Greetings from Ski Venture: 25/26 Newsletter
Hello Ski Venture family!
Time for a little (late holiday) winter reflection and gratitude. Our plan was to have this letter out last month. Alas, life.....and quite a bit of skiing!
As with many things in life, the evolution of Ski Venture has been so organic that it may escape notice, year-to-year. Thinking back to when I joined 15 years ago, however, the evolution has been remarkable.
Newer members may not have enjoyed the privilege of questioning life choices, fiddling with circuit breakers on an exterior electrical panel while meltwater dripped on their heads. That was the old big lift building, full of charm and a side of terror. And it wasn’t all that long ago that prepping the hill to receive snow meant “mowing” with scythes. We have quite the collection. Look up, the next time you are in the little lift house, and think about what that work party entailed! Moving from wood to metal lift poles, tens of thousands of pounds of concrete mixed two bags at a time for enormous lift pole foundations, all the custom fabrications, the deck, parking lot.... The list of improvements and changes goes on. Including, a few years ago, the conscious decision of the previous Officers to hand off what had really been their project for the previous 20+ years, to a new group of officers (we’ve been at it for a little over two years now). It has made visible to me the true amount of work and effort that goes into making sure the place runs smoothly (and safely) once the snow flies. And it has showcased just how many people show their love of Ski Venture by their willingness to contribute, from our committees to the community in general, taking on various tasks.
And the one thing that has evolved yet hasn’t actually changed is the community. We have a lot of enthusiastic new faces, new generations of little shredders learning to tear it up in any conditions, and people who have been here through it all, offering learned guidance and wisdom. The vibe hasn’t changed. Ski Venture has managed to retain its community roots, where all are welcome, and kindness and gratitude prevail. It’s special. And while we may not be able to share our little hill with everyone, we can certainly share our kindness and gratitude in our daily lives. The world needs it, and we are a model of inspiration.
In the news, our push for early hill preparation, inspection, and Hillmaster training paid off big! The turnout for both (historically balmy) Hillmaster trainings was fantastic. And so far this ski year, a lot of you took advantage of the early December storms and consistent cold temps. The skiing has been simply great – thanks, Mother Nature and Grooming Team! Over 400 skier sign-ins by early January (we average about 450/year).
Our second Hillmaster training saw a large group of trainees and a surprise of some early season flakes in the air!
The season has seen lots of weather from snowstorms to r@!n - but SVer’s are getting after it!
Weeknights are alive and well this season at Ski Venture! Always check the WhatsApp Group to see if anyone is heading to the hill!
When restocking the wood in the A-Frame
Green: Use this first.
Yellow: Use this as kindling.
Red: Needs to dry out!
Many little rippers around the hill this season!
December 2nd brought about 8 inches of snow to West Glenville and it was skiing great for the first day of the season!
We are off to a great start to the season. Let’s keep the spirit alive, and the snow dances TikTok worthy. Volunteer where you can, raise your hand, find something you want to see a little better, then head to the slopes with hot chocolate or a brew, to get in as many turns as we can.