June 23, 2016 (Woodstock, VT) – The Cross Country Ski Areas Association (CCSAA) announces the creation of the CCSAA Summer Summit Series, short, one day regional meetings keying in on relevant topics.  The first of the series will be in Woodstock, VT on June 29, 2016, and will emphasize ski area sustainability in the face of changing winter weather and highlight trail maintenance for the early season or low snow years.

In a move to provide better service to the membership, these regional meetings will effectively bring important content to those that cannot attend the Annual Meeting.  “This is an exciting time for CCSAA”, said Board President JoJo Toeppner, “we have new leadership and with that, a new direction that will provide additional programming and value to our membership.  Events like the Summer Summit are just the beginning”.

Morning seminars will be 30 minute sprints, 25min presentations with 5min of questions.   The on-trail session will follow lunch and the day will conclude with a short trail run or mountain bike ride followed by happy-hour.  There will be plenty of time for networking during the lunch and the afternoon trail session.

“I am thrilled that CCSAA is working hard to continue collaboration with members through their new Summer Summit Workshops Series,” stated Breanne Torrey, Executive Director of Jackson Ski Touring.  “It’s so important for us to discuss and share ideas on adaptation, trail maintenance, and methods to implement sustainable energy solutions.  You can’t afford to miss this illuminating workshop.”

Presentations for the Woodstock event include:
– Prinoth Efficiency Technology – What it means to the resort
– The Realities of Solar for the Cross Country Ski Area – Sustainable Woodstock
– Diversify your offerings – Woodstock Nordic/WAMBA Case Study
– Effective Trail Closing Technique – Aurora Insurance
– Social Media Best Practices for the Cross Country Ski Area – Courtney Harkins, USSA Digital Content Manager
– Impact of Climate Change on Trails and How to Mitigate – John Morton, Morton Trails
– CCSAA partners with Protect Our Winters – Simi Hamilton, Sochi Olympian and USST Member

The CCSAA Summer Summit will be held at the Forrest Center, part of the Marsh Billings Rockefeller National Park in Woodstock, VT on June 29.  More information may be found here.

Other CCSAA Summer Summit events will be scheduled in CO and UT later in the summer and early fall.  Dates, locations and details will be available on www.xcski.org in July.

Supporters of the event included: Aurora Insurance, Prinoth, Sustainable Woodstock, Woodstock Nordic, Morton Trails, Protect Our Winters, Simi Hamilton, and Madshus Skis.

For more information, please contact CCSAA at 802-236-3021 or reese@xcski.org.