LOCALadk Magazine
Issue link: https://localadkmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1315480
58 Winter 2020 LOCALadk Magazine LOCALadk Winter for many people means downhill skiing. This year things are going to be a little different at our favorite lo- cal ski mountains, but it's okay, there is a plan. We have all learned to be more patient during 2020 —and flexible —so adjusting to new rules at this point should be comfortable for most of us. Those in charge of running mountains such as Whiteface, Gore, McCauley, Oak Mountain and Titus are working hard to create a plan that meets the ever-changing New York and Department of Health COVID -19 regulations. Management at Titus Mountain has been creative in facil- itating a way for those in a "group bubble" to still enjoy so- cializing together after taking some runs. They are building Slopeside Skibanas. This will offer private space for those in a group to visit, warm up and relax. They will be available for rent by the day and will offer full ser vice without needing to visit the lodge. McCauley Mountain in Old Forge is managed by Steve Uz- davinis, who has been manager for 20 years. He has certainly had his fair share of challenges over the years with weather, power outages and mechanical issues. He and his dedicat- ed staff have worked through all those things and will work through this as well. He does not see a problem with monitor- ing the skiing and the lifts, but is more concerned with man- aging the chalet. Maintaining a fifty percent capacity quota while managing rentals, food ser vice and the bar will mean staff needs to be creative and patrons need to be open to a little change. Strategic thinking has gone into many ideas be- ing discussed by the crew at McCauley Mountain and all oth- er ski areas. Outside warming stations are being built, a plan to provide more grab-and-go food options will be available, and responsible tailgating may also be encouraged. One thing for sure, the skiing will still be great and the small-town love will be felt—from a distance —more than ever. Thank you to local Old Forge artist Ron Rakowski for shar- ing his wonderful paintings of scenes from around McCauley Mountain. A COVID Ski Report with paintings by Ron Rakowski