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Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area’s (HVHSA) new general manager, Andrew Rusynyk, is happy to see the local slopes covered in white. After some unseasonably warm weather that didn’t deliver snow or allow for snowmaking, it seems winter has finally arrived.
In a release issued today, HVHSA announced that it will open Saturday, December 10 and Sunday, December 11 from 9-4 both days.
Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area’s new GM Andrew Rusynyk in a pre-season shot
Rusynyk joined the company this summer and is excited for the coming season. He was born and raised in Toronto and his family had a cottage on Lake of Bays. He raced at Georgian Peaks up to the Ontario team level before switching gears to teach and coach skiing and work in the hospitality side of the ski industry at resorts both big and small.
He spent 23 years in Alberta, the last 13 of those working at Castle Mountain in the southwest corner of the province. “It’s a big mountain with a long continuous fall line and lots of steeps and about 30 feet of snow a year. I’m definitely a fan of powder snow and I’m looking forward to the 10 feet we typically get here,” he laughs. “I love the terrain here and how it’s got some different characteristics and pitches and turns to it, so it’s not just a monogamous slope.”
Rusynyk spent the three years prior to moving to Muskoka at Batawa Ski Hill, near Belleville, working in their village development program.
“I didn’t plan a career in the ski business, but I’ve been in it pretty much since I stopped racing.”
When asked what’s new at HVHSA this year, he grins and says, “We’re going to have all new snow this year.”
There have been a few changes, though, most notably a decrease in the cost of night, mid-week and 3×3 passes to make them more affordable. The ski area is owned by the Muskoka Ski Club and Rusynyk says they are tweaking the social events and programs available for members this year.
HVHSA’s popular Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade and family-friendly New Year’s Eve Fireworks will continue this year and are open to everyone.
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