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Tube run opens at Little Smoky Ski Hill
Emily Plihal
for South Peace News
The Smoky River Ski Hill is continually adding to its current list of athletic opportunities to make skiers enjoy their time at the hill each year.
This year is no different with the addition of a tube run that has been long anticipated by avid skiers in the region.
Ski hill manager Clem Bourgeois explains the tube run was officially opened Jan. 31. Skiers of various ages and ability have enjoyed their time on the tube run.
“There were 75 kids on the first day the tube run was opened who used the run,” says Bourgeois. “It has technically been only operational for two days (as of press time).”
Construction began on the project in October 2009. From that time, it took until the end of January to complete.
“The total cost of the project was $150,000,” says Bourgeois. “We received a provincial grant of $75,000 to help fund the project.”
Bourgeois also says the M.D. of Greenview kindly donated $25,000.
“We are still in the process of requesting donations from other municipalities to help fund the tube run.”
The tube run consists of four runs, each that were developed for a different tubing experience. Depending on the slope created on the run, you can choose from a slow run to the fastest. Each of the four runs are created to provide a unique tubing experience.
“Once you're on the bottom you can hook up your tube to the lift,” says Bourgeois. “Once you hook to the lift it will bring you back to the top and you can choose a different run to take back down.”
Last Friday, the ski hill sold an astounding 137 tickets to patrons of the ski hill. Cost for a full day pass on the tube run is $20 for an adult, and $15 for a youth. Half day passes can also be purchased for $15 per adult or $10 per youth.
If individuals skiing would like to add the all-access pass to their skiing experience, they can also use the run for an additional $5.
The ski hill is located on Highway 49 south of the Little Smoky River on the west side of the road.
The skiing experience also includes multiple different ski runs to enjoy. The runs are all strategically created to allow experienced and new skiers to enjoy their day on the hill.
The chalet also has a large selection of rental equipment for all sizes including: skis, snowboards, snowblades, ski or snowboard boots and helmets. The hill offers a wide variety of rental equipment with over 400 boots, 170 skis, 200 helmets, 60 snowboards and seven snowblades.
If your personal equipment is in need of repairs or tuning, the ski hill also offers that service.
Certified instructors are also available to offer professional ski and snowboard lessons for all levels of skiers.
The new chalet, which was opened last ski season, provides a place to relax while enjoying home-cooked meals at reasonable rates.
Highspeed Internet access is provided by Serbernet for those who need a break from the slopes. This may be of comfort to all those who do not ski but would like to spend some time with their family at the hill.
Much to the delight of many non-skiers, a skating rink was added to the hill this winter.
“We at the ski hill realize there are some skaters in the family too,” says Bourgeois. “We have added a skating rink, free of charge for those who would like to skate during the day.”
He explains a figure eight skating trail will also be added some time this year to add a different element to the hill. He says it will be constructed to snake through the bush.
Chalet opens
The chalet at the Smoky River Ski Hill was officially last March.
Councillors, reeves, and mayors from Donnelly, Falher, Girouxville, M.D. of Smoky River, M.D. of Greenview, and M.D. of Big Lakes were on hand to help celebrate the grand opening March 1, 2009.
Dunvegan – Central Peace MLA Hector Goudreau also gave a speech and helped to cut the ribbon at the opening.
Bourgeois says the chalet provides a new shelter for skiers and their families.
“The chalet features a larger kitchen with awesome food provided by Louise Bastien,” says Bourgeois. “There is also a larger area for people to rest and relax in between skiing sessions.”
The chalet, which is 3,200 sq. ft., was in the works since 2006.
M.D. of Smoky River CAO Lucien Turcotte told the Express last year that financial contributions had been made from communities around the area.
Rates
Various rates are available for the ski hill. These include:
Full day adult $25, half day adult $20. Full day youth $21, half day $17. Full day senior is free. Five years old and younger is also a free pass. A youth punch pass is available with four lift tickets for $75.
Full rental package for an adult is $20.00, youth $18.00 and child $15.00.
Skis, snowboard or blades rentals cost for an adult $15.00, youth $14.00 and child $10.00.
Boots can be rented for $8.00 for an adult, $8.00 for a youth and $5.00 for a child.
Helmets can be rented for any age at $5 per helmet.
For more information on rates, or to see if the ski hill is open, visit the ski hill website at www.littlesmokyski.com. If you still do not get enough information from the website, you can call the ski hill during listed hours at 780-837-8144.
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Smoky River Ski Hill manager Clem Bourgeois says the tube run has been a welcome addition at the ski hill this year. He adds the run has been enjoyed by several hundred children and youth the last few weeks. Photo supplied by Faye Welch of the Falher Smoky River Express.
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