THUNDER BAY — The biggest snowfall of the season has resurrected cross-country skiing in the Thunder Bay area.
Three weeks ago, the Kamview Nordic Centre and the Lappe Ski Centre both closed down.
But Kamview manager Dave Suttie said Wednesday he's not surprised to see the dramatic change in conditions that happened this week.
"If I was a betting man when this happened two weeks ago, I would have bet money that we'd be skiing again. And Mother Nature certainly didn't let us down."
Suttie described the trails as being in "like mid-winter condition" now.
"I've actually been able to get our big machine going, and have groomed some trails here. We've probably got about 15 kilometres of trails that are quite good . . . For sure, we'll get through this weekend, and I'll just keep grooming until I can't groom anymore and there's no snow left."
According to the Environment Canada forecast, daytime temperatures will climb above zero for an extended period starting Friday.
Suttie said it's tough to predict how long the cross-country season might last as the weather warms, but it's important that it stays cool overnight.
He noted that he groomed until April 26 last year, and the latest date for grooming in recent years was May 5.
"From looking at the weather, we should probably get through the weekend for sure, and probably into next week," he predicted.
According to a recorded message at the Lappe Ski Centre, grooming is also underway there, and "conditions are excellent," but there are no lights for night-time skiing because of a downed line.
