Return to the "POINTER VIEW"January 12, 2001
Return to the "POINTER VIEW"
January
12, 2001
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| Victor Constant boasts all the amenities of larger ski facilities including snow-making equipment, three major ski runs, a Ski Lodge with a fully operational snack bar, an equipment repair facility and, as picture above, a state-of-the-art ski lift. |
A bright blue sky and lots of brilliant white snow. For West Point ski enthusiasts, that’s a combination made in heaven.
All three major ski runs at West Point’s Victor Constant Ski Slope were open and ready for business in record time this year thanks to the weather, five snow makers and 25 snow guns, said slope manager John DeFrancesco.
"The facility serves active Army, Reservists, retirees, civilian employees and all of their families and offers plenty of options for fun," he said.
Downhill and cross-country skiing along with snowboarding are all available at Victor Constant, DeFrancesco explained. Care and repair for equipment such as skis, boots and bindings are performed in the repair shop and a full snack bar is ready and waiting in the Ski Lodge.
"We also offer lessons for all the activities," he said.
DeFrancesco said there’s even facilities for rent for those who wish to have functions at the slope.
"The lodge can be rented out for parties on the weekends and the entire hill can be rented for private parties Saturday and Sunday nights," he explained. "However the weekends fill up fast and most of the season is already booked."
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| One of West Point’s Victor Constant Ski Slope’s amateur ski instructors gives students a lesson in ski basics. The instructors are qualified to assist and train entry-level skiers and offer valuable instruction in both technique and safety. |
Bob DiBenedetto, now in his fourth year as a member of the Ski Patrol said, "I think the family atmosphere is great. You don’t have to worry about your equipment and everybody watches after each other’s children."
He said he also likes the close proximity to Keller Army Community Hospital.
"The Ski Patrol can literally get an injured person off the slope and to the hospital in five to 10 minutes," he explained.
DeFrancesco said the regular season generally lasts from the first week in January to the second week in March. Hours are 3-9 p.m. daily and 9 a.m. to 5p.m. weekends.
For more information, call 938-2475 or visit the DCFA Web site at www.usma.edu/dcfa.
