Old Duluth East Nordic

Dear Coaches, Giant's Ridge will be requiring trail passes for all skiers and parents not participating in either the Charlie Bank's Relays or the State Meet. This applies to the following people: 1. Parents or non-participating teammates who are on the trails skiing or spectating on Thursday or Friday 2. State Meet qualifiers who want to ski on the trails on Thursday 3. All spectators on skis on Thursday or Friday Trail passes are $10.00 (group rate) and are available at Group ticketing at the front desk in the chalet- see Jeff. Also - No riding of the lifts on Thursday or Friday by participating skiers (bibbed skiers). Those with trail passes may ride the lifts. The trail fee does NOT apply to: 1. Anyone on foot spectating 2. Any coaches, relay participants on Thursday, state meet participants on Friday.As long as participants have a bib on, they can ski anywhere. Coaches on Thursday will get complimentary passes when you pick up your bibs. Coaches on Friday will get complimentary passes when you pick up your packets from Bob O'Hara before the coaches' meeting (4:30 in Gold Room in chalet). Tell your skiers to hang onto their bibs on Friday if they want to use the trails to cool down after the first race as there will be checkers. On a personal note: I know this is an adjustment for all of us as we have basically had a free ride at Giant's Ridge for many years. The fact is that Giant's Ridge cross-country needs to show a profit if it is to continue to exist. Grooming costs this year have been high because it has to be done by snowmobile due to the low snow - this takes lots of time. We need to support this great venue as we are very lucky to have it. Thanks and good luck to everyone on Thursday and Friday. Some reminders about spectators on Friday: 1. Spectators can ski wherever they want as long as they stay OFF the race course. With the low snow this year access isn't a big problem. Instruct people to use the Northern Lights or the golf course to get to their viewing areas on the course. All spectators must take their skis OFF while the race is going on. Again, please instruct your parents and supporters to stay OFF the race course. Paula Anderson President