Every Fall we start a big push to get the ski trails open for the winter. The first task is to remove any fallen trees across the trails and then mow all the trails. This helps keep the trails open from the ever encroaching forest, makes it easier to get around, and provides some visibility to the trail surface. It takes about a month to do the mowing and we walk about 120 miles behind our mowers to get the job done - great way to get in shape.
Then we take inventory of what trail improvement projects we want to get done. Some of them may require equipment, but most of them can be done with lots of volunteer help. We have an email list of skiers who have said they would like to help and we usually send out a notice by the end of September to announce one or two work dates in October. Over the last couple of years we have settled into a format of running the trail work parties on a weekend morning, with 3 hours of hard work on the trails followed by a hearty lunch.
During those long weeks in November as we wait for the snow to arrive we are doing constant trail sweeps, especially after windy days, to remove fallen trees across the trails and finish any last trail projects before the winter weather finally sets in. Over the last few years we have worked an average of 500 person-hours to get the ski trails ready before the snows really start.
These trail work parties are key to our ability to constantly improve our trails and if you would ever like to get involved just email us to get on the list. THANKS
