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Ski hill getting set for the season (4 photos)

Mount Baldy Ski Area and Loch Lomond Ski Area expect to open to the public next weekend

THUNDER BAY - The downhill skiing season is set to start much earlier this year than last, with colder temperatures throughout November helping local ski hill operators build on early snowfalls.

Crews at Mount Baldy Ski Area have been working around the clock to get the hills ready and co-owner, Daniel Kardas, said the goal is to open to the public by next weekend.

“We were shooting for this weekend. We were so close,” he said. “We almost had it. So we are going to shoot for next weekend.”

Having runs ready by the last weekend in November would be one of the earliest openings for Mount Baldy in recent memory. Last year, the season did not get underway until mid-December.

“We are going to start with a few runs,” Kardas said. “We are moving up to the Main and when we get the Main done we will start working our way over to the Hornet and then on to the other runs. But if we can get the magic carpet and the tubing for next weekend, that would be amazing for us. We are pretty pumped. We are about a month early from last season.”

Mount Baldy purchased two snow guns last year and crews are working 24-hours a day to get the runs ready. Kardas added that the weather this month has provided ideal conditions for making snow.

“When it’s really cold you have guns freezing up,” he said. “You have to be on the game all the time. That is why we are running right now 24-hour shifts. The minute we strap those skis on again then everybody’s happy.”

Kardas, along with his brothers Kristof and Jason, took over operation of the ski area in 2016 and he said their time at the helm of the hill has been a huge success so far.

“In the last three seasons, the members have been growing like crazy and the vibe is amazing and people are having a good time and we are rolling with that and hopefully we can keep on that wave and keep it going,” he said.

“We have a long season ahead,” Kardas continued. “Last season we were still skiing on May 4, so if we can start now and go to May 4 that is amazing for a ski resort.”

Jason Gerry, general manager at Loch Lomond Ski Area, said they are also expecting to open this weekend, with two runs and a terrain park for the public. For more information about openings and events, visit the Loch Lonond Ski Area website or the Mount Baldy Ski Area website.



Doug Diaczuk

About the Author: Doug Diaczuk

Doug Diaczuk is a reporter and award-winning author from Thunder Bay. He has a master’s degree in English from Lakehead University
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