Protecting skis and snowboards, as well as skiers and snowboarders

CORNWALL — A review of a five-year management plan for Mohawk Mountain Ski Area brought two reactions from the Board of Selectmen at the Feb. 22 meeting.“They have done an incredible job of maintaining and improving their equipment and facilities,” Selectman Richard Bramley said.First Selectman Gordon Ridgway and Selectman K.C. Baird agreed, praising a plan that will continue that effort, and possibly bring more use of the facility in summer.Mohawk is in the unusual position of being part of state park land. It is not subject to local zoning regulations. But the state requires it annually submit an updated five-year plan and seek input from the Board of Selectmen. The current version lists improvement and replacements projects for the coming years, including work on Lift 3, Arrowhead Chair, and improving and expanding the beginner area, the satellite learning center building and the “old” Deer Run Trail from the summit.According to the plan, the strategy of slow, steady growth has been proving successful. It also expresses concern about rising costs and the need for increased maintenance, “expensive regulatory, tax and compliance issues facing Connecticut businesses” and national health-care programs.The plan includes a commitment to exploring “green” programs and facilities.Potential future projects include a handicapped-accessible winter sports program center, expansion of the lodge and snowmaking equipment, cross-country skiing, a lift-served skiing terrain on the north side of the mountain and enhanced summer programs.One overriding issue that was the concern of the selectmen is the frequent theft of skis and snowboards. They suggested it could lead to real costs for the town, such as a drop in the insurance rating (and an increase in premiums). Bramley suggested security cameras.At Mohawk, owner Carol Lugar said they are always working on ways to control theft. They have hired their own security staff, and Connecticut state troopers offer to be a regular presence there. There is never an issue of backpacks or other personal items being stolen from cubbies in the lodge, she said. It is the valuable and easy-to-grab unsecured skis and snowboards that are taken from outside the lodge.Lugar stressed that crime is not rampant at Mohawk. “We report every incident to the police, unlike many other places. And most of what appear to be thefts are actually mix-ups, with someone grabbing the wrong equipment.”That said, new equipment racks have been placed throughout the ski area. They accept locks that are light and fit easily in a ski jacket pocket — and are sold in the ski shop. On a recent visit, this reporter watched a youngster prop his rented snowboard against the building, just a couple of feet from one of the special racks. As he and a friend headed inside for hot chocolate, he made a general threat that if anyone stole it, he was going to beat them up. It was hardly a means of prevention; but upon closer examination, the skis lined up in the rack were not locked either.Many people who ski and snowboard at Mohawk use seasonal rentals, which look alike. Lugar said they are working on a fun and hopefully effective way to make rentals easily identifiable.As for security cameras, it’s one of the many aspects of security routinely discussed, Lugar said. Not only are people difficult to identify covered in winter gear, but most thefts occur at night. Technology is just emerging for systems that would overcome that problem, while being accessible to small businesses.