Cochran's Ski Area to upgrade snowmaking system

A tiny ski area broke ground on a new snowmaking system on Saturday to ensure that it has full-slope skiing, even in mild winters.
RICHMOND, Vermont — A tiny ski area broke ground on a new snowmaking system on Saturday to ensure that it has full-slope skiing, even in mild winters.
    Cochran's Ski Area now has limited snowmaking and has been forced to close at times when there's no snow.
The ski area plans to withdraw 500 gallons of water a minute from the Winooski River to make snow.
    The new system will cost about $400,000, more than half of which Cochran's has raised so far.
    The small ski area was established in 1961 by Mickey and Ginny Cochran and served as a training ground for their four children, all of whom raced for the U.S. Ski Team, including 1972 gold medal winner Barbara Cochran, and current racers Jimmy Cochran, Jessica Kelley and Tim Kelley.
    The ski area is a popular area for children to learn to ski and race.

    — The Associated Press