If you are looking for a recreational opportunity with beautiful, picturesque scenery and great slopes, look no further than Little Smoky Ski Hill, now officially open for avid skiers and snowboarders.
Little Smoky Ski Area is in the M.D. of Smoky River between Valley- view and Falher just off Highway 49, west on Township Road 744 and then north on Range Road 214. Manager Clem Bourgeois says they were able to open their doors on Dec. 27 and have been excited to see all the slope-enthusiasts already going through their doors.
“It’s a great way to boost your social life if you love to ski or board,” says Bourgeois.
“It’s a fun place to spend your day and customers are always really happy because it’s such a fun environment,” he adds.
Bourgeois and his team were busy throughout December preparing for the opening of the hill, making snow and grooming the various runs. He explains this year they faced some obstacles that put some kinks in their operation.
“Our biggest obstacle was very little water in the river,” he says. “Some years we can make all our snow in two weeks and other years it could take 2.5 months, it all depends on temperatures, water flow, humidity, and adequate staff. We were also surprised with how much natural snow we got through the month of December.”
Bourgeois says this year when making snow, his team was restricted to 40 per cent water flow humidity, so they only ran 40 per cent of their snow guns.
At press time, Bourgeois says there were five runs open, but they are confident they will have the rest open before the end of the month.
“Coming to the hill is the opportunity to get the whole family participating in a sport that is a great excuse to get out, socialize, enjoy fresh air and exercise,” says Bourgeois. “It’s an affordable place for the whole family to enjoy a day of recreation.”
Bourgeois urges new skiers and snowboarders to come to the hill, even if they don’t have their own equipment. Little Smoky Ski Area includes a complete rental shack with gear that will fit any size skier or snowboarder at a reasonable price.
All costs for rentals and lift costs are available on their website.
The Little Smoky Ski Hill is funded by three local municipalities, the M.D. of Smoky River, M.D. of Big Lakes, and M.D. of Greenview.
Bourgeois says they are also looking for staff members to add to their team and says that if you are 15 years or older to apply for a job. He says they need staff in all different areas, from lift attendant to chalet employees.
“We’re looking for staff that’s available from Wednesday to Friday,” says Bourgeois.
“If people are looking for full time hours, we offer a Wednesday through Sunday schedule as well.”
The hill is open weekends and holidays from 10 am until 4 pm. It will also be open on certain weekdays based on bookings from schools or other groups. Bourgeois and his staff update the online calendar frequently with scheduling. He suggests checking their website for confirmed ski hill hours of operation once open.
Bourgeois does note there are weather conditions that will force a temporary closure of the hill, including weather dropping below -30 C.
Bourgeois says even if you’re not a skier, there are great meals to be had in the chalet.
For more information about the hill or to purchase season tickets, please phone the hill at (780) 837-8144, email littlesmoky@serbernet.com, or visit their website at www.littlesmokyski.
Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter