Storrs Hill represents all that is good about living in the Upper Valley.
1. Giving Back to the Community
The Upper Valley is a winter wonderland and Erling Heisted wanted every child the opportunity to ski jump and enjoy the thrill of winter sports. In 1923 Storrs Hill came to be because of one man’s philanthropic dream.
However, running a ski area is a tricky endeavor: the high cost of maintaining the slopes and equipment, paying employees, and relying on the unpredictable weather. In 1986, Storrs Hill faced this dilemma. They became a non-profit with an endowment given by Carter Witherall. The Lebanon Outing Club has sinced maintained the Storrs Hill Ski Area all with volunteers and two administration employees! According to Amy Drapeau Olson, Board member of the Lebanon Outing Club at Storrs Hill, lift attendants, ski instructors, ski patrol, and kitchen helpers are all volunteers.
Storrs Hills represents the generous hearts that fill our community so that everyone can experience something special and create wonderful memories.
2. Offering Something Unique
Storrs Hill offers something unique to the community, just like the local shops and artisans we know and love.
According to their website, “Storrs Hill is the only year-round Nordic ski jumping training facility in New England; indeed, New Hampshire is the last remaining state in the country in which ski jumping is an inter-scholastic sport. Several Olympic jumpers have trained over the years on our 10-, 25-, and 50-meter jumps.” Just this summer, Storrs Hill added metal runners to their jump so that skiiers could still jump in warmer weather. Additional measures will be added, including a plastic covering for summer use. This will allow for year-round use of the ski jump. To read about the special event to honor Erling Heisted’s dream and the upgrade they made to the jump, read this article by the Valley News.
The hill has been the training ground of three Olympians: alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin (2018) and ski jumpers Nick Alexander (2010, 2014) and Brian Welch (2002). It is also the center for race team training in the Upper Valley, hosting five racing teams: Lebanon, Hanover, Kimball Union Academy, Thetford Academy, and the Lebanon Outing Club.
Storrs Hill allow for local talent to grow and shine.
3. Providing Affordable Family Fun
Storrs Hill offers lessons for kids and adults, alpine racing, and ski jumping. You can register with the Leb. Park and Recreation. Ski lessons are underway, but you can still join in on the fun.
What a deal! For $25, become a member and get added benefits: special night ski days, discounts off ski gear, and a free tune up. You can even get a season pass.
Storrs Hill makes the expensive sport of skiing, something everyone can enjoy. You can’t beat a snow covered hill to ski down in your hometown.
Thank you Storrs Hill for offering Lebanon and the surrounding community this local treasure.
Photo credit: Amy Drapeau Olson
