JAY — Spruce Mountain Ski Area announced Wednesday, Nov. 30, they have a new manager in Zak Toothaker. Toothaker will be overseeing the slopes during the 2022-2023 season.

“I look forward to welcoming you and creating an experience that you will always remember,” Toothaker said in their Facebook announcement.

A 2019 graduate of Spruce Mountain High School, Toothaker has been a fixture on the slopes since he was young. “Each day they were open, my goal was to be there for the first run, and I would not stop until the lights and the tow ropes were shutting off,” he said.

“We are super excited to have Zak on board as our new manager,” Director Ron Jacques stated. “He’s been a fixture at the mountain since he was a kid and is looking forward to giving back to the club.”

Toothaker is currently on leave from the Army National Guard and is pursuing a criminal justice degree at Southern Maine Community College. While only serving as manager for this winter season, Toothaker hopes to remain involved in the ski area for as long as he can.

“I anticipate always being involved in the mountain in one capacity or another,” Toothaker said. “For now, my focus is on creating a place where people can feel welcomed regardless of experience and create memories with family and friends for years to come.”

Along with the addition of Toothaker, lots of work has been done to the ski area in preparation for the upcoming season. “We are upgrading our lighting to LED on the entire mountain,” Jacques said. “Bush hogging has been completed and major brush clearing has been done as well as some rock removal. The ‘new’ groomer and electrical generator have been serviced and are ready to go.”

“We are looking to bring the Sunday Funday racing program back under the direction of Seth Fournier,” Jacques added. According to Jacques, Fournier has been active in the ski racing community for 20+ years and brings lots of enthusiasm to the mountain.

Spruce Mountain is also working with Titcomb Mountain, Black Mountain, and Lost Valley in a reciprocal discounted ticket program. This program will mean anyone with a season pass to Spruce Mountain will get a 50% discount if they choose to visit any of those three ski areas, and vice versa.

Jacques has also organized a GoFundMe page for Spruce Mountain to help cover the cost of fuel for the upcoming season. The page had received over $22,000 in donations by midday Monday, Dec. 5.

“The mountain thrives on the support of the community, guests and volunteers – without this we would not be able to have such a great place to enjoy,” Toothaker commented.