The City of Claremont has been in discussion with a local bike shop regarding leasing the Arrowhead Lodge, which is within a city park. This would displace the non-profit, all volunteer run Arrowhead Recreation Club which manages winter operations and year-round event rentals at the mountain and make the lodge inaccessible to the community.
Some believe that winter operations at Arrowhead can continue to run without the lodge. As a volunteer and someone whose family is at Arrowhead almost every winter weekend, I disagree. Even with the proposed warming hut, we lose the ski and snowboard rentals and kitchen for food service.
Skiing and snowboarding are things that many families in our area cannot afford. At Arrowhead, someone can learn a winter sport with $26 for a ticket and rentals. In addition to families, I see teens bring friends to try skiing and snowboarding. This is an invaluable opportunity to develop a healthy hobby in a safe environment.
Tubing at Arrowhead is enjoyed by families ranging in age from toddler to grandparent. I’ve seen families with kids with plastic bags inside their sneakers to keep their feet dry. I can’t help but think if Arrowhead wasn’t nearby and affordable, that these families may not get to have these experiences.
Arrowhead also provides an affordable venue for people to host year-round events including weddings, baby showers, reunions, non-profit events, and more. Many community members and non-profits can’t afford a $500+ rental fee for a venue elsewhere.
A bike shop can operate from anywhere while continuing to host bike events at the mountain. Why should the non-profit Arrowhead Recreation Club be forced to rebuild after over 20 years and operate in a way that is less beneficial to the community? Arrowhead has been successfully operating and can continue to do so. Arrowhead is a safe, affordable, and accessible place for people to participate in winter recreation and gather. I believe Arrowhead, including the lodge, should be kept as a non-profit community resource accessible to community members year-round.
Please contact the Claremont City Manager and City Councilors to keep this local resource available for community members.
Allison St. Aubin
Claremont, NH
As your daily newspaper, we are committed to providing you with important local news coverage for Sullivan County and the surrounding areas.