The words that greeted me at the entrance to Lost Valley were “Welcome home Wendell.”

The celebration of Wendell Nason’s life had drawn me there Jan. 15. I wasn’t surprised by the lodge full of relatives, friends and former co-workers. During the few years I worked there I knew I could count on Wendell for a friendly greeting, and that continued every time I saw him in more recent years.

That morning as I walked from the parking lot to the lodge, I could see a snowcat dragging a power tiller under chair two. It was as if I had returned to my patrol days. I would arrive around 8 a.m., and Wendell would just be finishing up smoothing all the trails for the skiers coming in that day.

After he finished he would come in for coffee and I often got to join him as I waited to start my day when the lifts opened. He was always upbeat, and I knew I would find the trails in excellent shape. I know he started his day well before my morning arrival but he was usually still there when I left at 5 p.m.

He had spent his day working on various pieces of the operation that kept the area in top shape. It might have been snowmaking equipment, lifts, snowcats or even something in the base lodge. Whether he was in the garage or outside, he was always there making sure everything kept running properly.

After he retired he was still on call. Whenever a problem arose, someone would call Wendell and ask how to tackle it. He could tell them where to find the switch box that controlled a lift or the right wrench to adjust some piece of snowmaking. He knew where everything was and how to fix it.

Wendell’s loyalty was a topic when David Whitney spoke to the gathering, relating stories about times at Lost Valley and away from the area. Wendell’s son Mark added a few words, and he was followed by Phil Wallingford, who again cited the closeness of everyone who worked at the area.

Between the remarks to all and the stories shared among those in small groups, everyone had memories of times with Wendell Nason, a fitting tribute to one man who embodied the heart and soul of Lost Valley.

For me, it was a time of renewing acquaintances.

Dave Whitney reminded me that I had relieved him of his lift ticket for jumping. The best one was when he recalled getting off the T-bar half way up and crossing over to Bull Moose to escape the inevitable, only to find me waiting when he came out of the woods. In those days, Lost Valley had a strict no jumping rule and I had to enforce it, a far cry from today when ski areas build terrain parks for young skiers.

Mike Cyr, whose mother ran the Brookside Tavern back in the day, was there. He is still an instructor and had special memories of Bruce Fenn, who had such an impact on the Lost Valley Ski School. Mike nominated Bruce for the Maine Ski Hall of Fame, to which Bruce was inducted in 2012. I regret that we failed to do this while Bruce was still living.

Another who had a close relationship with Fenn was also on hand: Scott Williams directed the ski school in the 1970s, and at that time it was the largest ski school in the state.

After the crowd thinned I had time to sit with the current owner, Scott Shanaman, at the new bar.

The entire lobby area, now the Lost Valley Brewing Company, has been redone with a natural wood bar wrapping around from in front of the fireplace to along the wall in the room. The space where everyone gathers before receptions has been expanded, and in addition to more room for apres ski it is also attracting non-skiers just looking for a place to enjoy a bit of food and drink. It’s also set up so parents and others can watch races on Bull Moose through the floor to ceiling windows facing the slope.

I was reminded of the first10 or so years we had the Maine Ski Hall of Fame banquet at Lost Valley. I could see where the improved space would be much better for the social hour, and as I understand they are again doing some banquets. So, maybe the Hall of Fame will return, as Lost Valley is certainly the most centrally located ski area in the state. Next fall’s event will be at Sugarloaf, but after that?

One topic we discussed was the area’s hours. This is a challenge for any smaller area. In order to operate only when skiers are present Lost Valley operates 3-8 p.m. Monday -Thursday, Noon to 9 p.m. Fridays, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. With these hours, the area is able to accommodate the school buses that have been returning and the busy evenings. Team racing is still popular and the Brew Pub has added to the attraction.

One thing still on display on the lodge is the plaque with names of the winners of the various classes in the annual J.P. Parisien Memorial Race. This race is on tap for next Saturday to kick off a busy February schedule.

Check www.lostvalleyski.com for details on what age groups can enter and how to enter. Early entrants will receive a J.P. Parisien Race T-shirt on checking in. It was great to see the turn out for Wendell Nason and to be at Lost Valley once again.

See you on the slopes.

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