THUNDER BAY — This may just be Mount Baldy’s busiest March break to date.
Between March 10 and 15, elementary, middle and high school students are off school for March break.
On Thursday, Mount Baldy owner Daniel Kardas said compared to the last few years, this year is amazing.
“The last couple of seasons we really haven't had any snow and this season we finally got some snow. We got amazing weather, sun's out, guns out.
“Everyone's out here having a blast. It's amazing how many families are here this year," Kardas said.
Kardas said it’s nice to see people coming through all day long.
“People just keep rolling in until the evening and everyone’s leaving with a big smile on their face. I's nice in your backyard of Thunder Bay that you can just cruise down the road and come and enjoy this beautiful weather and the beautiful mountains and all the views around Mount Baldy.”
Steve Collins, professional ski jumper, said he started skiing at four years old.
“I think there's a lot of influence with our First Nations to get the kids out on the hill and do some tubing and learn how to ski,” the Fort William First Nation member said.
“Our First Nation, Fort William, has been bringing our community kids out and get them to learn how to ski, so it's been really good.”
Collins said it’s the atmosphere and the hospitality from staff at Mount Baldy that keep everyone coming out.
“With the COVID that we went through . . . a lot of people (went) through a lot of ups and downs with the price of food and getting their kids out. Just getting our kids involved back into the sport and getting the activity again, it's a little bit different.
“When we grew up, we didn't have the computers and the games, so it's more important for parents to get their kids active in any sport. We see it all the time and we try to inspire kids to get back into hockey or skiing,” Collins said.
Nine-year-old Michael said Mount Baldy is really fun.
“I love skiing now. First, I went up the carpet and then I went down the small hill, and then I went up the chair and I went down the gold hill."
Michael said he loves going fast, and he will be back to Mount Baldy.
Xavier, who is 11, spent the day skiing with his mom.
“I've done basically every single (hill),” he said.
Xavier said he’s been skiing for only two months, but he’s a complete natural.
Jackson and Kane, who are both in Grade 9, said they’re having a great time in the nicer weather.
“It’s fun, and you meet lots of people,” Kane said.
“If you see somebody on the hill, they're not skiing with anybody, there's a new friend,” Jackson added.
The duo agreed that it’s a great sport to get you out of the house during the winter.
