Northampton Park Ski Slope set to open

Northampton Park was scheduled to open for the 2002-2003 ski season on December 26. The cold temperatures of the past month have allowed staff to make more snow on the slope during the past 14 days, than all of last year. Bristol Mountain's Jack Jesmer joked that area residents have spotted a big white cloud hovering over Northampton Park. "It's the perfect storm with perfect manners. It will provide plenty of great fun for skiers without offending drivers and those that have to shovel their sidewalks." Jesmer manages the Learning Centers at Northampton and Powder Mills Park in a partnership between Bristol Mountain and Monroe County Parks.

The Learning Centers in the County Parks have been operated by Bristol Mountain since 1988. The ski slope at Northampton Park is served by a rope tow lift, snowmaking, lights, equipment rental center, professionally trained ski instructors and a cozy lodge for watching or warming up.

This past year, the County Parks Learning Centers received their second national award for excellence in developing new skiers. The award was presented to Bristol Mountain by the National Ski Areas Association in May. Jesmer says, "We are really very fortunate to have this type of facility located in Monroe County. It makes skiing accessible and affordable for families, and the slopes are very kind to learning skiers and snowboarders."

Currently, Bristol Mountain offers ski instruction for ages five and older; however, snowboarders are welcome with their own equipment during open ski times. Registrations are currently being accepted for lesson programs and holiday camps.

For information about learning programs or open skiing call 585-374-6000.