Stoked for the season

By P.J. GLISSON

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Bessemer TOWNSHIP - Skiers and snowboarders flocked to Black River Basin last weekend as Snowriver Mountain Resort opened the site on Thanksgiving Day - the first to open in the region for the season.

Sunshine and temperatures in the mid-40s made for spring-like skiing, with a steady flow of activity at the Bessemer Township site while The Globe visited on Friday.

Josh Johnson of Bessemer was helping his son, Jack, 4, as he continued to improve his technique in his second year of skiing.

"He gets frustrated, but he likes it," said Johnson of Jack.

Johnson, who also works at the hill as a groomer, said the season kick-off was going "pretty good," but he added, "We need more snow and colder temperatures."

Eric Klemme of Bessemer said it was fun to see people "so stoked to be out."

Klemme said he also works at the hill. "I've been here all day," he said. "I run the lift operations. I oversee all the lift operators. I just make sure all the lifts are operating safely."

Originally from Wisconsin, Klemme said that he just received his degree in ski area management from Gogebic Community College.

"It was supposed to be a temporary thing," he said regarding his time in this region, but he decided he really likes the U.P.

There was a wide variety of people at the hill, from toddlers to senior citizens. One family was speaking only in an indiscernible foreign language, but the parents and kids were clearly excited about hitting the hill.

Riley Corcoran was among out-of towners. She said her family is from New London, Wisconsin, but had a nearby condo where she was staying, along with her friend, Reina Starks.

The girls had been on the hill for half the day when Corcoran declared, "It's going really good. The snow is good."

Among ski patrol staff was Matthew Warnke of Ironwood, who said he was starting his third year at this site after also having gained experience in Duluth, Minnesota, and out west.

Warnke said the opening was going "fantastic."

He said once the hill closed for the day the staff would "clear all the runs," making sure everyone had exited the hill safely. "We call that sweeping."

Moreover, said Warnke, "Generally, people are skiing with a buddy, too." Hence, he said that if someone turns up missing, "we find out pretty quickly."

Benjamin Bartz, general manager for Snowriver Resort, was inside the chalet, working the desk.

"We're excited to be open," he assured.

Bartz admitted that there were some growing pains in getting underway, but added that one advantage of getting an early handle on the season was that it would allow staff to gain experience and solve any problems before the season gets any busier.

Weekend visitors at Black River Basin - formerly Blackjack Mountain - expressed joy in their own Facebook posts.

"It's a great day for skiing," wrote Nichole Massignan, "BRB, gotta make another lap."

According to Bartz, Snowriver's second site in Wakefield Township - Jackson Creek Summit, the former Indianhead Mountain - is scheduled to open on Dec. 17, seven days a week.

He added that Black River Basin will continue to be open for long weekends - Thursdays through Sundays - until later in the season. "And then we'll go seven days a week here, too," he said.

Snowriver Mountain Resort is the former Big Snow Resort. As of last August, new ownership transferred officially to Charles Skinner, Jr., who also owns Granite Peak Ski Area in Wisconsin and Lutsen Mountains Ski and Summer Resort in Minnesota.