Bluewood opens on 4-day slate

Skiing at Bluewood, the Dayton area resort popular with skiers in the southeast corner of the state, officially opened last Thursday for the start of its 34th season. They planned to operate from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. over the weekend with about 50 percent of the primary trails open for skiing at a discount rate of $25 for the first weekend.

During the season, Bluewood plans to operate four days a week, Thursday through Sunday.

The Bluewood ownership group, which was credited with keeping the resort in operation when they took over from Stan Goddell two years ago, reported Jody Ream as been signed as the new general manager and his wife, Brandy Ream is the new director of business development.

Combined, the duo has over 35 years of experience in ski and snowboard resort operation. Coming from the Midwest, they are now residing in Dayton with their two children. Both are graduates of Indiana University.

A group led by Mike and Kelly Stevenson headed a Tri-Cities group that purchased the Bluewood operation from Stan and Nancy Goddell two years ago after the Goddells announced plans to close down the resort, The Stevensons’ son, Travis, has been general manager of the operation.

The Goddells announced plans to depart after sustaining tough seasons due poor skiing weather and the economic recession.

First move for this year’s new managers was restore Thursday operations for the season. Bluewood had earlier this year announced plans to operate just three days a week but will now operate four days. Bluewood format in prior seasons had been for five days a week.

The resort Dec. 7 launched a new website for area ski fans to check out conditions and other updates: http://www.Bluewood.com.