SKOWHEGAN — Eaton Mountain Ski Area will not open this winter season as owner David Beers recovers from serious injuries suffered while fixing snow grooming equipment Dec. 4.
“Unfortunately, we decided we’re not going to run the snow tubing park at all this winter,” Beers said in a telephone interview Tuesday, his jaw partially wired shut from fractures. “There is too much stuff to do there, and for better or worse, I’m the only guy who knows how to do it.”
Beers’ injuries included skull fractures, other broken bones and a dislocated ankle after an 18,000-pound snow groomer rolled over him at the mountain off Lambert Road and U.S. Route 2. His jaw was broken in three places.
“I’m feeling well; resting up,” Beers said. “I lucked out and had no internal injuries; all the important stuff inside was spared.”
Beers said he was working on the groomer’s track and reached into the cab of the machine to circulate the hydraulic fluid system. He somehow hit the control lever for the passenger-side track, causing it to move forward and pinning him underneath.
The mountain, with a new handle-tow lift, opened for the first time last winter after a fire closed the place in 2005.
Morning Sentinel Staff Writer Doug Harlow can be contacted at 612-2367 or at:
dharlow@centralmaine.com
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