For the first time in close to a year, Misty Ridge Ski Hill was open to skiers and snowboarders last week.
On Jan. 16 and 17, dozens of people populated the ski hill for the first time since the not-for-profit society that runs the ski hill decided to close early in March, which was unfortunately before the lucrative spring break season.
(Editor's note: for the weekend the ski hill received more than 150 visitors)
However, for a while, it looked like it might not happen.
Originally, they had planned to open the ski period to coincide with school's Christmas break, but unfortunately, a period of prolonged warm weather changed their plans.
"We were beginning to wonder how much longer we would have to wait," said society president Matthew Swan.
He said volunteers had been busy making snow whenever the thermometer dropped to the required minimum of about -10 Celsius. Then on Jan. 13 a massive snowstorm swept through the area.
"Right now we have enough snow for the main run and depending on the weather we hope to be able to open more," he said.
We spoke to Swan on Jan. 12 on the eve of a snowfall warning for the Barrhead region.
In recent years, it has been difficult for the ski hill.
In the spring of 2017, the society asked the county to cover close a $10,000 shortfall to pay the remaining wages of a ski hill employee as well as a portion of its insurance for the previous season.
Part of the reason, for the shortfall, said then society president Kerry McElroy to County of Barrhead councillors was a series of the poor three poor winters, impacting attendance due to poor conditions or closure.
In fact, weather conditions and the long-range forecast were so poor going into the 2017-2018 season they decided not to open.
Last season it looked like they were on pace to have the best season in recent memory in terms of attendance, snow conditions and their bottom line, but a late cold snap in mid-March followed by the premature closing of the hill due to the coronavirus put a damper on the season.
Despite the late start to the season, Swan said, there was never any talk about cancelling the season.
"We are hoping to be able to open up and give people the opportunity to get outside and do something," he said, referring to the provincial public health restrictions due to the pandemic which has closed the majority of recreation facilities, with the only notable exception being outdoor skating rinks and ski hills.
Having said that Swan said COVID-19 and the added precautions the ski hill will have to take for the rest of the season will definitely have an impact on its operations.
In addition to physical distancing, ski hill patrons must wear a face-covering when in the rental and ticket buying area, in the chalet, or while in a line-up at one of the lifts.
Only one cohort family will be allowed in the building at a time.
And to meet the 15 per cent occupancy limit mandated by the province, only 12 people will be allowed in the chalet at one time, whether it be to use the washroom or order food from the concession. Food must be eaten outside. If eating at one of the picnic tables on the deck of the chalet, people must only dine with immediate members of their household.
To help accommodate for the reduction allowed in the chalet, two outdoor warming stations have been set up, but skiers are reminded they must wear masks and keep their physical distancing.
Due to COVID restrictions, ski lessons are limited to private instruction only.
People are also asked to change in their vehicles and to help alleviate any potential crowding issues, using them as additional warming stations.
"It's going to slow things down but all we can do is deal with things the best we can and see what happens," Swan said.
But that is what the Misty Ridge Ski Hill Society has been doing since its inception.
For the most up-to-date ski hill information such as hours, refer to the Misty Ridge Facebook page.
