The Invisibles

     Yesterday on my way home from the ski slopes after a satisfying week having fun in a variety of conditions, I began thinking about all the personnel behind the scenes supporting us at the Greek Peak Ski Resort. Not only that personnel, but all the personnel that operate in that mode at ski resorts around the US and the world. I'll confess that I do not routinely appreciate all the good people that contribute to my fun on the slopes.

    As I thought about the support people, I tried to bring up the various responsibilities people have to keep the slope operating. When I walk in each morning, I note that the parking lot is plowed, the walks are sanded and most of the doors are open. Some folks have been out in the early dawn to crank things up.  Often when I walk in there are several people bustling about mopping the floors, cleaning the rest rooms and completing maintenance tasks. I notice that and one lady really go a smile the other day when I applauded her for her dedication to the menial tasks that make things go. (My reward was a wonderful smile on her face that I recognized what she was doing).

    Regarding the maintenance of the slopes, there are the night owl groomer operators smoothing my way each day. Mostly invisible to the skiers, but essential to providing a good experience for the guests. During the snowmaking days, there are crews of snowmakers operating through the night providing us with fresh surfaces well into the latter part of the season.  

    Lift operators are more visible. Especially the loaders. However, there are others in more obscure locations at the top and bottom for our safety. Speaking of lifts, I am sure there is a cadre of mechanics that are on tap to check out the mechanics of lift and maintain the back up safety devices. On the topic of safety, I should not fail to recognize the many volunteer ski patrollers that dedicate themselves to keeping us safe and aware of hazards. I am sure that we often forget that local ski areas rely heavily on their input to supplement the paid patrollers.

    Finally, I am sure I have not identified all of the invisibles. On the business side there has to be a cadre of clerks, accountants, managers and so on making decisions that keep our favorited resort going.  

    Meanwhile, those of us who identify as more senior skiers reap the benefits of all who attend to making our ski experience the best possible. May I suggest whenever we encounter those who operate in the invisible background that we give them a thumbs up!