For a guy that skied more than 100 days last season, you’d think Brian Grefe could fairly be called a ski bum.
Fanatic, yes. Enthusiast, yes. Bum, not so much.
In fact, when he’s not skiing or helping his wife raise their two children — all of whom also ski — Grefe is the Airport Director of Central Wisconsin Airport, or CWA.
So you might say he views the DNR’s review of the 2005 Master Plan for Rib Mountain — and their consideration of changes to Rib Mountain State Park and Granite Peak ski area — from an elevated position.
In his capacity as CWA airport director, Grefe explained that the CWA board of directors is on record as supporting Alternative #4 of the proposed changes.
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For CWA, it’s not necessarily because of incoming skiers using the airport,” he said. “It’s the economic impact of the hill and enhanced year-round use of the hill that bring additional tourism, and incomes for local people — all which supports future airport growth.”
Taking off his CWA hat and speaking from a personal perspective, Grefe doesn’t hold back. He loves Rib Mountain and Granite Peak — it was actually a major factor in his moving here from Aspen, Colorado.
As mentioned, his wife and kids all ski Granite Peak as well.
“We have a family season pass to Granite Peak, and a yearly pass to Rib Mountain State Park,” he explained. “We live a few miles from the mountain, and my kids are both heavily involved in Granite Peak’s great youth skiing programs and competitions,” he continued.
“We’re fortunate to be near the biggest and best ski area in the state of Wisconsin,” he concluded.
Grefe is also a steward of the mountain, taking garbage bags with him to pick up trash whenever he finds it and encouraging others to be respectful of the natural wonders and environment.
“Conservation is so important,” said Grefe. “For those of us who support enhancements to this amazing place, we have to acknowledge other interests and recognize their needs and go above and beyond for all stakeholders.”
Given his position at the airport and his love of Rib Mountain and Granite Peak, “above and beyond” would be a fitting motto for this Wausau-based ski bum. Er, enthusiast.
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The Greater Wausau Prosperity Partnership is a collaborative group of business and community leaders coming together to help develop a stronger, more competitive economic development platform for our community. Our primary purpose is to assist in the implementation and execution of the Greater Wausau Region Economic Development Strategic Plan. The primary objectives of the plan are to 1) attract and retain talent, 2) embrace technology to grow local enterprises, and 3) engage in placemaking to enhance amenities and quality of life. For questions or more information, contact info@ElevateRibMountain.com.