I think Waterville has a contract with the US bordercross team for early season training. I'm sure they're funding at least part of the bill for the early season snowmaking, the BBTS ski school probably chips in a little too. I think it's kind of a win/win, but they don't open up the trails on High Country to season pass holders which kinda sucks. I've wondered why, for many years, that they didn't take advantage of the altitude of the base elevation of the High Country lift at about 3450'.