After more than two months, Laurentian Ski Hill will welcome guests back this week.
“It’s been a long winter and we’re thrilled that at least our season pass holders and day pass guests will get an opportunity to get out and enjoy the hill,” said Mike King, general manager of the hill.
The North Bay ski hill has been closed since January as part of local lockdown restrictions. The hill was able to open for a couple of days before Christmas, being forced to close when the initial provincial shutdown began on December 26.
Laurentian has released a schedule for the next two weeks of operation, with the only posted closures slated for March 15 and 16.
A week into March, King and his staff know it’s going to be a battle against the elements to determine how long of a ski season there will be.
“Mother Nature can be a fickle one,” King noted. “We’re watching the weather very closely and may make some adjustments to those hours of operations.”
With North Bay being in the red-control zone of the province’s reopening framework, guests will not be permitted inside Laurentian’s chalet except for washrooms and first aid.
Face masks must also be worn while inside the chalet, in line for the chair lift and while riding the lift.
The hill will be open to season pass holders on Tuesday, then open to everyone in the days following.
King says the snow on the hill is “excellent” thanks to consistent grooming over the closure, making for favourable conditions.
“I imagine it’s going to be very busy this coming weekend,” King said.