To the Editor:

The closing of Haystack Ski Area again is another sad day in the history of the mountain.

It is too bad that at least 70 Wilmington residents will lose the ability to ski this season for a nominal charge.

It is true that the conditions were limited, a small section of the base area, outside portable toilets, and one lift.

However, the first weekend that the mountain was open those skiers and snowboarders who came out enjoyed the snow and the numerous runs they were able to take.

The family of three boys and two parents who were skiing and snowboarding on Sunday from 9:30 to 1:30, who had purchased a Founders Membership the day before did not seem to mind the Spartan conditions.

We are a county in Vermont that has one of the lowest per capita incomes in the state, and to have an opportunity to ski and snowboard for such a nominal cost is very helpful to these families.

Granted, the conditions may not have met the standards for a modern ski area but it was a start.

And of course there is yet again a lost opportunity to provide gainful employment to residents of our valley. Let’s all hope that someday this lovely mountain can rise again.

Thank you,

Larry Feldstein

Dover