THUNDER BAY - A late November rain wasn’t going to be enough to dampen the spirits of those looking to start the winter season early this year.
Loch Lomond Ski Area officially opened its downhill skiing season this weekend and saw skiers and snowboarders enjoying the slopes much earlier this year than the last.
“This is our fifth season in operation under our ownership and I think November 12thwas the earliest,” said Jason Gerry, Loch Lomond Ski Area co-owner and general manager. “So this is about in the middle. Last year was late because the weather wasn’t very great and we didn’t open until mid-December.”
The hill opened on Friday with two runs – the Snoopy and the Lower Sunbowl. Gerry said crews began making snow in early November and luckily the rain on Saturday did not affect snow conditions.
“The conditions are good right now,” he said. “We’ve been able to make a lot of snow and it has held out really well and groomed out nicely over the last week.”
There was a steady line of skiers and snowboarders taking the chair lift up to get in some early afternoon runs on Sunday, including Andrew Puksa and his three-year-old daughter, Avery.
“It is much earlier than last year,” he said. “I don’t remember anytime being out so early to ski. We have our season pass and are ready to go.”
Avery was itching to get her skis on and Andrew said getting out on the hill is a great way to spend time with family.
“I think everybody has to find their thing that they really enjoy doing in the winter time to sort of help pass it,” he said. “Skiing is great because it’s a great family time activity. It is something I did with my family growing up and something I hope to pass along to her.”
According to Gerry, membership sales are up for the fifth consecutive year and people can expect to see some changes around the ski area, with renovations to the chalet ongoing, as well as upgrades to grooming and snowmaking facilities.
But what Gerry is most excited about this year is the addition of the new Snow School Academy.
“The program is something that has been launched for a couple of years in the Ottawa region and it’s been doing really well in the local communities,” Gerry said. “We are seeing a real resurgence in skiing and people getting interested in the racing and ski-cross side of things.”
The academy provides lessons for young skiers between the ages of eight-years-old and 18-years-old and teaches the basics of snowcross, as well as introductions to alpine and freestyle.
Gerry said the plan is to launch the Snow School Academy during the Christmas break. Registration is open and people can register by visiting the Loch Lomond Ski Area website or by calling or visiting the chalet.
Loch Lomond will be open during the day on weekends and Gerry said he expects to change over to regular hours of operation by Dec. 19.
Owners at the Mount Baldy Ski Area were anticipating opening this weekend as well, but the hill was not ready due to poor weather conditions. The ski area is expected to open by next weekend.
