In Kansas?—
Mont Bleu Brings 'Alps' to Lawrence Ski Buffs
By Giles Lambertson
It used to be that snow skiing in Kansas was equated with surfing in Idaho and cowhide boots from India or a multi-round heavyweight title fight.
That's what used to be, but skiing is believing.
On Dec. 1, the Sunflower State's first ski slope and lodge will be opened two miles southeast of Lawrence. The area has been named Mont Bleu to lend an Alpian air. It clings to the sides of Blue Mound, a hill that towers above adjacent terrain like a pyramid in the desert.
The project was started by R.
H. Dunaway of Topeka who commented, "We think the site is very unique."
8 Daily Kansan Wednesday, October 27, 1965
The north face of the hill has been thinned of trees and undergrowth to create a relatively open space. Some timber was left standing, however, to allow challenge to the daredevil.
Work is progressing on a snowblow system that will create the white stuff, or a reasonable facsimile, and spread it over the slope. After dark, when the slopes are empty, "guns" will be attached to the lines and the area blanketed.
area, by Rudi Voldrich, a former Olympic skier.
The lodge is a 30 by 60 foot structure which will contain a restaurant and an equipment shop.
A "gun" is a device in which air and water is mixed under 200 lbs. a square inch of pressure and forced out through a tiny opening. The elements, when they come in contact with the cooler night air, explode into "snow."
A beginner's trail about 285 feet long is the lowest and gentlest incline. Skiers with limited experience can attempt a 15 foot jump on another trail, while the experienced skier can take the third slope and make a 40 foot jump besides avoiding numerous obstacles.
Three trails crisscross the slope.
"We expect a favorable reaction to the slope from the many enthusiastic skiers in the area." Dunaway said. "However, beginners will probably constitute a majority of customers."
A feature with the beginners in mind is a ski school. It will be conducted on a gently inclined ramp, apart from the regular ski
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