The question that was running through everyone’s mind this past weekend was the same. How can there be a ‘New England-wide’ high school championship race hosting 219 athletes, from five states, when Mother Nature seemed to be offering only tough love to her northern, snow loving, children this winter? Well, the question might not have been verbatim in everyone’s mind but, the issue still lingered.
When the teams, and their families, from Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and New York rolled into Mountain Top’s parking lot on Friday there was an air of confident anxiety churning inside the staff. All winter long, the lack of snow formed an unwelcome dark cloud that hovered over the resort’s Nordic Center, where cross country skiing has played a major part in what makes The Mountain Top Inn & Resort so enjoyable.
Then on Sunday morning, there was a sigh of relief that could almost be heard over the shotgun blast signaling the start of the 2012 TD Bank Eastern High School Championship’s final race. The countless hours of snow-making, grooming, organizing, and planning paid off in the end; in a winter where rain drops seemed more common than snowflakes.
With the help of close to fifty volunteers, NENSA, TD Bank, L.L. Bean, and an entire Mountain Top staff wide effort, the three day event exceeded expectations.
The smiles that seemed to be stuck on the faces of the athletes, whether they were reading their impressive individual times or enjoying a game of Ultimate Frisbee after a hearty meal, gave a purpose to all of the hard work. In the end that was what the weekend was all about; providing the athletes the most exciting and memorable experience possible.
Although the Vermont team won the event, and individual racers from each of the five states walked away with medals, the weekend did not have an overly competitive feel to it. Everyone that stayed at the inn, racers, coaches, families, volunteers, and officials, came together as a community, happy to be involved in a major winter event although the temperature felt like early summer.
When the award ceremony ended and the crowds dispersed it was realized what a remarkable feat had been accomplished. Mother Nature definitely dealt Mountain Top a bad hand this winter yet, through determination, unity, and a little ‘Yankee ingenuity’ the decision to persevere, instead of fold, paid off. It is amazing how persistence can quickly change a losing hand into a full house.
Blog post written by:
Justin Merrill
Grounds Crew at The Mountain Top Inn & Resort
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The month of February is filled with the theme of love and hearts; why not, it is the month that we celebrate Valentine’s Day. Every where we turn we see red hearts, heart shaped boxes of candy, small heart candies with words like “I love you”. Christmas decorations have been replaced by heart flags adorning neighbors’ yards and doors. Retail stores have red heart decorations in their windows; jewelry stores are advertising diamond heart pendants; bakeries have a great supply of cookies cut from heart-shaped cookie cutters, frosted with fancy red and white frosting. Even dogs may be sporting collars with red hearts.
Yet the heart that really matters is the one that keeps us going 365 days of the year. This is why the American Heart Association designates February as American Heart Month. With so many hearts around us it is the perfect reminder that we all need to take care of our own hearts and those of the people we love. According to the American Heart Association, the facts are clear; more women die of heart disease than all forms of cancer combined. The website WebMD says that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S. , which is why it is important to learn about your heart to help prevent heart disease.
That’s the bad news; the good news is that even if you have heart disease you can learn to live a healthier, more active life.
Among the list of things we can do to avoid being sidelined is to get up and move! Indoors or better yet, outdoors in the fresh air of Vermont. There is a wide range of activities to enjoy throughout the winter; Alpine skiing, riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice skating are just a few of the winter sports that are easily accessible and will give your heart a beneficial workout. Go at your own speed; start slow at a comfortable level. Take a lesson to get the basics or for a refresher.
If you’d prefer to stay inside, how about Rock Climbing in Rutland or take a Cardio Class at Pyramid Holistic Wellness Center or a Yoga Class at your favorite studio. The American Heart Association says that yoga can be used to improve heart health as a preventive measure. It can help lower blood pressure, increase lung capacity, improve respiratory function and heart rate, and boost circulation and muscle tone; improve your overall well-being while offering strength-building benefits.
Improving heart health can be a family activity too. Encourage the kids (and adults) to take a break from the computer. If you are interested in additional information about how to help your family get active and healthy, visit Let’sMove.gov; the official site to learn about ‘America’s Move to Raise a Healthier Generation of Kids!’ The website is packed full of healthy ideas for the entire family.
Being active is just a part of the key to heart health; yet it is the part that can be the most fun if you find the right activity and do it with friends and family.
February is American Heart Month, so why not take a February break and get moving in the right direction! Head to an activity that will be fun for you; the one that you think or know in your heart you will love! Have fun!!
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Last weekend the Nordic Center at The Mountain Top Inn & Resort hosted the 7th Annual Paintball Biathlon. Unfortunately I was unable to attend to see how “Team Paintball” once again created a fantastic event for everyone involved; kids, parents, families, participants, spectators, staff and all the volunteers are raving about the weekend filled with fun, friendly competition, smiles, rosy cheeks and memories.
In an effort to thank everyone who devoted their time and expertise I want to quote from the thank you email written by Mary Anne Levins, volunteer coordinator, since I could never say it as eloquently as Mary Anne did.
“Dear Team Paintball,
I am sorry for the slight delay in extending my sincerest thanks for a combined volunteer effort that knocked Mountain Top Paintball Biathlon 2012 out of the park!! Each and every one of you, those new to Team Paintball and veterans, didn’t miss a step when it came to getting the job done, filling in the crucial gaps and doing it all with a perfect balance of focus and fun…
Max Cobb, President & CEO, US Biathlon Association, made the comment that he hadn’t been to a ski event where there was more joy on the faces of the kids!! The credit for this goes to all of you. Each year “Team Paintball” comes together, seamlessly wrapping its arms around the duties of the event and the essence of the event, creating a very strong message that permeates the venue and everyone involved. ‘We are here for some biathlon fun, compete at your best, and be sure to enjoy this celebration of Nordic skiing, biathlon and community!’
Based on Max’s comments and the feedback I’ve received, our message is being heard loud and clear!!
I am sure most of you had a 1,000 things you could have been doing last weekend. Some of you have had this event on your schedule for months, some of you dropped other plans to help because you knew we needed you, some of you traveled hours to volunteer… thank you all for being there…!!
As long as I can remember, one of my greatest joys has been to gather together good people and watch their positive energy become such a force that it ‘infects’ everyone around them.
Thanks to all of you for a weekend full of great energy and great joy!!
Mary Anne Levins
Mountain Top Nordic Volunteer
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In December we launched our new website and blog. We’ve had very positive feedback regarding the new site; however writing for the blog has been challenging. I have been waiting to get inspired. Wondering how do I do that?
Try meditating or listening to music? That would put me to sleep.
Perhaps talk with my beagle, Bailey, and ask him for ideas? Speaking of sleeping, he’s the champ in that department; he had nothing to contribute.
What if I check out other blogs, could I “borrow” some thoughts? That doesn’t seem like the proper thing to do.
Then this morning it came to me. As I gazed out my window here at The Mountain Top Inn & Resort, I was inspired by the beauty of the mountains, the serenity of the fallen snow, the laughter of kids on our sledding hill and the picturesque meadow alive with xc skiers, guests on snowshoes and the elegance of the horse drawn sleigh.
What more could I ask for to inspire thoughts for blogging?
Vermonters are fortunate to have four distinct seasons. Winter is certainly the season offering a wide range of outdoor activities. A visit to Vermont in winter will present a surprise each day. Try a new sport like snowshoeing or get back on those alpine skis that have been collecting dust in the basement. (Killington and Pico are a short drive from us.) Rent a pair of ice skates and glide smoothly (or not) over the ice rink. Bring your dog along, as many Vermont inns like ours are pet friendly, and on or off-leash try some back country xc skiing or skijoring. Head to Okemo Mountain Resort for a ride on the Timber Ripper or to Stratton Mountain to go tubing. Take a snowmobile tour on one of the VAST trails and stop for lunch along the way.
Perhaps the outdoors is not your preference; in which case sipping a delicious wine accompanied by a Vermont made cheese could be your pastime of choice or reading your favorite book or “Nook” by the fire.
There are also fun and educational day trips to places like Simon Pearce Glassblowing, Ben & Jerry’s, Vermont Teddy Bear, Taftsville Country Store, American Museum of Fly Fishing, Chaffee Art Center, and the National Museumof the Morgan Horse, to name just a few.
Today I had the chance to see a 3 year old Bernese Mountain Dog named Sam, go sledding on our hill behind the Lodge. I chatted at length with a young couple visiting from Rhode Island who are so excited to be here to start planning their wedding. I watched one of my colleagues groom a trail for the horse drawn sleigh. I made some “fresh paw tracks” in the snow with Bailey; indeed he woke up long enough to take a short walk on “Bounder” (aka the Beach Road). Clearly the inspiration for the Mountain Top Blog comes from the heart of the Resort.
Topics will feature Travel in Vermont, Winter Fun, Horseback Riding, Wedding Tips, Wine & Dine, Pet Friendly Travel and an occasional post through the eyes of Bailey, the Resort’s “resident beagle”.
Posts may not be daily or even weekly; they will be when we have thoughts to share, entertain, and inform.
Tell us what you think as we hope to inspire you as well.
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