The snow was plentiful and so were the people at Misty Ridge Ski Hill this year, making for a very successful 2012-2013 season.
The hill saw around 3,500 people and five different schools use the facility, which is almost twice as many as the 2011-2012 season.
Hill manager Greg Reschke said this high numbers were mostly attributed to more snow and milder temperatures. Areas of the hill that would normally be showing the brown of the ground were still white until the final day of the season March 31.
For those already itching to get back on the beautiful and scenic slopes, the season will begin again in mid-December. Along with the normal excitement of a new year, the 2013-2014 season will also bring some new changes for the community to keep an eye out for.
“Next season we will see a few of the trails expanded, and some new rental equipment as well as a larger terrain park,” said Reschke. “Our scenery at Misty is unlike most other ski hills. Large trees and the Athabasca River make for a beautiful setting.”
There have also been some ideas in the works about adding a tube run. Reschke said it is still unclear on when that will be completed, but he thinks the new activity will be a great feature for parents with young children.
“The support of the local community is what keeps us going and striving to improve our facility,” said Reschke. “I myself am already looking forward to next season.”
At Barrhead County Council’s March 26 meeting, a glowing report was delivered on Misty Ridge.
Coun. Dennis Nanninga said the ski hil had been enjoying a bumper season.
Earlier this year, the County council agreed to give Misty Ridge Ski Club up to $30,000 for the 2012-13 season after hearing of its financial challenges.
Councillors agreed to review funding after a year before deciding whether to continue it. They also recommended Misty Ridge directors take part in training to restructure their club, develop clear roles and responsibilities, set priorities and organize their accounts.
In addition, the council decided to extend the repayment date of a $10,000 loan to the club to Aug. 31, 2013 and deny to a request that the County take over the position of treasurer.
Coun. Nanninga said the fortunes of the ski hill were on the up: meetings were being well run and there were exciting ventures planned, such as a tube run.
Misty Ridge which was founded in 1971 is run by volunteer and hired staff.
