I would like to host a comp at my home hill, Indianhead Mnt. Wakefield, MI some time this season. my point in this post is to see, before I did the work from start to finish, if you guys would be interested in making the trip.
first and foremost, I WOULD NOT even think about doing this unless its done right. by that I mean the potential that we have in our park is used to the fullest, sponsoring it on a good scale, and most of all, having the full support of Indianhead Mnt. and being able to do what I want to do.
Indianhead’s Park:
just so you guys have some knowledge. you probably have heard of Indianhead before, its in Big Snow Country in the western Upper Peninsula (along with Blackjack, Powderhorn, Whitecap, etc.) you probably havent heard much about a park, because really, until last year, there hasn’t been one. land was cleared, and more also this year. it is pretty much secluded from the rest of the hill and serviced by a lone double.
Stu Epps from Marquette built and came to maintain our park when possible also throughout the season. Stu will build and layout the park again this year. for those of you who don’t know Stu, he is responsible for Marquette Mt.’s park (which in my opinion is the best in the Midwest) and he also spent a year grooming at Mammoth. to put it simple, Stu knows his shit. “the head” also currently has been building rails over the summer, these I have not yet had the chance to see, but sound pretty tight. there is still a possiblilty Indianhead may purchase rails from Marquette Mt., this is if I can convince the right people into doing so. I wont give my time and effort on that unless you guys give me interest in this, and if Indianhead doesn’t give me what I wish.
What I mean by support by Indianhead is in short: Indianhead has potential like you wouldn’t believe to have on of the leading parks in the Midwest. the problem here is, other than the management that controls the park, management and employees don’t give a shit on terrain parks, being a family resort. they don’t understand their potential, if fundage is given towards a park, and the revenue they would generate by targeting freeskiers and boarders by giving them what the want. I could go on forever, but I wont. don’t let this discourage you or turn you off from the comp if it happens in any way, if I decide to bust my ass and putting all my time and effort into this comp, I will convince management into doing what needs to be done.
Sponsors:
I work in a ski shop, and also do Public Relations for MidwestSkier. I obviously cant tell you who would sponsor this event as of now, because ive done nothing so far. but I know a lot of reps throughout the Midwest, and could easily score good sponsors. I will be in contact with these people soon again, and seeing their levels of interest and what they can/would offer is also a factor. entry fees would be very affordable, and once again depending on the levels of involvement from sponsors, prizes are questionable, cash prizes depending on that. swag and other prizes would be for sure. cant say or gaurantee much in this area until the decision is made. but there would be good big name sponsors, along with local.
in full, the question is: who would make the trip and take the chance of coming to Indianhead for this comp if I set it up?
I want to get an idea of interest before I would go ahead and do this. the reason I would like to host this is because, A. Indianhead is my home hill, and I would like to see them succeed and get a name for themselves in the Midwest. and B. I would like to do this for just one more competition option for us as freeskiers in the Midwest. this would take an unbelievable amount of time on my part, but I would do it if it would be a benefit to ALL of us.
I gave you guys all the information for the reason of letting you know exactly whats going on, pretty much just being honest. I don’t expect a first year record turnout. I don’t expect numbers like MSO or Midwest Extremes. I just wouldn’t want to do all the work, and do this to a decent size scale and having a sad turnout. once again, all the stuff I said above, factors of making this happen, don’t let any of this discourage you from attending. if its done, it’ll be done right. its kind of a last minute throw together thing, but it can still be done.
lastly: it would be a good time. one more date on the calendar to bring everyone together. those of you familiar with SAM’s, well the program is here, so you know damn well all of us are ready as ever to party!
please let me know if this interests you. the date would be probably the 3rd or 4th weekend in Feb., once again depending. thanks, and i'll keep you posted.
p.s. i'll post this on MidwestSkier once the site's back up. i'll keep info. posted on what happens there as well
MIDWESTSKIER
suomi@midwestskier.com
CASANOVA FREERIDE
who's kiddin' who?
