The pandemic has dramatically affected our business. Always visit COVID-19 information before making the trip up here.
Date of this report
Feb. 27, 6:30 AM
Note: I often post what I think the conditions will be like when people will actually be on the trails as opposed to what they are at the time of posting. Be aware that, as with weather, conditions forecasting involves some guesswork and sometimes isn't accurate...so, read carefully.
Weekend outlook
Sometimes the skiing is great when the weather isn't so great. This could happen both Saturday and Sunday.
As of this posting, we have received an inch of new snow. Another inch or two is expected before some light rain showers this afternoon. This is falling over an icy base. Conditions as of this moment are improving.
Sometimes no grooming is best. That's my call this morning.
Sunday morning should be above freezing (good for skiing), so if you are thinking of coming on Sunday, come in the morning before rainy weather returns.
Dress accordingly
As always, check here to confirm status just before coming up.
Rentals
Snowshoes and xc skis available this weekend.
Most days: Available after 9 AM daily. See New procedure: https://www.stumpsprouts.com/winter-recreation
Payment: Cash (exact change), check, or Venmo. Instructions when you get here
West Hill Road conditions
Plowed, sanded, Could change on Saturday morning
Parking
Icy in places...be careful!
Bathroom...Weekends only....If you really need it.
We do have one bathroom at the farmhouse accessible via the woodshed. Try to take care of your needs before leaving home. Hint...a little yellow snow away from everything is okay, too.
Classic cross country skiing
Yes for Saturday and Sunday
Snowshoeing
Yes
Winter biking
Not this weekend
Hiking
No hiking today.
Today's Dog policy
No dogs on weekends.
Visitation subject to: COVID-19 Travel Order
**********************************************************************
Send us some love*
We haven’t been charging for skiing this year. Back in early December, we didn’t anticipate the convergence of XC skiing and pandemic-induced cabin fever on top of a run of good conditions, the likes of which we haven’t seen in a few years.. We also expected that we would be able to rent the lodge continuously during the winter season.
The decision to not charge was based on our not being able to provide a warming room and a desire to encourage self-reliance during the pandemic by not providing a contact station, ski patrol or maps.
Ironically, in our busiest year in a couple of decades, our revenues are 10% of normal this winter.
Travel restrictions shut down lodging inquiries from NY and CT. This has left us with empty prime weekends at the lodge.
It has been almost a year since we hosted a full service weekend for groups. No idea when we will be able to return to the days of old.
That said,
We are not without means at this stage of our lives and thus feel more fortunate than other similarly affected businesses. Nonetheless, many people have expressed a desire to contribute something to this operation.
It does takes time; I have more of that than usual.
And money; Thousands every season to keep lots plowed, downed trees cut, trails mowed and groomed.
* Sometimes “Donation” implies that you must donate. This is not our intention.
We feel honored to provide something healthy, uplifting and fun during this challenging time.
However,
I have been counseled to graciously accept appreciation when offered.
Things you could do:
* Put something in the orange coffee can in the rental area.
* Send us a check. Payable to Stump Sprouts and sent to 64 West Hill Road, Hawley, MA 01339
* Send us something via Venmo : @Suzanne-Crawford-24 (if prompted, the last 4 digits of the phone associated with this account are 4832)