TOP TO BOTTOM Ascutney Outdoors started the revitalization of Ascutney Ski Area with a single tow rope that operated on a donation-only basis. A few years later, the rope tow still services the Thursday Night Classic, a local ski race; and when conditions don’t allow the newly installed T-bar to run, the rope tow still runs free of charge. Adrien Grabinski, roofing specialist, makes sure building codes are up to par on a lean-to shelter tucked away in the old growth of the Shames Valley.