To the Editor:
I was saddened and appalled when I read in your paper about the recent vandalism and theft at Mystery Mountain Winter Park. Theft of a snowmobile is inexcusable, but somewhat understandable because the individual may get some personal gain from it. The machine is an object of some value that may either be sold for cash or kept and enjoyed by the thief. But to just throw one in the swamp for the hell of it, that is something I don't understand. As a former long-time Thompson resident, and past president (for five years) of Thompson Ski Club, I have a pretty good idea how much work is required to maintain the site and equipment at Mystery Mountain. The number of volunteer hours that go into just keeping the place open and operating is very high. For years our members have volunteered at work parties and running a weekly bingo during the summer. The kind of crap reported in your article shows that some members of the community put no value on the work and commitment of others.
Unfortunately this is not a new problem and Mystery Mountain by its location away from high travel areas has suffered before. During my term as president we suffered from several attempts to destroy the gates to the site and a fire (I still believe set on purpose) that destroyed around $20,000 worth of Poma lift parts. It is disheartening that this behaviour is still going on.
Living in southern Manitoba now, I can assure your readers that Mystery Mountain Winter Park is a jewel that may not be properly recognized by those who have always lived in Thompson. No other Manitoba community has a ski/snowboard facility even close to the quality of Mystery Mountain within a 15-minute drive of the city. It is just maddening that some people would jeopardize this unique facility for no real reason.
I encourage the citizens of Thompson and the city council to support the Thompson Ski Club in any way you can. Your facility is truly unique in Manitoba and must be supported. If you have any information on the events at the ski hill, please come forward and tell either the club executive or the police.
To the members and executive of the Thompson Ski Club, don't let this get you down. I know it is frustrating and discouraging, but Thompson would not be the same place if the Thompson Ski Club were allowed to go the same way as so many other community organizations.
Don Piett
Emerson
