Saturday, January 16, 1999
Skiers warmed by ice, snow
Weather welcome at Perfect North
BY RACHEL MELCER
The Cincinnati Enquirer
LAWRENCEBURG, Ind. — Faced with the freezing temperatures and falling snow that have most Tristate residents muttering complaints under their visible breaths, Chip Perfect is wearing a grin.
As general manager and co-owner of Perfect North Slopes, one of the region's only ski areas, he is happy to see the fluffy, white flakes floating down.
He and his employees are staying up nights to make more snow of their own.
“Around here, it's quite rare that we get a natural snow that's good for skiing,” he said. “Certainly, the natural snow is great in terms of building (customers') enthusiasm.”
During most Cincinnati winters, ski buffs anxiously watch the mercury and hope for the frigid air that makes their pastime possible. Last month's mild temperatures kept the slopes closed.
Yet Perfect North has survived 19 years in business.
When temperatures fall below the freezing point, Mr. Perfect cranks up snow-making ma chines and sets his crews to work overnight.
“We build up a lot of snow so when the temperature fluctuates wildly, like it does around here, we can just move it around,” he said.
That's good news for Cincinnati-area ski clubs and school groups.
Jay Freeman, a math teacher at Walnut Hills High School, began taking students skiing four years ago.
From that first group of about 60 pupils, the ski club has swelled to nearly 220 students this year.
“I just enjoy skiing, and I've always tried to give people the opportunity to do something they might not otherwise have the opportunity to do,” Mr. Freeman said.
Along with six other teachers and about a dozen parent volunteers, he takes his ski club to Perfect North Slopes four times each year.
Freezing rain last week forced the group to reschedule one outing. But, Mr. Freeman said, that's all part of skiing in this rather temperate climate.
“That's what happens when you live in Cincinnati. You have to contend with the weather. It's not like Michigan, where you're guaranteed good conditions,” he said.
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