The ski team includes one member whose family has seen both sides of Old Forge's winter sports scene. Hoepfl is supportive of his daughter's involvement, but pragmatic about what the snowmobiling means to his winter business. And the only reason they'd be running is they're on the same boiler as my house. Brooker believes skiers would fill the rooms at Christy's Motel if the snowmobilers took their sleds elsewhere. But Hoepfl says it wouldn't be the same.
Skiers have a tighter fist on their hard-earned dollar.
Snowmobilers think nothing of spending money. While some credit for the team's success goes to Brooker and a supportive community, the skiers also point to each other as sources of inspiration. Photo courtesy of the town of Webb Old Forge attracts legions of snowmobilers every winter. They often describe themselves as a family. She and Taylor Leach, a junior who is the team's captain, are the acknowledged leaders of the group.