Jay Peak

Last Thursday our class took a trip up to Jay Peak to check out the new expansion projects being constructed there. We got to check out the massive new water park, ice house and hotel/condos. I really liked seeing how Jay kept some of their original buildings and just made additions to the new sections being constructed because it was like stepping into two different periods of time in one building. Mixing the old with the new isn't always a bad thing, unless the building is falling apart or not up to code. Being a senior and looking for an internship this summer, I will be considering trying to be involved in a marketing/event team for summer operations at the end of this winter season at Jay Peak. 

Outing club and Burke trip

I wanted to combine last weeks posts in order to save some time especially during midterm week. This past Tuesday our class was at the outing club to continue planning and designing the chilli cook off, rail jam and year round programs/events. We broke up into our groups to continue developing our project segments. I was able to talk to maitenece and find all of the lumber needed to construct our recycle bins. What we do need currently are tools, screws, door hinges, and a padlock system with chain. I will talk more about the details in class.

Last Thursday we took a trip over to Burke mountain to check out the new loft being installed next to the willoughby chair and also the new wind tower. I am really excited to see this new lift once it's completed. It will also be nice having a foot rest for once! We also got to see the entire blue prints that were used to design the lift and make sure it fits perfectly in darling state park. The last new piece of technology we got to see was the new wind tower. The wind tower was very impressive,especially seeing and hearing the massive blades being pounded by the wind. It's really cool to see Burke making an attempt to go green. I am very appreciative of being able to get the chance to not only see and take a part a lift at Stowe, but to also get a sneak peak of a new lift at a mountain I will bs working at this season.

Cannon Mtn. Trip

On the 29th our practicum class took a trip over to Cannon Mountain located in Franconia Notch in New Hampshire. There we visited a ski museum and took a ride on the Tram. The Museum was very interested. My favorite part of the ski exhibit was being able to see the old ski, snowmaking and grooming gear that was used generations before us. The innovation of technology used in the industry today compared to the past is mind boggling.  The Tram ride was very cool as well seeing as this was my first ride on a Tram lift.  The scale of the mechanics used to power the lift is huge. I really liked being able to see the massive counterweights and extra cable housed at the summit lift station. We were told that the original tram was installed in the early 1900s and was replaced in 1982 with the lift that is in still operation today. It's very humbling knowing how much technology has changed in such a short amount of time in the ski industry.