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By Sheena Elzie
Friday, January 09, 2009 at 6:26 p.m.
GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY -- Expenses are also adding up to keep area trails smooth for skiers. More snowfall has groomers putting in extra hours to keep ski trails in good condition.But with the extra maintenance comes added costs that has officials taking a closer look at the budget.
"The trail is freshly groomed this morning it's very fast," said skier Tom Anderson. "This is so much easier you can go further with less the effort," said skier Tom Sutter. And that's because before these skiers could even strap on their skis groomers were out clearing paths. "I started at six this morning and I kind of slept in usually we start a four," said groomer Jim Dombrowski.
And with the extra snow fall that means a extra work for groomers."We're very busy compared to what we have been several years ago," said Dombrowski.
Groomers started on the VASA trail last month. Since then crews have been back 21 times to keep the trails in good condition-- that's the largest amount of grooms in the past two years. But the more grooming the more money it costs for the maintenance.
Groomers say they clear the trail about four to five times a week but state money only pays for them to clear it three times a week that means they may have to turn to donations to help keep up the costs.
"If we go over budget which we're inclined to do if the conditions stay good we will be turning to our donors and trail users for help," said TART Trails Director of Development Bob Wick.
Officials with TART trails say it normally costs about $30,000 for the season. Part of that cost is paid for by the state.
"We would anticipate receiving in the neighborhood of $7,000 from the DNR maximum and the balance will be made up through donations," said Wick.
But with all the extra grooming they're expecting the cost to be much higher even than what was budgeted. And Wick is concerned whether the donations will be enough. "We're not sure it will keep up with what we have to spend to do the job properly," said Wick.
But some skiers say it will be worth every dollar. "I think it's absolutely worth it, it's a great community recreation and whatever it costs it's worth it," said skier Bob Eastley.
Fore more information on how you can make a donation click on the link www.traversetrails.org