This past week was an exceptional week since we had many people visiting
to ski with us ranging from New York, Pennsylvania and as far as
Australia. They were all impressed with the warmth and hospitality that
The Valley exudes. My family and I are so proud to call The Valley our
home away from home.
There are so many people I would like to thank, some of whom go back to
my father's era. Firstly, I would like to thank Barbara de Lima who
still works at the mountain and has always shown great love and
appreciation to my family. Barbara has such history at the mountain and a
great understanding to the original mountain and how it has evolved.
Then there is Tom Kerr. What an icon. I always know where to find him
and how we love to reminisce about the old days. Please don't ever
change.
As to the great crew who are upholding the tradition of the mountain, I
would like to thank Milo, who runs the ski school desk at Mt. Ellen
always with a smile. Since the conditions were not the best this past
holiday week we had many obstacles to conquer. As a family we do a
traditional run down Walt's Trail which was named after my father. We
stop on the trail and throw cookies into the woods and pay our homage to
a man with great vision. Due to the lack of snow Walt's Trail was
closed.
Milo, who was aware of the tradition, had arranged for my family a
private escort by Rick, the ski patrolman, down the trail. The trail was
ungroomed and difficult to ski; however, Milo's thoughtfulness, along
with Rick's expertise as a patrolman guided my family down the trail to
commemorate a longtime family tradition. We, as a family, could not have
been more proud on that day.
And that brings me to Win Smith. Thank you. You have proven to be a
great man who has held the mountain and his love of skiing close to your
heart and it shows with the people who represent your vision. Win, you
have managed to keep the integrity of the mountain and have surpassed
levels of not only running a successful business but also a great place
to build memories with families.
My family and I are so looking forward to celebrating the 50th anniversary of Mt. Ellen in 2013.
Thank you for your dedication to a never-ending dream.
Tracie Elliott lives in New Fairfield, CT.
