Snow cat groomer statement: a message from Nordic Center Manager, Tom Tuttle
01.24.2012

Excitement and expectation are high for the Nordic Center's own snowcat.   Rightly so for it is an investment in the quality of our ski experience for years... or perhaps decades.  We can all be proud of this accomplishment.  A very big thanks to the community and to Laurel Harkness for her ability to secure the grant money making this possible.
 
While the Nordic Center would like to groom every trail, every day, this will not be possible in the near future.  The cost of operation will most definitely be a consideration in the use of this valuable machine.  This season, the plan is to use the snowcat about four days each week and the snowmobile about two days each week.  The weekend days will get the most grooming and, generally speaking, the lion's share of snowcat use.  We all know the snowmobile cannot equal the snowcat in grooming quality however it is very economical and a handy machine.  Expect to see it in use on some mid-week days.
 
The near future.  Until we have Nordic Center employees fully trained in the safe operation of the snowcat we are still on the Ski Park's schedule.  They have most generously offered Nordic Jim as a trainer for our snowcat.  Expect about a week or so of limited cat operations before we are functioning as our own operators. 
 
While on the subject of the SkiPark we would be remiss if we did not mention all they have done for the Nordic Center.  This season so far: they have gifted several hundred gallons of fuel toward the operation of the Nordic Center snowcat, stored and helped with the movement of all the Nordic Center equipment, mowed bushes on our trails, and provided men and equipment to clear out our parking lot (which is a very big task during these snowy periods).   Our gratitude goes out to our great neighbors.
 
We appreciate your patience during this  transition.  Thank you.

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