Can’t Stop the Skiing at The Mountain Top
It’s Chad Hart’s third year at the Grand Geneva Resort Mountain Top Ski and Adventure Center. But even though the director of ski operations is a relative newcomer compared to some of the staffers (one’s been there since 1968), Hart has a lifetime of ski experience. He’s worked, lived and played at some of the country’s most fabulous ski destinations, but but he came back to the Geneva Lake area in 2014 (he’s a native) and hasn’t regretted it in a minute.
“I’m pretty blessed,” he said. “Being back here and being at the Mountain Top, I’m able to do what I enjoy most: watching other people discover skiing – some for the first time – and then seeing them come back and again.”
The Mountain Top has earned a reputation over the decades for pushing through the sometimes uncooperative Wisconsin winters. The Mountain Tops staff is led by a 30-year veteran, Mark Barthel. Equipped with a fleet of more than 25 snow-making machines to create icy flakes, Barthel leads the team to create optimal conditions for skiers all season long.
“He’s a fantastic asset,” said Hart. And some seasons, he has his work cut out for him, he added. “When is rains, it takes about three days to make enough now and get the runs conditioned.”
The star has it down to a science, though (literally…the snowmaking technique has been perfected over the years and is so dependable that Grand Geneva provides the snow for Lake Geneva’s Snowsculpting Championship at each Winterfest). So skiers headed to the Mountain Top can be confident they’ll be met with the best conditions in the area – and some of the teachers as well, if they need a refresher or even serious lessons.
“We have 100 instructors,” Hart said. They’re led by another long-term staff member, Cheryl Upping.
“Cheryl has been here since 1968, the beginning,” Hart said. “First as an instructor and now she’s the Snow Sports Director.” She’s a key team member, he added. “On and given day, you’ll see 50 or more running classes. We have a great progression-based program of those learning to to ski. From our magic carpet up to the expert runs, you can find the best fit for you.”
What’s the best advice he has for beginners? Stick with it.
“Once you get past that ‘out of your element’ feeling, you’ll want to keep at it,” he said. “That’s the common factor with skiing; people love it. And here at the Mountain Top, that’s evident because we have second- and third-generation skiers. It becomes a cultural, generational thing.”
Those who come back year after year always find something new to discover, he added. Last season The Mountain Top debuted half of it’s terrain park, and this year the whole thing is open for business. ” We keep adjusting it, changing the terrain every two weeks to keep it fresh,” he said.
Hart also noted that even if downhill skiing isn’t you sped there’s still plenty at Grand Geneva in the winter. Cross country skiing, snowshoeing and ice skating are offered an the facility also hosts events though the season. The Winter Carnival is slated for Saturday, Feb. 4; it’s an annual event that coincides with Lake Geneva’s Winterfest and features participatory and spectacular fun for the whole family, including a parade and fireworks.
Also on the calendar is Military Appreciation Day, set for Friday, Feb. 24. From 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., active military members will get a free lift ticket and complimentary rental, veterans will get a reduced rate of $10 each for lift tickets and rental; and military family members can enjoy half-priced lift tickets. (For more details on this program, call 249-4726.)
Shred Fest at the Mountain Top is on March 11 this year. The annual event benefits the CHILL Foundation, Burton Snowboard’s charitable program that provides opportunities for disadvantaged youth. The day’s races include giant slalom and snocross, along with obstacle courses, a big-air competition and more.
“Shred Fest is pretty much our end-of-the season celebration,: Hart said. “After that, we need about a week to prepare for the AMSOIL Snocross Championship.” This professional competition featuring the top snocross racers from around the world will take place March 17 to 19 at the Mountain Top.
And after that, Hart said, the staff begins preparing for summer operations. Disc golf and mountain biking are among the warmer-season activities.
But even when the temperature spikes, skiing is still on everyone’s minds.
“We’re always planning for the next season.”
