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Show n U By Ernie Milnor The good times usually follow the bad times. Recent storms that have dumped heavy and record-breaking amounts of snow in the Moab area have been somewhat troublesome. Most of the residents resi-dents of the area are accustomed to light winter storms and short cold spells. However, this year things are different. While n JO, most ot us have in the past laughed at friends and relatives who reside in the northern part of the state, it seems that they can't quite believe be-lieve it when we tell them that we have snow, and they are laughing laugh-ing at us. Numerous drivers rarely ever need snow tires let alont? buv them, but this year again, they are needed. Snow shovels are a thing of scarcity. Have you tried to buy one? Of course the skiers are delighted and that brings on the good times. During the past week, registration was held for the Grand County School District Ski Club. The ski program in Moab has only been in operation for a short time and already the popularity is tremendous. Two years ago the registration numbered 57 students. Last winter nearly 80 signed up to learn the finer points of winter fun. This year the signup again showed an increase. Over 100 local students signed up for the 6 week course and this has to be great for all involved. The rest of the nation has long been involved in winter sports. But to the residents of this area, not enough time was set aside for winter. Now with the ski program, the youngsters of the Moab area can learn to ski and have fun all year long. Fees for the ski program are very reasonable, $12 for students in elementary schools and $15 for junior and senior high students. What the cost covers is barely enough for lift passes. Transportation Trans-portation costs are absorbed by the School District and all instruction is voluntary. The Blue Mountain Ski Area is the prime target for all lessons and in the next year or two, they too are planning on improvement and enlargement of facilities. With the added numbers of skiers in the Moab area and the already established group of enthusiasts enthus-iasts in Southeastern Utah, more facilities are needed and the pressure is being felt at the San Juan complex. Again, to keep expenses at a minimum, most of the labor is donated to the resort. This includes lift operators, ski patrolmen and help in the warming hut. Possibly with the addition of new facilities at Blue Mountain, the costs will rise, but the area will be closer to local residents than any other and w ith more time, could be as good as some much farther far-ther from home. |
