Over a few days this past summer, a dozen or so Beavers tidied up their vast maze of trails, teaming up to clear debris and cover potential hazards. Per Beaver guidelines, no wood was removed from the forest. Jeff says that with their exponential expansion, that’s become more of a job than a chore. Still, he, McKay and crew found time to make three more expert glades into East Bowl. Black’s cult success can be traced back to these long sum-mer afternoons in the forest. Yet while the Beavers are proud of their place in that story, it’s the new trails that keep them coming back year after year—a chance to not just explore the woods, but to have their hard work paid back in powder turns. “We build the glades we want to ski,” says McKay on an afternoon skin lap. “While you’re building it, you just envision skiing it. I’m invested in these glades. We know how to ski them because we helped build them.” LEFT, CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT Beaver Creek, CO, may be wondering why so many Mainers keep visiting… The view from above the iconic Black Mountain summit triple. During the winter months, “woo-birds” can often be heard hooting and hollering from the woods on either side. A symbolic rubber chicken hangs on the sign pointing towards the “chicken run” back to the lift. Plenty of good skiing remains below if you’re up for it. ABOVE, CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT Walking the plank back toward the base lodge. Keith Bobrowiecki, BMOM Director of Snowsports, keeps the vibe fun for everyone. Gerry Marcoux wasn’t always a tree skier, but after starting to cut trails with his son, it was hard to resist the goods in the woods. Jeff Marcoux leads the parade through the Rapid Glade. There’s nothing quite like skiing the trail you cut, turn for turn. Gladecutters 051
The Ski Journal Volume 17, Issue 4: Page 51
