Winter may not officially arrive until next week, but winter weather is here to stay and with it some snowy outdoor fun.
The crews at Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area (HVHSA) have been helping Mother Nature along with some snow-making of their own to be sure there’s plenty of white stuff in time for the holidays. And they’ve got a few surprises up their sleeves. Two runs will make a return for the full season this year, weather permitting — Dutchman’s Glades and Pucker Up. Both are double black diamond runs with some deeper snow that will require expert skills.
“We are excited to have two slightly newer runs back at the Valley, and more fun terrain where you can play in the deep snow,” says Courtney Payne, HVHSA’s Communications and Events Manager.
If you’re more of a beginner or intermediate skier, you’ll find the rest of the slopes in fantastic condition by the time Christmas break rolls around.
Until then, you can get a sneak peak at what they’ve been up to when HVHSA opens for the season this weekend. The green chairlift will be spinning from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on December 15 with the Back Trail open. On Saturday and Sunday, the blue and red lifts will take their turns so skiers can check out the conditions on Fifth Avenue, Chalet Chute, the Terrain Park and Flying Dutchman. The handle tow will be running all weekend to help beginners get up to speed.
New this year: the Muskoka Local Card. When you buy the card, you get your first, fourth and seventh four-hour ticket for free, with a five dollar discount on the other four tickets.
The kids’ camps have some fun new toys, too, with some beginner ride-on, ride-off, and ski under features to broaden learning for little skiers. If you’re planning to sign up for Christmas camps, or the eight-week camps in the new year, do it soon — they’re filling up fast, says Payne.
Don’t forget to add the ski hill’s holiday events to your calendar, too. The Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade returns on December 24 with complimentary hot chocolate, cookies and live music in the chalet starting at 5:00 p.m., and a beautiful parade of lights down the Flying Dutchman at 6:00 p.m. Santa (on skis!) will be there with treats for the kids.
On New Year’s Eve, join HVHSA staff for family-friendly fireworks at 6:00 p.m. There will be complimentary hot chocolate, cookies and live music in the chalet starting at 5:00 p.m.; the bar will be open until 8:00 p.m.
In the new year, watch for World Snow Day on January 21, which includes Canada Ski Council’s attempt to host the world’s largest beginner snow lesson. It’s part of their Never Ever Days program, which get brand-new skiers a lift ticket, rentals, and a lesson for just $25. Advance registration via nevereverdays.com is required. “It’s going to be awesome. Come out and give it a shot!” says Payne, adding that there will likely be a second Never Ever Day later in the season, too.
The ever-popular eight-week ladies program is back for another season, and watch for details on both Ladies Day and Men’s Day in the new year.
Trial memberships for the Muskoka Ski Club are back again this year, too. A one-year trial membership has almost all of the benefits of a full-time membership (except equity and voting privileges) including full use of the club’s private lounges and sun decks, special programs for kids and adults, social events and unlimited skiing and snowboarding. Contact Andrew Rusynyk at [email protected] or 705-789-1773 extension 28 for more details.
For more information on Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area and the Muskoka Ski Club, visit skihiddenvalley.ca.
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