Youth ski jumpers take flight at Satre Hill

Youth ski jumpers take flight at Satre Hill
Skiers launched from SWSA’s 20-meter jump ramp.
Photo by Patrick L. Suliivan

SALISBURY — Some 28 youngsters turned out Saturday, Jan. 6 and Sunday, Jan. 7 for the Salisbury Winter Sports Association’s ski jump camp.

The camp was originally scheduled for the last weekend in December but warmish rainy weather caused a postponement.

This worked out just fine on Saturday, with clear skies, no wind to speak of and the thermometer in the low 30s, which was quite chilly enough for onlookers and warm enough for the young skiers to break a sweat and maybe shed a layer.

The younger skiers disembarked from the bottom of the 20-meter jump ramp, taking turns with the more advanced children who took on the entire thing.

One girl of about six was having trouble getting up the stairs in her ski boots. A reporter was behind her, and observed that the boots, while admirable for their stated purpose, were not very useful on stairs.

The young skier paused to consider this, and said, “What I really need is someone to carry my skis.” She flashed a shy smile, revealing several recently-lost teeth.

The reporter obliged, and she scampered happily up the remaining steps. Moments later, she was whizzing down the hill.

Of the 28 campers, 20 of had never ski jumped before.

Photo by Patrick L. Suliivan

On Sunday the camp participants continued, with the added bonus of a few inches of real snow.

Just before the Christmas break, SWSA members came to Salisbury Central School as part of an ongoing effort to get more children involved in the sport.

Larry Stone, a Salisbury native and long-time coach at Lake Placid, told the students about the 98-year history of Salisbury ski jumping, and reassured anyone wondering about safety. “We don’t let kids go on the big hill until they come up on the smaller hills and learn the skills and tools.”

That philosophy was evident at the camp, as SWSA volunteers, including Ella Rydingsword, Caleb Gilbert and Seth Gardner, supervised, corralled, instructed and encouraged throughout the day’s activities.

SWSA’s Scott Fitch reported a total of 28 campers over the two days, 20 of whom had never ski jumped before. Fitch also reported 18 pizzas consumed.

Latest News

Kent Town Hall, where the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission approved the draft settlement.

Kent Town Hall, where the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission approved the draft settlement.

Leila Hawken

KENT– A year-and-a-half-long legal dispute over an unpermitted roadway and dock built through wetlands on North Spectacle Pond is approaching a resolution. The KenMont and KenWood summer camp and the town’s Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission are close to reaching a mutually acceptable agreement.

The conflict began after the IWWC denied the camp’s retroactive application in March 2024 for the road and dock, which were constructed without town approval sometime last decade. The Commission found both structures violated town regulations, leading the camp to file a legal appeal.

Keep ReadingShow less
GNH blanks St. Paul 34-0 in Turkey Bowl

Wes Allyn breaks away from the St. Paul defense for a reception touchdown Wednesday, Nov. 26.

Photo by Riley Klein

BRISTOL — The Gilbert/Northwestern/Housatonic co-op football team ended the season with a 34-0 shutout victory over St. Paul Catholic High School Wednesday, Nov. 26.

It was GNH’s fourth consecutive Turkey Bowl win against St. Paul and the final game for 19 GNH seniors.

Keep ReadingShow less
Students curate Katro Storm portraits at HVRHS

“Once Upon a Time in America” features ten portraits by artist Katro Storm.

Natalia Zukerman

The Kearcher-Monsell Gallery at Housatonic Valley Regional High School in Falls Village is once again host to a wonderful student-curated exhibition. “Once Upon a Time in America,” ten portraits by New Haven artist Katro Storm, opened on Nov. 20 and will run through the end of the year.

“This is our first show of the year,” said senior student Alex Wilbur, the current head intern who oversees the student-run gallery. “I inherited the position last year from Elinor Wolgemuth. It’s been really amazing to take charge and see this through.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Mini horses, big impact: animal learning center opens in Sheffield

Le Petit Ranch offers animal-assisted therapy and learning programs for children and seniors in Sheffield.

Marjorie Borreda

Le Petit Ranch, a nonprofit offering animal-assisted therapy and learning programs, opened in April at 147 Bears Den Road in Sheffield. Founded by Marjorie Borreda, the center provides programs for children, families and seniors using miniature horses, rescued greyhounds, guinea pigs and chickens.

Borreda, who moved to Sheffield with her husband, Mitch Moulton, and their two children to be closer to his family, has transformed her longtime love of animals into her career. She completed certifications in animal-assisted therapy and coaching in 2023, along with coursework in psychiatry, psychology, literacy and veterinary skills.

Keep ReadingShow less