Maine Sunday Telegram - SKIING
January 2006
"Sunday River message board keeps skiers connected” Sunday River’s message board is an off-snow online summit, where everything ski related is discussed from current snow conditions (the real deal versus the ski area propaganda) to carpools, to next weekend’s proposed après ski spots. A recent digital debate addressed the etiquette of when to lower the safety bar on the chairlift. Leading the pack has been “OzSkier,” the mediator of The River’s message board since 1997. His real name is Dave Amirault, and he commutes every weekend from Warwick, Rhode Island. You would be hard-pressed to find a more knowledgeable or passionate River skier over the past decade. “When Sunday River first launched its chat room, I was a sophomore in high school with a broken arm so I couldn’t ski. It was the year the Oz lift was added to Sunday River so I picked that as my handle. I started posting messages daily, and in the process I learned a lot about the web. It’s amazing that I have been doing it ever since.” Skip King, communications director at Sunday River at the time, offered Amirault an internship as message board moderator reporting to the marketing department, which continued through Amirault’s college years at Assumption. “I was the unofficial official,” said Amirault. “I would tow the line in the chat room, providing correct information, starting new threads, and occasionally policing discussions that needed to be shut down.” Amirault said the Sunday River message board really caught on. “We now have about 200 regulars who are on there daily, some even hourly. At any given moment there are 50–60 people chatting about everything from conditions to favorite trails and where to hook up on Saturday.” Thursday sees the most posts, according to OzSkier, as people are getting psyched about the weekend. But the topics are not exclusive to skiing and snowboarding.  “I
have seen some pretty choice threads over the past 10 years or so. Our
"Red Sox" thread has the most staying power. It has seen around 60,000
views and has just shy of 3,500 replies,” said Amirault. According to Amirault, Sunday River uses their message board as marketing tool by posting surveys or requesting resort feedback from regulars. Many ski areas have done away with chat rooms, moderating and policing open online discussion is time consuming. As far as worst web scenarios: Amirault said that one evening when no one was checking the board, his phone number was posted. He was bombarded with calls while he was out to dinner with his girlfriend. “People started calling me wanting conditions reports and to talk to "the ozskier". Thankfully I have a monster pocket pc phone that has Internet access, so I could nuke the thread from the restaurant.” Amirault said the chat room is generally self-policing, although he occasionally has to “nuke” a post with his administrative access. “When someone posts something inappropriate, others usually shut them down. There is a group of skiers who are really into it; they have become friends through this message board. I have made some great friends over the years.” A high point as moderator came this November during the first Message Board BBQ at the Barker Lodge. “We had a great turnout of all the message board regulars, enjoyed some good runs, grilled up some steaks and burgers. It was like a Patriots tailgate, only we were celebrating the start of the ski season. It was great for everyone to put a chat-handle to a face,” said Amirault. Earlier this month, Amirault posted a message profoundly different from his previous 2,318 (which comprises about 30% of the posts at SundayRiver.com). OzSkier announced, “I have accepted a position with Freeskier Magazine as the Director of Web Services in Boulder, Colorado. Just because I am moving 3,000 miles doesn't mean I won't be here in the message board. Just don't look for any updated pictures, conditions reports or breaking info from me.” This parting post was followed by many melancholy farewells. One regular, “shouldbeworking” posted, “Our little Ozzy is all grown up now. Dave – congrats.” Caitlin Amirault said she wonders who will fill her brother’s shoes as Sunday River’s moderator. “He has so many fans. He has always been incredibly knowledgeable on conditions; he’s an expert on all things electronic. It all started with Sega Genesis and it has morphed into this monster.” Amirault said he is grateful to Sunday River for the opportunities he was given, and for all he learned about the web and the ski industry, which opened the door to this new career. As for OzSkier’s legacy, a trail has been named for him. “Roundabout” was added to the trial map this year (as Spruce Cliffs was removed), the loop under the Jordan quad to Excalibur. Amirault said despite his handle being OzSkier for all these years - that is not his favorite place to ski at the River. “Oz is not my favorite part of the mountain, it was not well-executed. I prefer Aurora. I am not going to give away my favorite place on the mountain, it’s a secret.” Amirault said, “It is very hard to say goodbye to a place that has been so very good to me, but I have to follow my dreams. I will always have a place in my heart for Sunday River. And I will be checking in on the message board.”
"Eaton gets by with help of ski industry friends” Eaton is a family-owned and operated ski hill in Skowhegan with one double chairlift accessing 622-vertical-feet of skiing. Fortunately no one was injured in the nighttime fire. Most of the ski area’s equipment was burned including the ski patrol supplies, the grooming machine, snowmaking equipment and the skiers’ gathering area. Mary and Geno Kent, who have owned and operated Eaton Mountain for 12 years, lost their home, which was located on property, along with all their belongings, but the fire did not extinguish their spirit to continue to offer skiing to the community. “It was amazing that we were able to be back open for skiing just 5 days later,” said Debbie Otis, Mary Kent’s assistant, who runs the ski area office on a daily basis. “The support from the community and from other ski areas was wonderful.” Pat Murphy, Sugarloaf patroller (and 2005 Maine Ski Hall of Fame honoree) said, “Upon hearing of the terrible fire, I called Mark Adams, director of the Sugarloaf Ski Patrol, explaining the problem and he grabbed the ball and ran with it, calling other patrols and taking anything that Sugarloaf management would let him have and delivering it to Eaton. It was a great effort by everyone in the ski community.” Adams, patrol director at Sugarloaf for five years, said Sugarloaf immediately sent Eaton two patrol toboggans. “Our snowmaking department sent them snowmaking hose. Food services sent them a bunch of stuff. We are all connected through our membership with National Ski Patrol (NSP) and Professional Ski Patrol Assistant (PSPA).” Greg Sweetser, executive director of Ski Maine said, “The support from Maine ski areas given to Eaton Mountain is just one example of the "community" within our industry. There is a certain bond among the operational departments at Maine ski areas - every ski area experiences the stresses of day-to-day operations during the long hours of snowmaking, grooming, and entertaining guests. It is not uncommon for a maintenance person to call another area to share knowledge. It is no surprise that when a ski area needs emergency help, that help comes quickly.” The local Vassalboro school kids held a ski-a-thon at Eaton following the fire, and raised $5,000. That money was used to replace the groomer with a used one purchased from Saddleback. Otis said, “The kids did a great job raising that money. That shows how important skiing at Eaton is to them” Ann Gowdy Dominick, a nursing graduate student at U.S.M. serving clinical rotations at Sunday River, said, “When I heard about Eaton’s fire, I knew I had the resources and an overabundance of first aid supplies to share.” Dominick was involved in an outreach program donating medical supplies to the Dominican Republic at the time. “I called Brad and gave him medical supplies for the next couple years. I am a huge skiers and snowboarder, and a four-year volunteer with Maine Handicapped. I wanted to do what I could for the little mountain.” Sweetser of Ski Maine said. “They were so many who stepped foreword. Saddleback sent down a food trailer they had used for their construction project. Our role at Ski Maine was to get the word out that Eaton was up and running again.” A year later, Eaton has a repaired lodge with an expanded kitchen; the previously popular Bear Trap Lounge has not yet been replaced. The Kents are living in temporary housing at the ski area, and Mary Kent is continuing to battle cancer. The Eaton slogan is “Big mountain skiing at small mountain prices.” With 18 modest trails with names like Moose, Skunk, and Weasel,that may be grand thinking on their part. Perhaps it should be “big hearted skiing in a small community.” Otis estimates 15,000 local skiers and riders spend their season at Eaton. “We are a family place, we have a terrain park, tubing, and lessons.” Eaton ski area is open midweek from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., weekends and school vacation periods 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. plus Saturday nights 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Eaton tickets are $23 for adults and $19 for juniors, kids 5 and under (and seniors 70+) are free, clearly the “small mountain prices” slogan is accurate. Smolin, an Eaton patroller for 10 years this month, said all the contributions made it possible to reopen, and keep going like other small family-owned areas in Maine. “I would like to say a big THANK YOU to everyone for their donation last winter after the fire. The generosity was overwhelming in a giant industry like we are in.”
"Simple steps to skiing” For those of us who have been skiing since we were shorter than a ski pole, it is easy to take for granted the multi-step process involved in hitting the slopes. First there is the road trip. Few of us are fortunate enough to live slopeside. You begin your expedition to the slopes by stuffing all your ski-related belongings into your vehicle, trying to overcome that gut feeling that you have forgotten something. You rationalize that within the 49 pounds of gear, surely you have everything you need. There is the mental checklist; hat, boots, boards, goggles, pass, gloves, money, and the list goes on. A well-equipped skier needs a Boy Scout mentality, be prepared for anything. Next, you hit the road, usually before the sun has made a meaningful appearance. Travel conditions often include snow - which is cause for celebration, but also intense concentration for the white-knuckled drive (as if you weren’t anxious enough to get to the slopes?). Arriving at the ski area - finding a parking space is not an issue since orange-vested attendants flag you to a spot, seemingly as far from the lodge as possible. You try to leave room to open your doors and tailgate to access the aforementioned plethora of gear, while the wand-waving attendant vehemently shoehorns in the next eager skier’s car. Once you have unloaded your boards, you must lug your boots to the lodge or put them on at the car. Balancing on one foot in your shoe, while stuffing the other into the tight awkward ski boot is a skiers’ callisthenic. We all must admit we have accidentally put that socking foot into the snow on more than one occasion. Carrying your skis can be downright comical if not done with proficiency; this stunt makes the highlight reel of many Warren Miller movies. It’s not innate to wield five feet of metal-edged gear with composure and grace. Now you shell out a day’s wages at the ticket window, being careful not to drop your gloves in the snow, or leave them at the counter. You balance everything as you fold, peel, and stick the ticket to the wicket – positioning it so it won’t later flap in your face. Next comes the arduous climb to the lift. Why are loading areas typically 20-vertical feet above the lodge? Next you balance on one boot as you whack the other with a ski pole to dislodge accumulated snow stuck to your sole. Every good skier knows the critical sound of the clean binding click. You slide through the lift corral past the “wait here” to the “load here” sign, and prepare for the 400-pound chair to knock your knees out from under you as you take a seat. Ironic that one of the seven skiers’ responsibility codes is to have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload the lift. Does anyone ever ask the lift attendants for instructions? I doubt it. Dennis at the Superquad or Todd at Barker would have a courteous explanation, but I am not so confident other liftees would be so helpful. After a swift ascent, you disembark and put on your pole straps like your mother taught you; “the bunny comes up through the hole and then grabs the carrot.” And at last, you are skiing. It’s all worth it. You glide over the silky snow. The pull of gravity accelerates you down the slopes. Wind whistles in your ears. Your lift ticket flaps as you cruise past shimmering birch trees and snow draped pines. You build up speed and rock your hips to engage a smooth turn, feeling the g-force that springs you into the next sweeping arc. Now you remember why you do this. There is no sensation quite the same, it’s exhilarating, like flying without the height concern. In the next lift queue, you see familiar “same time each weekend” faces, and exchange satisfied smiles. Ride up, slide down, and repeat a ridiculous number of times. Awaiting you at day’s end is that well-deserved après-ski drink and hot tub, where you recount your downhill drama and stretch (the truth - that is). Ah, skiing. No one said it was simple, but it sure is sweet.
"It's all about kids this week at Sunday River and Sugarloaf”  Starting today, the entire week at Maine’s two big ski resorts is
devoted to families. “The idea came about 18 years ago from the staff
in our childcare center," said Bill Swain, communication director at
Sugarloaf. "Mid-January was typically a slow time so they found
a way to get more kids to Sugarloaf in January. The event took off and
now we have a resort full of kids and families, which is a great
atmosphere all week long.”Parents booking three or more nights on a ski and stay package at the River or the ‘Loaf this week get free skiing, lodging, all-day Perfect Kids lesson programs and rental equipment for their children ages 4-12. For toddlers, daycare is half-price. These add-ons make it more affordable for new parents -who may have put skiing on a back burner while their babies grow their ski legs (buying Pampers instead of passes). Let’s face it, skiing is costly and complicated enough before kids add to the mix. Suddenly you have twice the gear to fit, buy, and haul. And although we all envision ourselves as our children’s best teachers – teaching your child to ski or snowboard is best left to the professionals. This week, kids’ gear and lessons are included (saving $80 a day) for each parent on a lift and lodging package, starting at $89 per adult, per night and go up from there depending on your lodging preference. Family fest has a new twist this year as American Ski Company resorts are in cahoots with Nickelodeon - so your kids’ favorite TV characters will provide the ski area entertainment. What better way to cap off a day on the slopes than a scavenger hunt with Dora the Explorer or a snow dance with SpongeBob. If my kids were younger, I would pull them out of school for this ski deal, line-up of characters, and the un-crowded trails of early January mid-week skiing. At Sunday River, Children’s Festival kicks off with discounted snow tubing and free hot chocolate at the White Cap Fun Center on Monday, followed by an evening torchlight parade and fireworks. Tuesday, Dora the Explorer will lead a scavenger hunt. That evening, a magic show and movie will entertain the kids. Competitive family snow sculpting is Wednesday, along with an evening of karaoke and Nickelodeon Trivia. Thursday’s grand finale includes Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob Squarepants live in South Ridge Base Lodge. “Spending time on the slopes with your family is about as good as it gets for a parent,” said Jim Costello, Sunday River vice president of brand management and skiing parent. ”Our Children’s Festival Week is tailor made for families, from the free factor to the entertainment. Having Nickelodeon on the snow with us this year will make the week even more memorable.” Sugarloaf has a similar roster of family fun beginning with a torchlight parade and fireworks Monday. SpongeBob Squarepants and Dora the Explorer will visit children at Sugarloaf’s lesson programs and childcare on Tuesday. That night, the silly sea sponge and brave explorer girl will sing karaoke and pose for pictures at Carnival Night. Wednesday is a pajama party featuring the Rugrats Movie, which coordinates nicely with Parents’ Night Out (read: dinner for two at the new Shipyard without crayons). On Thursday night, the National Marionette Theatre will perform a free show of Peter Pan in the base lodge. Marcia White, Sugarloaf’s children’s services director, said Sugarloaf’s classic mascots will take part in the festivities. “Amos the Moose and Blueberry Bear are anxious to introduce their new friends, Dora The Explorer and SpongeBob Squarepants, to Sugarloafers of all ages. They are the perfect compliment to an already fun-filled week on and off the slopes.” If you can’t take advantage of Children’s festival this week, put this event in your datebook for next January, this annual deal is a steal compared to holiday rates (and crowds). Sure, the resort is looking to hook your family into the sport so you will want to come back February vacation week and pay full boat. And Nickelodeon is promoting their new winter apparel line. But when you want your kids to love skiing as much as you do, why not enlist the help of the Crusty Crab fry cook. As Dora would say, “Vamonos, to the slopes.”
"Express yourself on the slopes, bonk it, baby” All for One: This was once the Three Musketeers’ rally. Now this refers to American Skiing Company’s huge pass promotion, allowing skiers to cash in on six New England areas at considerable ticket window savings. Ambassador: a person willing to park cars, hand out trail maps or tissues, and tell skiers to “slow down,” for a free season pass and a warm jacket emblazoned with the ski resort logo (aka Mountain Host).  Bonk: the art of striking your board(s) on a stationary object,
creating on-snow onomatopoeia.Code: ski-patrol speak for accident or injury. This is also a reference to the seven skiers’ responsibility points (example: look up the hill before pushing off). Know the code, and reduce your chances of becoming a Code. Corduroy: The perfectly grooved pattern in the snow that resembles a pair of wide-whale trousers, “cord” is created by groomers and found first run in the morning. Corn: an affectionate term for spring ski conditions, precisely the moment when snow begins to melt but maintains a granular consistency. One hour later under strong March sun, corn turns to mashed potato - which is harder to navigate and less desirable. Death cookies: chunks of frozen snow scattered about the trail, neither edible nor enjoyable. A phenomenon that occurs when groomers miss the mark. Detachable: Tech-talk for a chair that comes off the high-speed cable at the bottom and top of the lift. This makes for easier skier loading and unloading and a swifter ascent in between. Dusting: not merely a housekeeping chore; this is a snow term to define accumulation of less than an inch. Halfpipe: just like it sounds, the bottom half of a pipe. Found at a ski area, featuring curved walls almost 20 feet in height, the “pipe” is full of slippery snow and gravity-defying teens, and is groomed with a Zaugg. Fakie: No, it’s not pretending to be sick so you can play hooky on the slopes. It is landing on your board(s) backwards. Switch is going backwards at takeoff. Fixed-grip: sounds like the method of grasping one’s ski poles, but it is a chairlift which remains attached to the cable at all times, moving up the hill at half the rate of speed as a detachable lift. Jam: not a skiers’ breakfast toast topping, it is a competition held in a Terrain Park or halfpipe, where riders go for the biggest air and the most innovative tricks. Jib: not a nautical sail, but the active participation in a park or pipe, as in “he was jibbing that rail all day.” Kink: not a muscle spasm in your neck following a big wipeout. It is a sharp angle on a terrain park rail. Magic Carpet: a conveyor belt that you stand on while wearing your skis to take you up the hill. This simple but swift technology has expedited first time skiers’ progress, skipping over the ‘hard to grasp’ handle tows and rope tows. McTwist: Sounds like fast-food fare, but this is actually a Terrain Park trick. The skier or snowboarder performs 540-degrees of rotation while going inverted (akin to Jonny Moseley’s Dinner Roll). Milk Run: “first tracks” acquired by riding the first chair in the morning when you get fresh powder (“pow”) or un-crushed corduroy. Also dashing to an overpriced ski area store for beverages. NFPD: not a law enforcement agency; this is an acronym for “no friends on powder day.” Expect to be dusted when there is more than a dusting. Parabolic: If you are still using this word, stop. The parabolic was the forerunner to the shaped ski – but you sound bucolic when you say parabolic. Pro: the egocentric ski instructors’ self-appointment, as they proclaim their talent superior and worth paying for. Pros are the teachers of the “Perfect Turn” – case in point. One Planker: a Snowboarder Two Planker: a Skier Quad: a chairlift that seats four skiers and the important thigh muscles used in steering your boards in a turn. Sled: While this sounds like an après ski amusement, it is the method of removing injured skiers from the slopes by patrol. Ski Bra, or Edgie Wedgie: a tip connector used to keep learning youngsters’ ski tips in a wedge, preventing crossing and crashing. Ski Gee: a pocket-size scraper used for removing sleet and snow from one’s goggles, particularly handy after skiing too close to a snowmaking gun. Single: the word you call out when trying to score a spare seat on a chairlift, and circumventing a long lift line. It is also an antisocial, and antiquated, style of chairlift which seats just one. Only one single chair remains in New England at Mad River Glen in Vermont. S curve: not the hairpin turn you steer on your drive to the mountain, but a swerving rail in the Terrain Park. The one turn version is the C-rail. Slope-rage: an alarming trend of aggressive, angry behavior amongst stressed skiers and riders. It’s winter, you are skiing, chill people. Top Shack: the hut at the top of each summit, where ski patrollers hang out, stay warm and remain poised to head down to a “code” with a “sled.” Yard sale: the place to buy cheap (read: outdated) long straight skis. A yard sale also categorizes a big fall that scatters your hat, goggles, poles, skis and mittens all over the trial. aka: Biff Mind you, as soon as I report on any of the above expressions being “new school,” they are surely “old school” already. So don’t take any of this too seriously.
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