Skiers and snowboarders are seen hitting the slopes in this file photo from 2016 at Hidden Valley Ski Resort. This year's unseasonably warm weather has delayed the resort's opening. Crews hope to have enough snow made to open the ski hill today.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
bmiller@medicinehatnews.com
The unseasonably warm weather in southeastern Alberta has left skiers wishing for snowfall.
Crews at Hidden Valley Ski Resort have been performing ‘snow dances’ since November and are hopeful to have the slopes in skiing condition this week.
And crews say they are hopeful the upcoming forecast will give them a longer window of time to fire to keep their fan guns going and make enough snow to improve conditions on the slopes.
With a little help from Mother Nature, crews are aiming to open the hill with marginal conditions today.
“Since November we have seen mild weather, which has made it hard for our snowmaking crews. To date, we have laid down approximately half of the snow base that we need to open the ski hill,” a Forestry and Parts spokesperson told the News.
“Current forecast looks favourable for snowmaking. Barring any unforeseen warm weather, the ski hill could open with early season conditions by the end of next week and the weather is forecast to be marginal at best.”
Hidden Valley typically uses 7 million gallons of water to make snow for the resort each season.
According to Alberta Parks website, 95 per cent of the resort is covered by human-made snow.
Once the resort is open it will be in operation from Wednesday to Sunday with lifts opening at 9 a.m.
The day lodge is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and no liquor service will be provided this season.
Lift tickets are available online or at the ticket window while season memberships are available online only.
