Wednesday, July 31, 2013
To the Editor:
The Upper Valley SnowSports Foundation has developed a comprehensive strategy designed to preserve Whaleback Ski Area as a community resource. Your July 6 article accurately described our mission, with one small error. If the foundation acquires Whaleback, our plans include one new surface lift, not a chairlift, as this would improve daily ski access to the mountain and key trails.
While we believe we have an operational model for Whaleback that is sustainable, the Upper Valley SnowSports Foundation cannot compete in a bidding war to buy the mountain. If we can reach an agreement to buy Whaleback, we believe we can raise sufficient philanthropic capital to improve snowmaking capability, restructure certain trails and improve the existing lift system. We also believe we can generate sufficient capital reserves to insulate future operations from the vagaries of New England winters.
While we could not immediately accomplish many of the changes we see as necessary, we would be ready to operate Whaleback during the 2013-2014 ski season.
The foundation is in the quiet phase of a capital fundraising campaign and already has some strong supporters, but more funding would be required to make this happen. If you would like to find out how you could contribute, please write to UVSSF, P.O. Box 606, Lebanon, N.H., 03766, or email us at info@uvssf.org. We have no doubts that the best use for Whaleback is to remain as a ski area. Together we can make sure Whaleback continues to serve the Upper Valley community by providing affordable skiing for current and future generations.
John Schiffman
Chairman, Upper Valley SnowSports Foundation
Hanover