Wednesday, November 15, 1967
UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
13
Prairie ski slope awaits a freeze
Lawrence residents have at their doorstep the largest snow skiing area in 580 miles and they don't even have to pray for snow just a week of freezing temperatures.
That's all Mont Bleu, Kansas's only ski area which is southeast of Lawrence, needs to make two feet of artificial snow necessary for good sking.
The area now in its third year of operation is owned by a corporation of Kansas professional men called Mont Bleu Inc.; Dr. William E. Triplett, Topeka, is executive director.
The snow is made by forcing water through nozzles under the pressure of compressed air. It comes out as a mist which freezes upon contact with the freezing air temperature.
Mrs. Lew Coffey, a Lawrence mother of six who manages the area, said the temperature has to be below 32 degrees for a few hours every day for a week before enough snow can be put down.
Spray guns attached to a net-
work of water and air pipes under
the hill shoot the mist out with
such force it also covers the trees.
"People used to laugh at us, but now we've proven that it works and we're going to go with it," she said.
One rope tow pulls skiers up to the bill's two runs which total 1400 feet on a 235 foot vertical drop.
Mrs. Coffey said she expects the area to be open for skiing about 65 days out of its December through February season. Snow can't be made at a humidity over 80 per cent; humidity and not getting enough water to shoot through the pipes are the main problems she said.
"At a humidity over 80 per cent the machines make a corn snow which isn't good for skiing," she said. "Kansas altitude is too low to produce the fine powder snow
An Omega is one of the rare gifts that renders lifelong service. Wouldn't she particularly like this distinctively shaped 14K gold Omega? Yellow or white gold. $135
which is best for skiing. When it's snowing natural snow we can't make any because the humidity is usually too great."
Mrs. Coffey said the state of Kansas let them dam up the Wakarusa River in order to get enough water. She said since they have gotten enough water in spite of last year's drought they are even more confident of the success of the ski area.
On a good weekend day Mrs. Coffey expects to see over 200 people. "It often gets quite crowded," she said. Skiers can ski during the day or at night under flood lights.
"Night skiing is best," Mrs. Coffey said. "It's colder so the snow stays in better condition."
Skiers can rent skies, boots and poles at the lodge and take instruction from the ski school headed by Rudy Noldrich, Wamego. He competed in and later judged Olympic ski jumping competition. "Among our other certified instructors is a native Finn who is stationed at Leavenworth," Mrs. Coffey said. "It's amazing how many good skiers there are around."
She said she's only a beginner herself.
CLASSICAL FILM SERIES presents
ON APPROVAL
(England, 1944)
OH-SO-PROPER LATE-VICTORIAN MANNERS RECEIVE "THE PRETTIEST, QUIETEST KIDDING ON RECORD."
James Agee
Starring the Delightful BEA LILLIE
7:00 & 9:00 p.m. Wed. — Dyche Aud. Single Admission: 60c
Ss Coupe
'68 Camaro Accelerates smoother, hugs the road tighter, rides quieter than ever before.
A quiet car speaks for itself. That's why Chevrolet went all out to make the '68 Camaro smoother, steadier and more silent than ever. Camaro's famous road-hugging performance has been improved with a refined suspension system. Camaro's big-car ride has been improved, too. Soft rubber cushions snuff out
road noise and vibrations. Even Camaro's new Astro Ventilation works for your peace and quiet. Adjustable vent-parts built in the instrument panel let outside air circulate without wind or noise. You don't even have to open a window! It all adds up to the silent ride of quality. See yourself. Put a hushed '68 Camero through its paces at your Chevrolet dealers'.
All these Chevrolet quality features, too:
- Unitized all-welded Body by Fisher.
- Power team choices up to a 396-cubic-inch V8.
- Self-adjusting Safety-Master brakes with dual cylinders.
- An automatic buzzer that reminds you to take your keys with you.
- Proved safety features like the GM-developed energy-absorbing steering column and many new ones that include armrest-shielded door handles.
Be smart! Be sure! Buy now at your Chevrolet dealer's.
All Chevroletis are priced for greater value! The lowest priced 1968 Chevroletis are (models not shown): Corvair 500 Sport Coupe $2,220.00; Chevy II Nova Coupe $2,199.00; Camaro Sport Coupe $2,565.00; Chevelle 300 Coupe $2,318.00; Chevrolet Biscayne 2-Door Sedan $2,558.00; Corvette Convertible $4,320.00. Manufacturer's suggested retail prices including Federal Excise Tax, suggested dealer delivery and handling charges. Transportation charges, accessories, optional equipment, state and local taxes additional.