Jubin family to finish their final ski season
By Zachary Matson
The Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) closed on its $2.5 million purchase of Cascade Cross Country Ski Center on Route 73 near Lake Placid, the organization announced Friday.
The Jubin family, with Art Jubin at the helm, has long run the ski center, and will continue to operate it until April 1. The property will be turned over to ADK later that month.
ADK plans to continue offering snowshoeing and skiing during winter months, including equipment sales and rentals, while also providing four-season education programs. The center’s central location near the High Peaks will also enable ADK to use the location for hiker education.
Jen Jubin on Friday confirmed the deal was finalized and said visitors this season have been excited about the ownership change. She said there were no plans yet to celebrate the transfer but that something might be scheduled later.
“Stay tuned,” Jubin said. “We would probably like to do something to say thanks.”
ADK has publicly discussed its interest in purchasing the property as a new base for education programs as early as last August, announcing a deal to buy the ski center in October. ADK in Friday’s announcement said the organization plans to host meetings with members, local residents and the broader Adirondack visitor community to hear from people about what they would like to see at the property. The future of food and alcohol service at the ski lodge will be part of those discussions.
“As we work through the details, we look forward to looking alongside our partners and supporters to ensure that Cascade Ski Center is not only a pillar of ADK, but also the local community and visitors to the region,” ADK Executive Director Michael Barrett stated.
Lake Placid native Art Jubin founded Cascade Ski Center in 1979, five miles east of the village. He built the lodge and expanded it to include the ski shop, bunk rooms, and a bigger bar and restaurant. The ski center for years has hosted famous full moon parties through the winter months.
“I guess our prayers were answered by all that moon howling, because we couldn’t be more grateful and excited to support ADK in the transition and continuation of our shared Adirondack legacy,” Jen Jubin said in October.
ADK has become just another big corporate entity after its recent reorganization, instead of the former member-centric organization that focused on member interests. Now its corporate board runs the show and profits are the goal, so pony up. Time to quit ADK. The true wilderness will always be here, and it’s free. Honestly, who needs ADK or the rangers to provide a wilderness experience by posting signage, writing snowshoe tickets, or providing a welcome committee at the trailheads or summits, thank you. Please rescue me from the Green Mafia. One big happy family. Must be a patch for that too.