OUr story
The incredible thing about winter is "snow," the most exciting thing for humans to "play-in" on the planet! Yet, with winter in Casper, WY., also comes shorter days, limited outdoor activities and even less places for people to recreate! That's why a group of skiers got together, to talk about what it would be like to have night skiing & snowboarding at Hogadon Ski Basin in Casper, WY.!
What began as a casual conversation about after-school Ski practice at Hogadon Ski Area, for the two High School Alpine Ski Teams, had morphed into an enormous idea for the entire community of Casper! John Lutz led the charge, playing a vital role in bringing the concept of night skiing at Hogadon to the City of Casper, the owners of Hogadon. His inspiring leadership and consistent dedication to this "dream", helped launch the Hogadon Night Skiing Project for the benefit of the entire community!
Those early days, when John began to meet with Carter Napier, the City Manager of Casper, and his team, started him on journey that would take nearly six years to complete! Carter saw the potential benefit which the Hogadon Night Skiing Project could have on the community, with the prospect of additional revenue for the City. So, he gave John the opportunity to move forward with developing a business plan for Night Skiing at Hogadon Ski Area. The Project then moved on to the Casper City Council, where it was reviewed and voted on. Night skiing passed with an overwhelming majority, with the stipulation that the cost of the Project be privately funded.
Henry Silva, a personal friend of John's, who started the 'Boxing Club of Casper', played an important role in helping John plan his first fund raising efforts. Henry constantly told John, "you can do this," which was a great source of strength an encouragement for him. Along with his words of encouragement, Henry helped connect him with key donors throughout the region.
Henry's advice led to a meeting with the Natrona County Recreational Joint Powers Board. After hearing about the Hogadon Night Skiing Project, the NCRJPB Board of Directors granted the Project a significant matching grant to help get things off the ground! With their support, the Project was on it's way!
The doors began to open, as John and his team moved forward with their fund raising efforts. Gail Zimmerman, a well know philanthropic leader and businessman in Casper area, came along side John and his vision for Night Skiing at Hogadon! Gail became both a friend and a trusted advisor to John, helping to guide him to the next levels of his non-profit development. Gail not only provide his advice and wise council, he also gave financial support to the Project, as well as his trusted reputation!
The Garlick Family Charitable Fund also caught the "vision" right from the start, and became a key partner. Keith Garlick, as well as his family, love to ski, and see the positive impact Night Skiing could have on the youth of Casper! This was also true with The Daniels Fund, who also caught wind of the Night Skiing Project! They too became a partner in establishing the lighting infrastructure, to help provide the youth of Casper with an awesome evening experience!
Although the road to night skiing at Hogadon Ski Area took many twist and turns, as well as a few set-backs along the way, we are so excited to say that the 2021-2022 Ski Season will become the first ski season "ever" to host permanent Night Skiing at Hogadon Ski Area - giving everyone throughout the region the opportunity to ski & snowboard Hogadon Ski Area at night!
With Phase I of the Hogadon Night Skiing Project completed (the lighting of Park Avenue, Boomeranged and Bunny), the Project's "Phase II" plan will be to light-up Dreadnaught for the 2023-2024 Ski Season! This will complete the lighting of all of the major ski runs at Hogadon Ski Area! It is with deep gratitude to all how supported the Hogadon Night Skiing Project, and to the Lord for providing vision and direction, as well as the right people at the right time!
What began as a casual conversation about after-school Ski practice at Hogadon Ski Area, for the two High School Alpine Ski Teams, had morphed into an enormous idea for the entire community of Casper! John Lutz led the charge, playing a vital role in bringing the concept of night skiing at Hogadon to the City of Casper, the owners of Hogadon. His inspiring leadership and consistent dedication to this "dream", helped launch the Hogadon Night Skiing Project for the benefit of the entire community!
Those early days, when John began to meet with Carter Napier, the City Manager of Casper, and his team, started him on journey that would take nearly six years to complete! Carter saw the potential benefit which the Hogadon Night Skiing Project could have on the community, with the prospect of additional revenue for the City. So, he gave John the opportunity to move forward with developing a business plan for Night Skiing at Hogadon Ski Area. The Project then moved on to the Casper City Council, where it was reviewed and voted on. Night skiing passed with an overwhelming majority, with the stipulation that the cost of the Project be privately funded.
Henry Silva, a personal friend of John's, who started the 'Boxing Club of Casper', played an important role in helping John plan his first fund raising efforts. Henry constantly told John, "you can do this," which was a great source of strength an encouragement for him. Along with his words of encouragement, Henry helped connect him with key donors throughout the region.
Henry's advice led to a meeting with the Natrona County Recreational Joint Powers Board. After hearing about the Hogadon Night Skiing Project, the NCRJPB Board of Directors granted the Project a significant matching grant to help get things off the ground! With their support, the Project was on it's way!
The doors began to open, as John and his team moved forward with their fund raising efforts. Gail Zimmerman, a well know philanthropic leader and businessman in Casper area, came along side John and his vision for Night Skiing at Hogadon! Gail became both a friend and a trusted advisor to John, helping to guide him to the next levels of his non-profit development. Gail not only provide his advice and wise council, he also gave financial support to the Project, as well as his trusted reputation!
The Garlick Family Charitable Fund also caught the "vision" right from the start, and became a key partner. Keith Garlick, as well as his family, love to ski, and see the positive impact Night Skiing could have on the youth of Casper! This was also true with The Daniels Fund, who also caught wind of the Night Skiing Project! They too became a partner in establishing the lighting infrastructure, to help provide the youth of Casper with an awesome evening experience!
Although the road to night skiing at Hogadon Ski Area took many twist and turns, as well as a few set-backs along the way, we are so excited to say that the 2021-2022 Ski Season will become the first ski season "ever" to host permanent Night Skiing at Hogadon Ski Area - giving everyone throughout the region the opportunity to ski & snowboard Hogadon Ski Area at night!
With Phase I of the Hogadon Night Skiing Project completed (the lighting of Park Avenue, Boomeranged and Bunny), the Project's "Phase II" plan will be to light-up Dreadnaught for the 2023-2024 Ski Season! This will complete the lighting of all of the major ski runs at Hogadon Ski Area! It is with deep gratitude to all how supported the Hogadon Night Skiing Project, and to the Lord for providing vision and direction, as well as the right people at the right time!