THUNDER BAY – Skiers and snowboarders got an unusually early start to the season when Mount Baldy Ski Resort opened its first run in time for Halloween Saturday.
The hill was bustling Sunday, with residents happy to make up for lost time after last year’s season was cut short in March.
Co-owner Dan Kardas, a lifelong skier, said it’s the earliest start to the local season that he can recall.
“I think a lot of people just wanted to say, ‘I skied in October!’” he said. “I’m pretty sure this is a record for us at Mount Baldy, never mind Thunder Bay.”
The resort’s snow guns had fared well even in sometimes relatively warm weather, he said, with a second run nearly ready to open.
A forecast that includes temperatures in the double digits later this week wouldn’t slow progress too much, he anticipated.
“I’m not too worried about it on the mountain here with the wind,” he said. “We have a really good base, around three to four feet right now.”
Those on the slopes Sunday called it welcome opportunity for outdoor activity and safe socializing, as COVID-19 restrictions prevent many other usual activities.
“Especially for some people that haven’t been able to get out of the house, it’s definitely nice to be able to ski and get to see your friends,” said Clark Venn, who was hitting the terrain park with friends.
The trio agreed the experience was barely affected by COVID-19 precautions in place, which include mandatory masking inside the chalet and when lining up for the park’s grip tow (chairlifts at the hill will not yet be operational this year).
Erin Moir, skiing with daughter Norah, agreed, saying it was a small adjustment – and a small price to pay for a shot at winter recreation.
“We’ll just have to get used to it, right? Because we want to be doing this.”
Kardas said the current goal is to open for weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. As conditions allow for an expansion to full hours, updates can be found at the hill’s website or on social media.
