October Newsletter: Leo J. Martin Ski Season Update

Dear Friends, With the ski season drawing near, we are updating you on skiing developments at the Leo J. Martin (LJM). As you likely know, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will be running skiing at LJM this winter, including snowmaking, grooming, and ticket sales. The DCR has awarded the Weston Ski Track a permit to offer instruction, ski and snowshoe rentals, and retail sales. Larry Smith of Weston Ski Track also will be providing consulting services on snowmaking and grooming. The DCR has made significant capital investments: an upgraded electrical and lighting system; new high-capacity snowmaking guns; and grooming equipment (a new Pisten Bully 100). The DCR is currently on schedule to open the facility for this winter’s racing and recreational programs. As described in an earlier email, FOLJMS proposed to the DCR that this year be a transition to FOLJMS running LJM skiing under a long-term, public-private partnership. But given the decision by the Commonwealth to run LJM skiing itself, it is now in the interest of our members for FOLJMS to help the DCR succeed and to produce a good ski season. To that end, FOLJMS has held bi-weekly meetings with the DCR on details of course upgrades and layout, scheduling, equipment details, and other operational aspects. In this way, FOLJMS is serving as the coordinating entity for the various users groups (high school, CSU, EMBK, recreational, adaptive, Boys & Girls Club, etc.). Our meetings with the DCR have been professional and constructive, and DCR has shown good follow-through thus far. We are very pleased that the DCR has welcomed our input and promised to adopt many of our suggestions, especially those most important for on-snow success. A lot of work remains – but by FOLMS and the DCR working together, FOLJMS is optimistic that the ski area is currently on track for a good season this winter. In separate news…. don’t forget that we hope to see as many Friends as possible for these two important upcoming dates: FOLJMS 2nd Annual LJM Clean-up -- November 8, 10am- 2pm  FOLJMS 2nd Annual Member Open House -- Sunday, December 6, 3-5pm, CRWA building at LJM. At this year's meeting we will pay tribute to Larry Smith and his colleagues for their many years of passionate commitment to making cross country skiing accessible to all in eastern Massachusetts at LJM.  In the meantime, THINK SNOW! Best, The Friends of Leo J. Martin Skiing