Skiers and snowboarders, the wait is over: ski season has arrived.
Although Mother Nature hasn’t been entirely cooperative, the snow-making crew at Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area has been busy preparing the slopes for the season. Muskoka’s only ski hill will open for a sneak peek this weekend.
“We’ve had a few nights where it’s been cold for snow-making. The last three nights have been great,” said HVHSA general manager, Andrew Rusynyk.
For the sneak peek weekend, the blue chair will be turning and there will be a small park by the chalet for kids to ride the rails.
“We look forward to letting people get out and just get their feet underneath them,” said Rusynyk. “It’s a great way to get out and slide a little bit and get yourself comfortable.”
He is anticipating a busy season ahead. “There’s a lot of demand and energy to get outside and do something. We’re expecting it to be a busy year.”
Staff are looking to have more terrain opened up by Dec. 17 when holiday hours of operation begin. “Depending on Mother Nature and how much snow we can make that will determine how much terrain we can open up,” Rusynyk added.
COVID protocols will be in place: Masks are required indoors and you can go inside to pick up lift tickets, food, or rentals or to use the washrooms, but you can’t stay inside to relax or eat without providing proof of vaccination. Masks can be removed when you’re sitting down to eat or drink.
Staff recommend that lift tickets and rental equipment be purchased online in advance.
“As far as skiing is concerned, it’s considered a safe outdoor activity so proof of vaccination is not required for skiing,” noted Rusynyk. “Please respect all of the signage within the chalet and in the lift lines and on the lifts. And be gentle with our staff, in that they’re just doing what they’re asked to do.”
Get your sneak peek Friday, Dec. 10 through Sunday, Dec. 12 from 9-4 each day. Starting Friday, Dec. 17, HVHSA will be open most days throughout the holidays from 9-9, with reduced hours on Dec. 24, 25, and 31.
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