Dear Ashwabay Alliance Community,
Every Thursday, our team gathers for a staff meeting.
When I first came to the Ashwabay Alliance, staff meetings were very different. The air was heavy with silence. The entertainment and recreation staff didn’t know one another. They sat separately. Conversations were cautious, especially when we touched on hard topics.
Over time, that began to shift.
Trust took root.
People started to mingle.
Conversations opened up.
And over the past two years, that silence has been replaced by something far more powerful: a team of professionals who bring rigor, creativity, collaboration, and heart to this work.
I’m proud of this group!
They understand both the opportunities and challenges ahead and respond with discipline, innovation, and a shared commitment to moving forward together.
Last week’s staff meeting brought all of that progress into focus.
The room buzzed with brainstorming, thoughtful discussion, and genuine collaboration. We met for nearly an hour and forty-five minutes, and I’d bet we spent a good twenty-five of those laughing together. The meeting was joyful—but more than that, it clearly showed how far we’ve come.
That energy carries straight into our work and out into the experiences we create for our community.
Right now, Mt. Ashwabay is in full swing, with winter offering plenty of reasons to get outside and celebrate the season.
- The Summit Ski Race on January 31, 2026, is marking its 20th year
- Chalet Socials kick off this Wednesday with Bingo and the crew from Ursa Minor
- Nights heat up at The Backstage and StageNorth with comedy, singer-songwriter sets, and jam sessions
All of it reflects the same spirit I felt in that meeting room: people showing up, working together, and creating something meaningful.
It’s that same spirit I hope you’ll feel as we gather—shaking hands, sharing stories, and celebrating all the Ashwabay Alliance has to offer.
Respectfully,
Garry Schalla
The Summit Nordic Ski Race: Twenty Years at Mt. Ashwabay
If you arrive early on Summit Race morning—Saturday, January 31—at Mt. Ashwabay, you’ll feel it before you see it.
Skis lean against open hatchbacks and bumpers as steam rises from coffee mugs and breath hangs in the cold air. Racers—young and seasoned, local and visiting—make final adjustments. As the first skiers glide toward the start, the hill comes alive.
For twenty years, the Summit Nordic Ski Race has brought people together on this hill—through lean snow years, banner winters, and everything in between. As skiers travel farther north in search of reliable winter trails, many discover Ashwabay for the first time.
“The Summit Race has evolved so much over two decades,” says Doug Olson, Mt. Ashwabay Operations Director. “Once skiers experience our ridge-top views, the quiet beauty of the woods, and the care our volunteer groomers put into every kilometer, they keep coming back.”
The course winds through maple, birch, and hemlock before climbing to a high ridge overlooking Lake Superior. It then drops toward the chalet in a finish that balances challenge and reward. Racers choose from multiple distances and techniques, including the skiathlon—a rare Midwest event that combines classic and skate in one race.
But the Summit stands out for more than its terrain.
“It’s the small-town feeling,” says Ketzel Levens, who grew up in Bayfield. “You get incredible trails, a unique race format, and a genuine sense of welcome.”
What to Expect on Race Day
- A full day of racing: Youth and high school races start the morning, followed by collegiate competitions and citizen races
- Options for every skier: Choose 15k or 30k distances in classic or skate, or take on the 30k skiathlon (15k classic + 15k skate)
- Youth & college divisions: Middle school (3.5k) and high school (7k) races, plus MCSA collegiate teams competing in a scored skiathlon with multiple distance options
- A welcoming finish: The chalet fills with warmth, food, and conversation as racers and spectators gather
- A Summit tradition: Every finisher earns a slice of homemade pie, with whole pies awarded to overall winners
“Every year, the Summit Race showcases not only athletic talent, but the spirit of our community,” Olson adds. “People arrive as visitors and leave with a real sense of this place.”
Chalet Socials Are Back at Mt. Ashwabay
Once a month, on Wednesday winter nights at Mt. Ashwabay, a familiar shift settles in.
As the lift slows and skis stack up outside, the chalet begins to glow. Wood smoke lingers as people in hats, base layers, and fleeces drift inside. It’s easy to find a chair, grab a drink or a bite to eat, and settle in for an evening of games, laughter, and easy company.
That’s the spirit behind the Chalet Socials.
They began during Ashwabay’s 75th anniversary season and quickly became a community favorite—simple, welcoming nights bringing people together.
“It’s good ol’ Mt. Ashwabay family fun,” says Holly Pierce, Food, Beverage, and Sales Manager. “You get to sit down, unplug, and enjoy low-stakes competition.” Kids, parents, longtime skiers, first-timers—it’s all ages, all welcome.
Sometimes people wander in by accident, thinking they’ve arrived for open mic night at The Backstage, and end up pulling up a chair and staying for the festivities.
Bingo night with Ursa Minor Brewing stands out as the liveliest of the bunch.
“You don’t realize how fast two hours go by,” Holly laughs. “There’s heckling, a little friendly abuse—it’s loud, it’s fun, and everyone’s in on it.”
More than anything, the Chalet Socials feel like gathering with your extended Mt. Ashwabay family. The kind of evening that can’t quite be measured—where warmth, laughter, and connection feel less like a special occasion and more like the norm.
The 2026 Mt. Ashwabay Chalet Social Schedule:
- Bingo with Ursa Minor Brewing – January 14 | 6–8 p.m.
- Game Night in coordination with Play Unplugged – February 11 | 6–8 p.m.
- Trivia Night with Bayfield Winery and Blue Ox Cider – March 11 | 6–8 p.m.
No entry fee. A $10 suggested donation is appreciated as you’re able.
And that’s really the point.
If you’re looking for an easy, entertaining winter evening—one filled with laughter, stories, and a little friendly competition—pull on your boots and head up the hill. The lights will be on, the games will be ready, and a seat will be waiting for you.
People Who Make It Happen: Mary Olson, Gear Guru (aka Rentals Manager)
If you’ve ever stepped into the rental shop at Mt. Ashwabay on a busy winter day, you’ve likely heard the buzz of excitement, the clatter of boots, and the snap of bindings.
At the center of that controlled chaos is Mary Olson.
Mary started working in rentals during her first winter in Bayfield, not long after she and her husband—Doug Olson, Mt. Ashwabay’s Operations Manager—moved to the area. With no prior experience, she quickly discovered the work was detail-heavy, fast-paced, and full of moving parts—exactly the kind of challenge she thrives in.
“There’s a lot going on all at once,” she says. “You’re focused on safety, on calibration, on getting things right—while very enthusiastic little people are asking questions and bouncing with excitement.” Staying calm, precise, and safety-first—even in the chaos—is part of the job. And it’s a skill Mary has carefully carved out over the years.
What she didn’t expect was the depth of connection that would come with the job.
“I had no idea how connected I’d feel to the community through this role,” Mary says. “You see kids come in year after year. You watch them grow, gain confidence, and eventually graduate to their own gear.” Then there are the moments that surprise you—like watching 80-year-olds strap on ski boots, click into their skis, and skate over to the chair lift.
Efficiency has become one of her proudest achievements.“When we get people through quickly and they spend more time skiing and less time getting fitted for gear—that’s a win.”
And none of it happens alone.
Returning staff who come back year after year make a huge difference, and Mary knows how steep the learning curve can be for new team members. Training takes time. Retention matters. And doing it all on a tight budget isn’t easy. Still, she’s quick to credit the strength of the team and the relationships that support them—especially when it comes to improving the rental fleet.
Gear has gotten better over the years, too. By sourcing lightly used equipment from out west and expanding snowboard options, the team has been able to increase availability and quality. “Doug and Holly have really helped make those connections,” Mary says. “It’s been a team effort.”
Some of Mary’s favorite moments are the smallest ones—remembering a name, especially for middle school girls who are just starting to find their footing. “You can see it when they realize you remember them,” she says. “That smile—it matters.”
Before we wrap up, Mary has one friendly PSA:
If you’re new to skiing or snowboarding, come in early during the preseason or visit on a quieter day to get fitted. Taking the time to dial in the right gear makes all the difference.
Because at the end of the day, Mary’s work isn’t just about boots, skis, and snowboards. It’s about helping people feel safe, welcome, and ready to try something new.
