It’s true, it finally happened!!! Steeplechase Ski and Snowboard Area is a reality. The area opened for the first time January 20, 2001. After skiing there twice, my assessment remains the same; it is a very nice family area with mostly blue and green runs and a couple of black runs. The vertical drop is comparable to most of the other areas in Section 6. What I find attractive is the fact that there is virtually no flat runout to get to either the true start of the run or back to the lift. If the groomers left moguls on Steepledrop, the steepest run, I feel this would probably qualify as another Senior-level testing hill. However, I don’t think this is the intent.
The Patrol started off with a good start last year by having a great recruitment. This continued this year with another fine batch of candidates. Training actually started at the Coffee Mill ski area for this year’s candidates. After being at Coffee Mill a couple of times, the candidates were able to continue at Steeplechase. With the delayed opening and late start for training, I’m expecting to test late in the season to give the candidates plenty of exposure to skills and toboggan handling.
Visiting patrollers are always welcome. Already several Rochester area patrollers have come to see the new area. The Ski Patrol Room is located in the lower level of the chalet. Please stop by to visit and ski the Western Region's newest ski area.
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