Vibe-Winter-2425 - Flipbook - Page 79
and crowned for drainage. Each path was
meticulously mapped out to maximize
the thrill of gliding on snow. Short steep
uphills, long descents, and some meandering twists and turns make Great Glen
a simple joy to ski.
But it was the lodge that stole everyone’s hearts. It was simply stunning. A
two-million-dollar timber-frame base
lodge with all the best of amenities. Wemyss
explained, “The business received huge
press when it opened in December
1994 because it was so unlike anything
anybody had ever done for Nordic skiing
in the United States.”
While the first winter in 1994-95
was not great for snow, the impression
of the new cross-country ski area was
profound. Great staff, great views, great
trails and a base lodge like no other in
the East at that time.
“People loved it, but it wasn’t being
loved enough to bring in the huge
numbers that would have been needed to
support everything that was planned for
that building,” Wemyss said.
Nate Harvey, program and retail
manager at Great Glen today, and
affectionately known as “Nordic Nate,”
started as an intern in 1997. He said that
the summer activities at that time were
fleeting: biking, picnicking, and kite flying
were some of the first to come on. Then
walking, kayaking, and fly fishing. Of
course, some stuck, and some didn’t. Rik
Dow was Great Glen Trails first operations director, flanked by the late Paul
Giblin as events coordinator. With Wemyss’
support, they became the visionaries for
the company, going forward.
It was at this time that Great Glen’s
most cherished programs began: Nordic
Meisters in 1995 and the 24 Hours of
Great Glen in 1996. These two events
fostered a continuum of activity for local
residents and out of towners. Nordic
Meisters created a consistent community
of local residents who came to the Glen
for camaraderie, fitness, and a little ski
competition. The 24 Hours of Great Glen
mountain bike race format, with camping, kids activities, and games—along
with a killer main event—cultivated deep
connections to the Glen that spanned a
generation.
THE GREAT FIRE
The timber-frame base lodge burned
in March of 2001. Like other structures
in the Glen, it was too far from help to
get close to the blaze. The lodge quickly
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