On a beautiful sunny day yesterday, the weather data confirmed a solid settled base of 80cm with 11cm of new snow. Everyone is getting ready in their own way! Laces and buckles are checked and the smell of wax is in the air. Lets see how staff are preparing for our Dec 10th opening.

Nordic:
Equipment is ready on the racks, instructors are helping sign the trails, and the ice rink is clear of snow and waiting to freeze just right for the first hockey game of the year.

Ski Patrol:
Signs and pads, ropes and bamboo, weather data and safety review, maps and snowmobiles, shovels, beacons and probes, band aids and splints, helmets and more. Patrol is busy making sure everyone has a fun, safe first day on the mountain.

Rental Shop:
Every boot is being counted, every board and ski is cataloged, every helmet and pole being hung ready for the 10th. Need some gear? Want to try something new? Have a first time friend? Rent before you buy!

Day Lodge:
The ski hill wont smell the same until the first burger starts cooking on the grill at the Day Lodge. How many french fries does it take to feed a ski hill? Our cooks will tell you the answer soon!

It sounds like everyone is busy and excited to open soon!

Some more on the park:
The sun brought out the wildlife, and a lynx was spotted on the nordic trails by one of our instructors where North Gibson joins the Lighting Lake Loop. Ravens are warming themselves and talking to each other, grouse are puffed up with down and perched on the snowbanks, and snowshoe hare tracks are everywhere.

People snowshoe tracks are everywhere as well, as the hardy trail breakers have already set the first tracks up Blackwall Road to the Cascade lookout, Windy Joe, and a number of other popular routes. Snowshoes are available at Manning Park Lodge or the Nordic Centre once it opens.

Drive safe and have fun! We'll see you soon!