Dear Skiers and Snowshoers,

We aren't skiing here yet but it's certainly cold enough to snow. The ponds are starting to freeze up and the air smells like winter. The surest sign of winter is our (almost) Annual Ski Swap happening this Saturday from 9 am to 11 am. We didn't hold a ski swap last year so it's likely some of you have more used gear to bring than usual. We have 30 sets of used rental skis and boots to sell, and we always have new poles and beautiful hats and gloves too.

Here's the deal: Bring any used cross-country skis, boots, poles, snowshoes, pulks, etc. that you hope to sell. We will have tags for you to write the price and your name on. If your gear sells, we keep 15% of the selling price. Any gear of yours that does not sell YOU MUST TAKE AWAY BY NOON on Saturday.

Ski Swap Day is also a good time to buy Gift Certificates and Season Passes. Or, you can always purchase gift certificates through old-fashioned snail mail. Just mail us a check with a note of instruction and we will send a gift certificate to any address you specify.

I am very excited to report that our New Trail Map is being sent to the printers as I type. It's sure to arrive before opening day. It will be easier to read, easier to carry in your pocket, and best of all, highly durable (water resistant and tear proof). These maps are earth-friendly keepers to be used over and over. We will be selling them for one dollar (new concept!). And as always, they will be posted throughout the trail network at all the major intersections.

For all our keeping-up-with-the-times with state-of-the-art groomers, rental equipment, website, and trail map, there will always be features to keep the same. The important one you need to know about today is that we do not accept credit cards or debit cards. Good old-fashioned cash and checks work best for us and keep the lines in the Ski Shop and Cafe moving faster.

Hope to see you on Saturday,
Irene