Hundreds Apply for Jobs at Powder Ridge

There hadn't been a crowd as large at Powder Ridge since the ski area closed seven years ago.

The promise of a resurrection brought hundreds of job-seekers to Middlefield on Saturday as applicants ranging from teenagers to retirees waited in long lines inside the recently restored ski rental building to apply for work at the soon-to-be reopened ski resort.

"We're about creating opportunities," said Powder Ridge Mountain Park and Resort CEO Sean Hayes. "It's this talent that's going to bring this place back to life."

Hayes and a group of investors bought the property a year ago for $700,000 from the town and are on schedule to re-open the ski area in November. The last skier went down the slopes in 2006.

Hayes expected Saturday's job fair to draw as many as 400 people as the company moves forward with plans to turn the abandoned property into the state's premier winter sports park.

As many as 200 people will be hired, Hayes said, filling positions that range from ski lift operators to event planners to retail sales associates to restaurant cooks.

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While some job applicants were old enough to remember 'The Ridge' in its heyday, younger applicants were just as excited at the chance to work at one of Connecticut's only ski areas.

"I think it would be fun," said Lauren Manginelli, 17, of Wallingford. "I'm a skier and a snowboarder. It's something different, you get to be outside in the winter, it's hands on."

"I think this is great that they're opening again," said Patty of Middletown while waiting patiently in line to apply for a retail sales position. "I'm looking for another part-time job."

"I thought it would be a fun place to work. I'm just hoping for a part-time gig, I'm retired," said Sharon McHugh of Cromwell.

Visitors were also provided the opportunity to purchase season lift tickets at half-price. The sale will continue through the month of September.

The event also brought out U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, who called Powder Ridge "iconic."

"It is such a landmark," Blumenthal said. "It's really a success story, especially to see the young people turn out here with their moms and dads, looking for work and finding it."

Haddam resident Doug Johansen, who recalled being one of the first snowboarders at Powder Ridge and brought his 17-year-old son Austin to apply for a job, wouldn't rule out a return visit.

"If he gets a job I will," Johansen said.