Smiling under their masks are Tory Irgang, executive director of the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, and Boutwell Hill Ski Club board members, from left, Andy Dickson, president; Joe Bender; and Kevin Kind.

The Boutwell Hill Ski Club has purchased a new grooming ATV made possible through the support of local foundations and supporters.

The Jessie Smith Darrah Fund, Carnahan-Jackson Foundation, Lakeshore Savings Community Reinvestment Fund and Chautauqua Region Community Foundation provided funding for nearly 60% of the purchase price. Supporters and trail users provided the balance.

“We’re grateful to our local foundation for their confidence and support of our great winter recreation program on Boutwell Hill,” said Andy Dickson, Boutwell Hill Ski Club president. “Our new ATV is agile and powerful in deep snow and will mean more and better grooming of the trail system.”

Now in its sixth year, the Boutwell Hill Ski Club is a 501(c)3 non-profit volunteer organization that maintains and grooms cross-country ski trails in the Boutwell Hill State Forest in the town of Charlotte that are open to the public free of charge. Snowshoers and fat bikers are welcome to share the non-motorized trails as well.

“We are happy to be a community partner and support Boutwell Hill Ski Club,” said Tory Irgang, Community Foundation executive director. “Their dedicated volunteers create and maintain numerous trails throughout the forest allowing residents and visitors of all ages to experience the natural beauty our region has to offer.”

The five-miles of trails that the club has developed and grooms for the DEC are complimented by additional multi-use roads and back-country skiing trails. Located on the Chautauqua Ridge, the area has higher average annual snowfall than any other location in Western New York.

The Boutwell Hill Ski Club has a stewardship agreement with the state DEC that allows it to develop a cross-country skiing and non-motorized trail system in the Boutwell Hill State Forest.

The Boutwell Hill Ski Club is an all-volunteer group that invites winter outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and abilities to enjoy the trails and help sustain and promote the trail system. For more information, trail maps, grooming reports or to contact the organization, visit www.boutwellxc.wordpress.com.