This is one of Fischers new skis for this year, a "terrain park" ski. I tried out the skis last spring in Breck CO during the ski conference (which has snow and are skiing nord) There has been a lot of coverage about terrain parks lately. I was asked about our terrain park by someone in the industry and this is what I said. "At Maplelag Resort, we have used the Nordic terrain park language the past two years to describe a area that has been used for ski lessons, childrens fun time area, staging for ski races and the last two years, a area for skiers to try their luck on some good size "kickers", jumps, berms and other person made obstacles. I appreciate Fischer's embrace of this new avenue of Nordic skiing by producing a park specific ski. I am a bit concerned if the definition of a Nordic terrain park is "meant for the groomed snow features that are built for trick & extreme skiing (tabletops, pipes, half pipes, rollers,and places with rails inserted)." What I am describing to our guests and potential guests as a Nordic terrain park, does not fit under the classification Fischer is establishing. Regarding my concern, if someone comes to our resort expecting tabletops, pipes, half pipes, rollers, and rails, then no, we are not a Nordic Terrain park. Should our area be coined a "adventure" park or maybe a "exploration" park?!?!
There has been a lot of coverage and press about Nordic Terrain parks as of late and I think if folks are embracing this new aspect, we should try to find some common ground on the terminology. In the Midwest, there are few areas associated with Alpine areas but I think most areas are capable of having some type of park, whether it is called terrain, adventure or whatever.
In the most recent PSIA newsletter, it was pointed out that 80% of resorts now have some type of "park". There has been no data however to prove that there have been profitable returns on the investment. Instead, resorts are jumping in not to be left behind. You have to admit it does provide a attraction to potential guests with kids. I do support this Nordic movement regardless if it is profitable or not because a park can be established at a lesser cost, I believe, and is one more opportunity to introduce kids to Nordic which is the bottom line in my book."
Anyways, tomorrow night is the first game of the Stanley Cup playoffs, errr I mean old time hockey. The past 5 years I have played most Wed. nights up until Christmas then it gets just to busy at the lodge and sometimes I am grooming early evening. Jeff Hall used to play "old timer" hockey but now he just refs as he said the guys take it too serious. They do. Its a good workout anyways and fun. MBJ cross tomorrow night as well and I think Cross will win out although I am losing some motivation on the bike.
Yesterday Jon had hockey and Jake piano so I dropped off Jake, then Jon then Ralf at Zorbaz so he could drink a pitcher of Amber Bock. "Its good for me you know, yes" he says. While Jon was at hockey, I went running on the pavement. Ouch, I haven't pounded the pavement since I did the Beards half which just about killed me. The point is, when you got a crazy schedule you squeeze it in when you can. My mom and dad are in the UK for the London Film Festival so covering all bases.
A wire is grounding out somewhere on the bobcat so the electrical system is running amuck. I can't figure it out so the service guy is coming in the morning. Not good today as I had about 5 hours of downtime and running out of nice days to finish brushing, backfilling and some other trails work, (in the terrain park by the way) boy, this is getting long. Kids are in bed and Jonell made some fresh banana bread I better go eat.
No comments:
Post a Comment