By Ellen Chandler
What accounts for the appeal of trolls? Reputedly homely yet rarely (OK, never) seen, their fabled Scandinavian heritage gives them instant status among Nordic enthusiasts. Eastman is one of several New England cross country ski centers that includes trolls among its denizens.
According to legend, which is as close to “history” as it comes with trolls, their preferred habitat is wooded hillsides, making Eastman a perfect environment for them. Unlike havoc-wreaking gremlins and goblins, trolls lead relatively peaceful existences, unless one happens to be a Billy Goat, in which case all bets are off.
In order to establish a permanent colony of trolls, Eastman has developed specialized habitats and created guidelines in much the same way it has for the community’s resident loons. While this strategy has worked well with loons, which are actual animals, it has not been 100% successful with trolls, which many people claim to be imaginary. Trolls do not materialize in serendipitous photoshoot moments the way the more grateful loons do, nor do they grace us regularly with baby trolls, although they do dispense troll tokens on a self-serve basis.
Undaunted, Eastman continues to roll out the welcome mat for trolls with a year-round troll dacha on the Brook Trail in South Cove; a seasonal trailside home on the Lazy Loop behind The Center at Eastman; and a newly constructed troll house in John’s Glen off Clearwater Drive. Skiers of all ages are invited to visit the troll houses and collect the tokens (one per visit) to redeem at the Cross Country Ski Center for a piece of candy and entry into a drawing for new skis. Despite their reticence and elusiveness, the trolls’ support of cross country skiing is appreciated by skiers, and we hope that by continuing to visit their homes, we provide sylvan creatures with a sense of community in return.
The Challenge
The Troll Challenge is a program for the 2017-2018 winter at the Cross Country Ski Center. Visitors post a cut-out image of a troll and decorate it with badges representing skiing, skating, sliding, snowshoeing, and other outdoor winter exercise. The goal is to celebrate outdoor fun and encourage others to try new activities.
Ellen Chandler is Eastman Community Association’s Social Programming Team Leader.
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