6
Wednesday, February 20, 1980
University Daily Kansan
SKI KANSAS
As the sign says, Mount Bleu is open and ready for business.
isn't a joke anymore
From sump to sundown, Mount Bleu is becoming a winter playground for those who want to heat the winter doldrums. Silhouetted against the sun, a cross-country skier demonstrates classic form.
The acrid smell of cigarettes and wood, the clanking of cross country skis and their twin poles, the thump of boots and the breathless great cross country skiers at Mount Blee.
A sign on a wall reads: "Notice: We are not responsible for any accidents. Ski at your own risk."
But no one seems deterred by the warning as people line up to rent skis or to pay for use of the slone.
The cross-country ski slope is situated near a narrow road off Highway 10. Looking beyond dusty frameless buildings surrounded by steep cliffs, the capped naked trees etched across its curving face.
DOWNHILL SKIING enthusiasts may find the hill a far cry from the slopes of Colorado, but it's the cross-country skiing and RU students to Mount Blue.
Business at Mount Bleu has not always been so profitable. Last year the slopes weren't open.
After several owners had come and gone, Patrick Ruck, a ski equipment manufacturer, agreed to sell his property last November. He had intended to use the building for storage of his ski equipment.
"Ever since we've had snow, we've had people." his wife. Ruthi, said.
But Rapp went into the cross country business instead.
Even out-of-town skiers have come to Mount Blue, she said. In December, more than 30 people from St. Joseph, Mo., made skine reservations and came to ski.
And after Lawrence's snowstorm Feb. 8, things really began to pick up, he said. People called late at night to see whether Mount Bleu would be open.
MOUNT BLEU has three major cross
national colleges: U.S. University,
international and advanced skiers.
Lessons are offered at $3 a session, and
Rapp and Barp Barn, Lawrence, senior, are
available.
Rapp advised the skiers to spray their feet
with deodorant to prevent sweating, and to wear pairs of cotton and wool socks to lessen abrasion.
He tutored skiers patiently. "Very good," he told a beginner. "See, he's doing it very well."
There are many skiers eager to learn and practice at Mount Bleu.
Brigid Daw, Kansas City, Mo., sophomore, has been downhill skiing in Colorado several times. She said that skating is one of her favorite activities and be good enough for the Olympics to invite.
"It's really fun," she said. "I take lessons every time. It doesn't take that much athletic prowess or anything."
UNLIKE DAW, James Hall, Salina senior, has been downhill skiing just once, and is a little amazed by it.
"It's hard to believe you can have that much fun and that much control on something so long and narrow," he said.
In the long, cement-flooded lodge red certains were wung, a fern塘 on a table covered with crinkled paper the concession stand, where Ruth Ripper served drinks and hot dogs. Bones were lined under the bed.
Rapp is looking into downhill as well as cross-country skiing for Mount Bleu's next winter. Three years ago, Mount Bleu was a downhill skiing slope, his wife said.
Instructor Barr said that improvements would pay off.
A new skl lift and a snowmaker also will be added.
"Cross-country is a worthwhile sport—even in the Midwest," he said. "Then you can get good, go to Colorado, get a look at Arizona, and look like the Coors commercial."
IT'S NOT畅叫 that glamorous at last, but Bethe, the Raps' 10-year-old daughter, has no quinol about the aching cold or frost. But she has mastered the trail for advanced skiers.
With a true skier's nonchalance, she told her mother that she hadn't been scared.
"I just got my wits and went down," she said.
Pat Rapp, who is leasing Mount Bleu, behind the lodge rental counter. The skis and boots above Rapp are pioneer skis from navy stores.
Although cross-country skiing is a flat-land sport, many people find it more enjoyable to do downhill.
The end of the day is signaled by wet feet propped up by the fireplace.
Story by JUDITH LYNN HOWARD
Photos by WORSE ORZECHOWSKI