Is Big Tupper a feel good story? In every way.

The North Country isn't an easy place to live.

Whether you're struggling to find a job, or struggling to dig your car out of the snow to get to your job, our reality is not for the faint of heart.

Which is why we need as many stories like Big Tupper as possible.

I skied the revitalized mountain yesterday and I can't say I've had a better few hours in my ten years with NCPR.

The slopes were busy, the mountain was crewed by really helpful volunteers, and it was also just a great day to be outside.

The view from up there? Immense, grand: North woods and lakes stretching into mist. Kids in bright-colored jumpsuits, snowboarders grinning like devils.

The lessons are pretty obvious. In a low-population area like this, a handful of people can make a huge difference, but it takes a couple of big ingredients.

First, it takes as many souls as possible getting involved. And second, we have to learn how to check unproductive negativity.

I have too many gloom-and-doom conversations, with people convinced that we're done for. Kaput. Out of steam. Or else they're caught up in old rivalries.

One of NCPR's jobs, I think, is to report on real problems, real issues that we face.

But another important role we play is to share success stories, from one town and one valley to the next.

We have to make sure that people know that Big Tupper was possible, so that more Big Tuppers can happen.

So here's my challenge for this thread: What is the Big Tupper in your community?

What is the one important step that your town or village can take to recapture some of that energy?

If you don't have any ideas, let me suggest a day on the slopes at Big Tupper. It's the perfect place for inspiration.