Plentiful snow keeps slopes busy at Whitecap Mountains

By P.J. GLISSON

news@yourdailyglobe.com

UPSON, Wis. - Winter fans relished a new blanket of snow last Saturday at Whitecap Mountains Resort in Upson, Wisconsin.

Not only did the hills feature an ongoing descent of skiers and snowboarders, but neighboring Weber Lake also was a favorite passing point for snowmobilers from Trail 6.

Additional folks were inside of Whitecap Hotel, basking in the warmth of the newly enlarged bar and restaurant area.

Resort manager David Dziuban was nearby, talking to employees at the reception desk.

"We've been having a very good year," he said, expressing gratitude for a lot of snow. "We've been blessed."

Dziuban now also is the sole owner of the 400-acre, all-season resort. In terms of related paperwork, he said "the final i's and t's" had been addressed in the previous week.

The resort's season opener was on Dec. 17, and Dziuban is grateful to his more than four dozen employees who helped to prepare toward that date.

"They came together this summer and made sure we did what had to be done to prepare for this season," he stated in a Dec. 15 announcement on Whitecap's Facebook page. "I think almost everyone picked up a hammer, mop or paint brush to pitch in on some project."

Among new employees is Jacob McNulty of Telluride, Colorado, who is leading grooming staff with the help of a new grooming tractor.

Beyond general maintenance and improvements have been continued renovation of hotel rooms. In addition, said Dziuban on Saturday, "We put a new floor in the pool area," which also includes a hot tub.

He expects that a Magic Carpet - a conveyor belt to transport skiers from the bottom to the top of the hill - will be installed in the learning area by spring.

The Globe talked to several people from Wisconsin who were enjoying an afternoon on the slopes.

"This is my first time this year," said Mike Mahr of Stanley, but he added that he's visited Whitecap in previous years.

Mahr, who was removing his skis at the end of a run, said the slopes were in fine form.

A separate group of friends also were in good spirits.

"We're here on our annual skiing and snowmobiling trip," said Matt Yonke of Oconomowoc, who raved of "perfect" conditions.

"It's beautiful up here," said his wife, Chelsea Yonke.

Brad Belken of Janesville also reported good conditions, and Chris Meier of Stevens Point said that fresh powder on Thursday, when they'd arrived, had helped.

Although the group - who were all smiles - had traveled as many as five hours to reach their destination, they said the time was worth it because they did not expect to leave until Sunday.