| BARRE-
Despite the frigid temperatures, the trails of Pine Ridge
Snow Park, South Barre Road, were swarming with skiers and snowboarders
taking advan- tage of the fresh snow. Red noses, hot chocolare and
plenty of warm layers were not in short supply as Pine Ridge opened this
past week-end for the first time this winter season, much to the
anticipation of local skiers and snowboarders.
With the unseasonable tempera-ture
highs over, the park was able to make snow with the latest burst of arctic
air. Three trails are currently open and three additional trails will
open with the help of Mother Nature, consisting of natural snow. A
snowboard park com-plete with jumps is also open.
Under the new ownership and
management of James and Sale Caruso, the family orientated snow park is
looking to expand eventual-ly with the addition of a tubing park.
Until then, the park has been upgrading equipment such as fan jets and
compressors for snow making.
Viewed as a place for beginners,
the snow park takes pride in being geered towards the entire family
and is currently offering a number of deals to have some fun in the snow.
Friday nights at the park are
Family Fridays, which enables the whole family to get lift tickets for just
$30. Lift tickets at the full day rate are usually $17 for adults and
$14 for children 12 and under. |
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Rentals range for $12 to $10 depending on
full and half day rates for boots, skis and poles. Season passes for
Barre residents are just $175 for adults and $145 for children 12 and under.
Non-residential rates for season passes are $200 for adults and $145 for
children 12 and under.
People, who can't ski or snowboard - don't worry, the park can help them
with their lessons. Privare, semi-private and group lessons are
available at any time and cost between $49 to $33 depending on full or
half-day rates and rentals. Currently, a four-week program is being
offered which includes half-day lift tickets, rental equipment, and group
lessons for the four week duration at $102 for adults and $96 for children
12 and under. The "Bring-a-Group" package includes a lift
ticket, rental equipment, and group lesson for a group of twenty or more at
$31 for adults and $26 for children. And if the normal birthday
parties are getting a little to blase , how about some ice cream cake and
skiing or snowboarding at Pine Ridge instead? Birthday parties can be
held at the lodge and are $13 per child (includes lift tickets, icecream
birthday cake and juice).
Along with the opening of the Pine Ridge Snow Park, the
new grill inside the lodge, KJ's Grille opened. Kim and Daniel
Southwick opened the grill, which they describe as an "indoor hotdog
stand/restaurant." The couple is leasing the kitchen year round from Pine
Ridge owner James Caruso. |
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The restaurant will be open six days a week
11 a.m. to 9 pm and is closed on Wednesdays. Theyr grandchildren, Kady
and Joseph, inspires the name of the grill as did their daughter Errika who
is the "e" on Grille, " as Kim admitted. Kim Southwick has been
managing restaurants for several years now including "Pete's Place" in North
Carolina and the "Hot Dog Annie's" of this area. Daniel Southwick was
formally a machinist and is happy with the change although he admits he's
never worked harder in his life. KJ's Grille has burgers, chicken
dishes, seafood, chowders, stews and even ice cream, although with the cold
weather this past weekend, hot chocolate was on high demand rather than the
tasty cold treat. Geared toward the family, the couple wanted to give
families the opportunity to have good, fast food cheap with out having to
travel very far to get it. Originally looking to oppen a restaurant in
Greenfield, the Southwick family sar this as a great opportunity and is
prepared to make the most of it. When Pine Ridge closes for the
season, KJ's Grille will remain open with the addition of outdoor picinic
table areas.
For more information about
lessons, rates and gift certificates at Pine Ridge Snow Park, people may
call 978-355-6446. Special events are planned for the upcoming
February vacation. The snow park is open from 6 tro 10 pm on Fridays,
and from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, holidays and
school vacations. |
