Warren, VT – Among the New England and New York ski resorts damaged by rainfall from Tropical Storm Irene was Sugarbush. Workers at the northern Vermont resort are busy restoring a snowmaking pond, located on the Mad River near Kingsbury Farm, so that it will be ready for snowmaking in November.

During the height of the storm on Sunday, August 28, the Mad River rose over the upstream southern banks of the snowmaking pond, filling it with additional water as well as silt and gravel. While the integrity of the entire north (downstream) end of the pond, including the engineered spillway at the northwest corner, was maintained throughout the weather event, the high flood waters eroded the southern banks during the storm, and the Mad River eventually changed course and flowed directly into the snowmaking pond.

In close consultation with State officials, Sugarbush was able to restore the Mad River to its original course by this past Thursday, September 1.  Now, the task will be to drain the pond and remove the accumulated material so that the pond can be refilled to pre-flood depth.

Sugarbush officials have expressed confidence that the ski resort’s snowmaking operations will not be impaired this winter.

“While the damage to our pond is very costly, and significant resources will have to be applied to repair the pond, Sugarbush suffered far less than other businesses and residences in The Valley and around Vermont,” said Sugarbush President Win Smith. “For that reason, we feel very fortunate, and are working to help our neighbors in all ways that we can.”

Last week, Sugarbush announced that Smith, his wife Lili Ruane, and Sugarbush had donated $100,000 to the Mad River Community Fund to help with individuals and businesses affected by the flood.  Sugarbush is also working with members of the community to put together a benefit concert over Columbus Day weekend to raise money for the Community Fund and other relief efforts.

Also on Tuesday, Ski Vermont president Parker Riehle stressed that while some resorts including Killington sustained substantial damage in the storm, the majority of the state’s resilient population and roads were unaffected in any significant way.

“Ski area employees with shovels, bucket loaders, ATV’s and whatever equipment they can lay their hands on have jumped in to help with their customary know-how for getting things done,” said Riehle. “Killington, Mount Snow and Stratton have provided free lodging for families displaced in the surrounding villages. Okemo pulled together a concert event within days to benefit the local community, just one example of ski area fundraising efforts across the state.

“Vermont is moving forward — you knew we would; that’s the Vermont way — and we want to let you know our ski areas are open and ready to welcome you for golf and other on-mountain activities and our spectacular fall foliage and events are on schedule all across the state,” Riehle added.

Boulder, Colo.’s Mountain Media has announced that for the month of September, the publisher will be donating 100% of the money collected from subscriptions to their magazine, Mountain, to the Disaster Relief Funds of the United Ways of Vermont and New York.

“There are times when making money is of far less importance than helping those in greater need. In looking at the horrific damage caused in the wake of Hurricane Irene, this is clearly one of those times,” explained Dave Taylor, Vice President of Marketing at Mountain Media.

Use the promo code VTRELIEF or NYRELIEF in September at mountainonline.com/subscribe and your entire $20 subscription fee will be donated.