Cross-country skiers, take note: the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation announced Thursday that it will install new outdoor lighting at the Weston Ski Track. It will also lower prices for trail passes this season.
That will likely be welcome news to users of the cross-country skiing facility at the Leo J. Martin Golf Course in Weston, and it comes at a sensitive time, as the state prepares to take over management of the ski operations there for the very first time.
Matthew Sisk, DCR’s deputy commissioner, said the agency is working hard to “make this ski season just as good as the last.”
Many longtime users of the Weston Ski Track were surprised earlier this year when the state announced its plan to run the skiing at the state-owned golf course. Previously, the ski track was operated by an outside vendor, Charles River Recreation.
Some longtime users expressed concern about the state agency’s lack of experience and worried that it could have a negative impact on snowmaking and grooming trails. Many also wondered why the state decided to take over the skiing in the first place.
“The reason,” said Sisk, “is it provides us a unique opportunity to have a true dual-use facility here.” It allows the state to manage the whole facility all year round, he said.
“Change is difficult,” he acknowledged. But Sisk said the average skier who goes to the ski track “won’t notice much difference.”
Sisk said the same outside vendor will be supplying ski rentals and lessons. And in addition to lowering prices — adult daily passes, which cost $15 last year, will now cost $13 — the state will also increase trails by 20 percent (weather permitting), he said.
Sisk said the agency has been working with the Friends of Leo J. Martin Skiing, a nonprofit advocacy group. Such collaboration may ease the transition.
Chris Doyle, chairwoman of the nonprofit group’s board of directors, said the state “gave us their lighting plan for us to review, and we gave them feedback on it.” The LED lighting project, she said, “is great news.”
“We’re enthusiastic about the project and very concerned about the timing,” she said, adding that the organization hopes it will be completed in time for the upcoming ski season.
Doyle is still concerned about how things will go this season, with the state at the helm. “We’re concerned about staffing....snowmaking and grooming require skill,” she said. “We’re cautiously optimistic right now.”
Larry Smith, the owner of Charles River Recreation, confirmed that his company will be handling the rentals and ski lessons this season. For the first time in many years, he will not be responsible for making snow and grooming trails.
“Everything sounds like it’s going to be OK... So we’ll see,” said Smith. “It’s not a long time between now and winter. Hopefully they’ll figure it all out.”
Emily Sweeney can be reached at esweeney@globe.com. Follow her on Twitter @emilysweeney.