - www.adaptiveadventures.org Maine - Maine Handicapped Skiing - www.skimhs.org Montana - Eagle Mount in Bozeman - www.eaglemount.org New Hampshire - Northeast Passage in Durham and Jackson Ski Touring Center - www.nepassage.org New York - Stride, Inc. - in Rensselear - www.stride.org Utah - National Ability Center in Park City - www.nac1985.org West Virginia - Challenged Athletes of WV in Snowshoe - www.cawvsports.org [BACK TO TOP OF PAGE]Smart Ski Travel Using the InternetHere are some ski travel tips from Charles Leocha of SkiSnowboard.com, the SkiSnowboard America and Canada guidebook, and MSNBC about booking a ski trip or vacation using the Internet (we've incorporated xc skiing) - excerpted from SkiPress Magazine. 1. Booking hotels - Leocha suggests to use Expedia, Hotels.com, Orbitz, and Priceline to find packages that combine air, lodging, transfers or rental cars, and lift tickets. If you are an xc skier or snowshoer, who does not want to go alpine skiing or snowboarding, the lift ticket aspect is useless to you. Additionally, it is unlikely that many xc ski resorts are involved with these conglomerate Web sites and we think that you can get the best price on lodging if you work directly with the resorts that are on XCSkiResorts.com. But you could very well find great prices by combining the other aspects of your trip (air and vehicle). Leocha recommends using Sidestep.com, which compares packages from a collection of different Web sites. 2. Booking flights - Use aggregator and meta-search engine Web sites such as Sidestep.com, Kayak.com, or mobissimo.com. They search multiple airline sites and offer info in an easily comparable format. None of these sites include Southwest Airlines, so you need to go directly to Southwest.com for the best deals that involve that airline. Leocha recommends that after finding info about flights, book directly with the airline Web site to save service charges that are added by travel agents and aggregators. 3. Rental Cars - Orbitz.com displays a great matrix of available rental cars and you can usually get better prices at off-airport locations (they require a shuttle trip from the airport to get there). Leocha also suggests that Priceline.com has the best prices because of the "Name-your-own-price" booking engine. Be aware that you are not allowed to change the dates of the car rental with this service. 4. Traveling with Ski Gear - Check with the airline about free luggage limits when it comes to skis because some airlines now charge an additional fee to transport skis. Leocha suggests that you take your ski boots on the trip and rent the skis. This idea allows you to try different ski brands, models, and higher performance skis. Of course, with xc skiing you need to be aware of the different binding systems so if you have a Salomon boot or NNN boot, you need to have the respective binding on the rental skis. Call the resort ahead to double check about this issue. 5. Get the Facts - It's best to clearly understand what is included in your ski trip. Does the package price include trail fees? Does the resort offer breakfasts and lunch? Can you find out in advance about other services that are available such as massage or swimming pool availability? Do you want backcountry guided ski trips or do you like to ski on groomed trails, need nearby alpine skiing? We obviously think that starting with XCSkiResorts.com is a great idea to compare resort alternatives. Create a list of places you've been and destinations that you want to visit. For more info about the "meccas of xc skiing," check out the recommendation lists on the XCSkiResorts.com Top 10 Page. Have a great trip! [BACK TO TOP OF PAGE]GREEN EFFORTS at XC SKI RESORTSMany of the operators of cross country (xc) ski areas are eco-active, or in other words they are exemplary of the "greening" of xc skiing. They pay heed to ideals such as: protecting scenic values and wildlife habitats, practicing water and energy conservation, reducing waste and reusing products, designing and building facilities in an environmentally-sensitive manner, managing forest and vegetation properly, handling potentially hazardous waste properly and educating their clientele and staff about environmental awareness and their eco-activity. Some common themes among operators are evident, such as, wildlife sensitivity, using biodegradable hydraulic fluid in snowcats that groom the trails, and trail designing for streambed protection. These eco-active efforts are not typically hundred thousand dollar investments, but xc ski area operators have much to be proud of with many small but meaningful accomplishments. Many areas are conducting environmental interpretive group programs and many display trail signs to tell their environmental story. For example, a simple idea that is done at Kirkwood Cross Country in Kirkwood, California is the listing of recent wildlife sightings on its trailhead blackboard. At Devil's Thumb Ranch in Tabernash, Colorado, a geothermal heating system is used in the majority of its new buildings. The system consists of glycol-filled pipes that have been installed in the Ranch's on site lake. Heat is transferred to the glycol from the water, and then heated to 105 degrees by compressors in each building. The pipes are placed in the flooring providing radiant heat. The system uses very little electricity. The White Grass Ski Touring Center in Canaan, WV is the recipient of the WV Environmental Council's 2003 Green Entrepreneurs Award. The facility is heated soley with wood and used about $2.50 worth of electricity a day. Environmental education is a key element at White Grass as there are regular outings in the WV Highlands Conservancy and the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Craftsbury Outdoor Center in VT has incorporated sustainability in its mission statement and set an ambitious goal to be fossil-fuel free by the end of 2012. They use solar panels for electric, highly efficient wood-fired boilers for heating, and a solar hot water system. The food and compost system is working to minimize trash and help to grow food in the on-site gardens. Want to visit a sustainable resort that practices what it preaches? Nipika Mountain Resort in BC is off grid for its power. It uses micro-hydro and solar. The furniture is built on site with wood from trees that were killed by the Mountain Pine Beetle. The "Interpretive Trappers Cabin" is loaded with info about wildlife, natural surrounding, history, telescope, and more. Ted Young of Boundary Country Trekking on the Gunflint Trail in MN will offset the carbon produced on the Banadad Trail (such as snowmobile grooming) by investing in reforestation in the area. They'll determine the cubic tons of carbon emissions associated with trail maintenance volunteers' transportation to the site and grooming machinery and other mechanical equipment used on the trail. They will sequester a number of acres to match the amount of carbon taken by red and white pines to derive a dollar amount value to contribute to the "Gunflint Green Up" tree-planting program. This is a planting estimated at 75,000 trees! Boundry Country Trekking has a sustainability statement and a comprehensive implemention plan at the boundary country implementation.html that is tops in the xc ski world. A photovoltaic solar power system, which is producing as much power in a year as they consume was installed at Stump Sprouts in Hawley, MA. All of the buildings are heated with and most of the hot water comes from wood sustainably harvested from the woods adjoining the trail system. All food waste is composted and they recycle about 2/3 of the remaining waste. They try to serve as much locally grown food as possible and grow most of their own produce in the summer. At estimated 40 percent of the Stump Sprout guests live within 30 miles of the trails. Soldier Hollow, which was the Utah site of all of the Nordic skiing events at the 2002 Olympics has an 11,000 square foot lodge built with recycled timbers as construction materials for building beams, columns, perlins, siding, interior roof, baseboard, and casing. Approximately 90 percent of the wood used in the lodge was salvaged from a 1902 railroad trestle that once crossed the Great Salt Lake. The bridge was no longer used in the 1950's and a wood reclamation project extracted the materials from under the water. Devil's Thumb Ranch has also rescued a Civil War-era barn from Indiana to frame its Broad Axe Barn with hand-hewn white oak and beech beams. In addition, the Ranch's roads and parking lots are constructed with recycled asphalt from a highway construction project. Other Eco-Active Examples Cross country skiing brings people outdoors to appreciate nature - and at such a slow pace, skiers can not help but be affected by nature's beauty and spiritual wonder. Many xc ski area operators are committed to creating and implementing innovative and effective environmental programs to enhance eco-awareness and foster responsible stewardship of natural resources. It's a natural symbiotic relationship! Ski Walking - Get Ready for the Season by Hiking with PolesBy Pete Edwards of www.SkiWalking.com One way to prepare for the ski season - ski walking! And it's a healthful fitness activity, too. Dr. Christaine Northrup, author of "Mother-Daughter Wisdom" and "Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom," said "My Ski Walking poles have been a terrific addition to my regular exercise program. I love the way they incorporate my upper body during a walk, thus giving me more strength-training and calorie burning for the time spent. I highly recommend them to everyone!"
The Finns saw the success of their elite skiers utilizing poles in the summer for Ski Walking and Hill Bounding. They also saw how a hiker with knee pain could eliminate the pain while hiking by using a walking stick and back packers complaining that their backs hurt until they were given poles. So with some removable rubber tips over special carbide ferrules, and the most comfortable xc ski pole straps they could find it was discovered that the perfect length poles for recreational Ski Walking were poles that put the Ski Walker's elbow at 90 degrees when strapped in and standing tall. Ski Walking not only provides a better aerobic and cardio workout than regular walking, but radically reduces the pounding and stress to the knees, hips and back. And folks with sore or new knees, sore or new hips, back problems, MS, Parkinson's, running injuries including shin splints, have all been pleasantly surprised by the benefits of Ski Walking. How? By utilizing the correct length poles, we are automatically forced to walk taller, with hips forward and the back straighter. Better posture is biomechanically a good thing! Combine this improved posture with the unique 4-Wheel-Drive action of walking with fitness poles and there is a huge decrease in the stress put on the weight bearing joints. Marketing hype? No, Ski Walking really does burn up to 40% more calories than regular walking. Ski Walking produces up to a 46% increase in energy consumption compared to regular walking (Cooper Institute, Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sports 2002 publication). Perfect fitting poles are important. Quality 1-piece fixed length poles are hassle free and user friendly - ideal for everyday use. I had a participant in one of my Ski Walking clinics tell me that she super glued her $140 titanium poles because she couldn't get them to stop compressing while walking. I've hosted 100's of folks in my Ski Walking clinics and they all comment about how the poles really makes them stand tall (with a straighter back), makes them feel their arms working and eliminates any knee, hip or back pain they may have had prior to Ski Walking. I also coach runners and occasionally a couple of my runners get painful shin splints and now they can Ski Walk for over an hour - pain free. The book "Nordic Walking for Total Fitness" by Suzanne Nottingham and Alexandra Jurasin provides what the authors call a portable workout that improves 7 key performance areas including strength, coordination, visual skills, balance, agility, cardivascular fitness, and muscular endurance. A book review is on the Gear News Page at Nordic Walking book review. To get a copy it is $19.95 from www.NordicWalkNow.com to order. For an unabiased blog about Nordic Walking or Ski Walking, check out Claire Walter's Nordic Walking USA Blog. For a resort that is into winter walking click Smugglers' Notch, VT or Great Glen in Gorham, NH and for more information about Ski Walking and product info, contact www.SkiWalking.com or call 877-754-9255. Family XC Ski and Snowshoe Destination Vacations
Plan to gather up the kids and head to the hills during the school breaks next winter. No need to head to warmer climes - winter can be snowy, yet mild, and perfect for a family vacation with plenty of activities such as cross-country (xc) skiing and snowshoeing. According to the experts, who regularly update XCSkiResorts.com, the nation's top xc ski resorts are exceedingly family-friendly with lots to enjoy together both on the snow and off. What families want and need is exactly what an xc ski vacation delivers: multi-generational participation, quality time and shared memories. There are special touches such as talent shows, child-friendly classes and family style meals to help your xc-ski vacation become the perfect memorable getaway with your loved ones. Families can find resorts that offer the perfect combination of carefree atmosphere and picture-perfect views together with beautiful lodging, family dining, and expertly groomed trails and learn how they can enjoy the winter outdoors together. The following are top suggestions from the site: Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont - One of the most famous family resorts where the hills come alive with the "Sound of Music." In the Green Mountains of Vermont, Trapp Family Lodge is a paradise for families with a fitness center, an indoor pool and the Mountain Kids Club provides playtime, craft time and movies for kids. Vista Verde Ranch in Steamboat Springs, Colorado - Here's the best of both worlds with backcountry guided xc skiing in addition to groomed trails. They have programs to engage kids and teens, sleigh rides, cooking classes and evening entertainment. Palmquist's Farm in Brantwood, Wisconsin. - As the name implies, this xc ski center is a farm that offers kid-friendly animals such as rabbits, horses, cats and dogs. There are tubes and sleds to use on sliding hills and an ice skating pond, plus horse-drawn sleigh rides and kids rental ski equipment. Maplelag Resort in Callaway, Minnesota - Run by a 3-generation extended family, this resort has families coming back year after year. They serve family style meals, and host a talent/variety show, which is a big hit for families whose performances feature everything from jugglers and family skits, to jokes, musical instruments and German beer drinking songs. The show is followed by the Saturday Night Dance, which offers an eclectic collection of music for dancers of all ages. Montecito-Sequoia Lodge in Kings Canyon National Park, California - Visit giant trees in Sequoia National Park and Monument. There is a daylong program for children, which has a break for the family to join together during lunch. The kids build igloos, go tubing and xc skiing or snowshoeing on nature hikes to see and learn about animal tracks. At night there is a dance, karaoke and bingo. Lone Mountain Ranch in Big Sky, Montana - There are programs for outdoor youth adventures that include animal tracking, snowshoeing, tubing, snow kickball, obstacle Olympics, finger painting, scavenger hunts and ice cream socials. Parents will love the cuisine, massage and xc skiing on picturesque trails. Lapland Lake Ski & Vacation Center in Northville, New York - Weekends feature nightly bonfires and the kids love to play Napa Kikku, which is a Finnish game on ice with a sled and a pole. Kicksleds, tubing, ice skating and parents use pulk sleds to pull the kids along the xc ski trails. Smuggler's Notch Resort in Smuggler's Notch, Vermont - This resort has a dynamic lineup of family programs with 1,000 acres for alpine skiers and snowboarders, teen centers, kids camps and FunZone play area, resort village with shops and restaurants, condo lodging, and walk-to free shuttles. There's xc ski and snowshoe trails, winter walking, ice skating, and more. Recognition for family focus has been awarded by numerous magazines. Choosing a Destination XC Ski Resort
For people interested in traveling to xc ski resorts this winter, here is info about making a destination selection from the editor of XCSkiResorts.com. In general, xc skiers select their winter xc ski destination resorts using some rating system of how xc ski areas perform in eight categories of criteria including trail quality and grooming, scenery, food quality, staff friendliness and service, the ski lodge facility and family issues. There is a great range of xc ski areas in North America and in the eyes of xc skiers these characteristics delineate areas without concern to whether the area is an inn, a ranch, a day area, a destination resort, or a recreation park area. I've purposively avoided the issue of cost - whether you like to travel to distant resorts or only travel within your region, you will still compare the other criteria to select your destination resort. The information below describes what a quality xc ski resort is all about in terms of services and amenities at some of the leading xc ski resorts in North America. XC SKI TRAILS Some of the best xc ski areas are just blessed with great terrain for xc skiing. The location of Royal Gorge in Soda Springs, California is perfect for xc skiing as the area's land diversity offers flat, rolling and more challenging variety. And Jane Dulaney, marketing kingpin at the area comments, "Our Sierra maritime snow it consolidates well and is great for the base on our trails. This means that skiers can count on excellent conditions when they ski there. Trail grooming can make or break the ski conditions.
Olavi Hirvonen of Lapland Lake states,
"We groom every morning unless we have to wait for the snow to dry out
or cool off - and I groom the way I like to ski the trails myself."
Hirvonen gets the Lapland Lake staff out on
the trails after windy periods to rake and pick up the debris from trees like
fallen limbs and pinecones because "I don't want the skiers to have to
ski over the debris as it appears on the trails from the Springtime
melt." Without getting into the details of grooming machinery and techniques, the personal pride of the area operators is paramount to the trail quality issue. Brian Wadsworth of Lone Mountain Ranch in Big Sky, Montana was a world class cross country ski racer, who groomed trails for eight years at the Ranch. He was selected by the Soldiers Hollow Olympic venue to groom the 2002 Olympic Cross Country Ski competition trails. He knows grooming from a technical and a skier's perspective. He knows the "best line tracks." But when he comments, "My goal is to be able to hold a World Cup race here any day of the winter" it sums up his pride and commitment to the quality of the trails at Lone Mountain Ranch. STAFF SERVICE AND FRIENDLINESS The Richards family, who own and run the Maplelag Resort in Callaway, Minnesota, treat their guests as part of their family. It may sound trite but their guests sincerely feel welcome and they state it unequivocally in testimonials. The staff often greets the guests by name. They Richards constantly ask their guests if there is anything that can be done and they drop everything to help their guests, be it in the lodge, on the trails, in the rental shop or at the dinner table. Richards feels, "One of us (the Richards family) is always around to help with our guests. It's fun to be talked to and pampered by the actual owners of the resort." Many testimonials from different areas claim the same thing with regard to their feelings about the service at the best resorts - they feel welcome, comfortable and "at home." And Maplelag avoids posting rules or signs saying "Don't do this or that." RESORT LODGES At Lone Mountain Ranch, part of their ambiance is the historic facilities. Of course they have also added new updated facilities such as a dining room and some cabins, but many guests go there to enjoy the rustic and original facilities. "It looks like what people expect Montana to look like and we continue to renovate with cozy features such as antique furniture and old fashioned quilts to retain our historical aspects," said Wadsworth. Royal Gorge's Wilderness Lodge has had the same managers for years and according to Dulaney, "they are fabulous with their employees and it trickles down to the guests." The main lodge at Maplelag is the area's group meeting place, and it is a living folk art museum. Jim Richards has collected unusual items from around the world. He stated, "We work very hard cultivating this look to be a feast for the eyes." There are nooks and crannies where people can sit and relax, read a book, play games with the family, etc. The lodge also houses the main dining room, hot tub, sauna, massage rooms, rental shop, gift store and it is where the Saturday night talent show and dance takes place. FOOD AND BEVERAGE The Maplelag kitchen is run by Debbie, the chef who has been on the job on and off for 25 years. There is a window opening to the kitchen where guests can speak with Debbie and see the staff cooking the meals. They make everything from scratch using only natural and fresh ingredients. They call it homestyle, hearty, and wholesome and it is a unique menu that is endorsed by the guests. Richards' summarized, "Food is a real joy at Maplelag. QUALITY FAMILY TIME Child-oriented instructors are a key element for families. For the kids to have a positive attitude about Nordic skiing they must have positive first experiences. It is suggested that the most successful lessons do not intermingle children with their parents in the same classes. Kids get comfortable with child-friendly instructors as individuals and on subsequent visits the kids commonly request to take additional lessons so they can spend more time with those friendly instructors. Another important way to cater to families is to offer a variety of other skiing and non-skiing activities. At Lapland Lake a game played in Finland called Napa Kiikku is organized on weekends and holidays. The game involves a pole on ice with a sled that goes around in a circle. Adult lessons are conducted to correlate to the time that the kids play the game. Kids love a campfire by the lake, sleigh rides, or just playing on a big pile of snow. Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont conducts many kids "classes" from swimming to puppet classes or making stuffed animals. The kids' classes provide parents with some child-free time for going on harder ski trails or getting a massage while the kids are being entertained. Jay Richards (Jim and Mary Richards' son) of Maplelag commented, "Seeing our large family with our own kids running around, being involved makes families feel welcome here. We try to make parents feel at ease about having their kids run around." Maplelag cabins and cabooses are great accommodations that can fit large families and the Richards try to help families focus on being together doing family activities. Serving meals "family style" is a key element to the atmosphere. But so are the other family activities such as the dance and the talent show. Baby sitting services are available on site, too. Jay feels that one of the biggest reasons families visit is that there are many families already at Maplelag every time people visit and that makes families feel welcome. CONCLUSION |
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Randall Helps Japan
Mountain Top Inn & Resort
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