In the words of Big Head Todd, last week was a bittersweet one, more sweet than bitter, more bitter than sweet. Ok, DEFINITELY more sweet than bitter. Last week we said so-long to 6-year crew member and all-around great human, the one and only, Chase “Big Easy” Smith. To say he’ll be missed, is an understatement. Happy Trails Chase!
Chase has truly been the backbone of our trail crew for these past several years – this, at a time when we were quickly growing as an organization, taking on more large-scale projects, acquiring more equipment, addressing growing maintenance needs, and expanding the winter trails grooming program. I honestly don’t know what we would have done without him.
Chase has played a huge role in every major trail project that we have completed over the past several years from WOW to Charlie’s 9K. He also led the builds on the new Lake Lackawaxen trail in Bonanza, the Big Easy (he’s the piano man), Lynx at PC Heights and, last but certainly not least, the yet to be completed, Cyn City trail (9k to Mid Mountain, downhill, flow trail). He’ll be putting the final touches on that beauty later this summer and his trail artistry will be on full display.
Not surprisingly, he also became a standout groomer. Chase was instrumental in taking our winter trails program to the next level. He really helped us to stay on top of the grooming and expand our fat bike offerings over the years.
This spring Chase will be starting his own trail contracting business, Race n’ Chase Trails, and I have no doubt that he’ll be super-successful.
We’d like to thank Chase for his many contributions, not only to Mountain Trails, but to the greater Park City outdoor community. I have no doubt that we’ll be enjoying his hard work for years to come, leaving us with many miles of smiles. We wish him all the best with his new gig as Dad, professional trail builder, and everything in between.
Rick, MTF Trails Manager
