Laurentian Ski Hill in North Bay is making it easier for beginners to move onto more challenging stages at the ski hill.
Thanks to a grant of $145,000 from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, LHS can extend the length of the beginners’ run from its current 200 metres to the full length of the hill which is about 320 metres.
General Manager Cam Graham says the beginners’ hill is so short that it’s difficult for beginners to develop their skills so that they’re ready for the main part of the hill.
“So now you’ll be able to take a much larger run, work on your snowboarding and skiing skills all the way down the hill,” Graham said.
“You should be able to make an easier transition to the intermediate stages or advanced stages.”
Graham says work on the extension will begin as soon as the hill is clear of snow, which may still be several weeks away given the amount of snow the city has received this year.
Once work begins, Graham says the beginners’ hill will have a gentler slope, make its way through the bush and right to the bottom.
“We think this will make a big difference for our new skiers, our less aggressive skiers, our kids and school programs and our NADY program,” Graham said.
Although the grant is a sizeable one at $145,000, Graham says it still leaves the organization about $25,000 short of completing all the work.
However, that’s where the community comes in.
Laurentian Ski Hill is attempting to raise the remaining $25,000 through donations and is about a third of the way there with contributions so far totalling $7,500.
The latest donation came during the ski hill extension announcement in the form of a $2,500 cheque from Donald M. Seguin Commercial Contracting in North Bay.