If the last few weeks are any indication, Mt. Timothy Ski Area is going to have another great ski and board season.
“So far, as a whole, we are up. Season’s passes are up significantly and revenue over the holidays is also up from last year,” said Morgan Day, terrain park and events manager for Mount Timothy.
The runs are also in better condition than last year, even though there is less snow so far, Day said, thanks to a group of volunteers who brushed the majority of the main runs last summer.
“The skiing and riding is really good right now.”
The basement of the day lodge, which houses the washrooms, rentals and lift ticket sales, also received a facelift this year thanks to staffer Oliver Berger who used old wood and recycled tin on the walls and vintage skis throughout to spruce up the area.
“It’s really livened up the downstairs and helped amp up the vibe,” Day said of the work.
Day, who grew up skiing the hill and is entering his 13th year working there, has certainly seen Mt. Timothy evolve over time.
“It has changed immensely over the years and it’s pretty cool to see it grow, and hopefully continue to grow,” Day said, noting he has plans of his own to improve the experience at Mt. Timothy.
“My biggest thing is to try to build the most extensive and progressive terrain park with lots of jumps, rails and boxes.”
Day is also excited about his work publicizing the hill and keeping customers up-to-date with current posts on conditions and live cams.
“Reaching out to skiers and riders on social media. That’s one of my favourite things for sure.”
The hill is currently opened Thursdays to Sundays, 9 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. with a base of 71 centimetres.
Staff regularly offer ski and board lessons, while the Nancy Greene Ski League program for children ages 5-13 teaches and develops the basic downhill skiing skills for 10 progressive Saturday sessions, three and a half hours each, from January to March.
The Timberland Alpine Race Team also operates out of Mt. Timothy for skiers ages 10 to 13 who want to compete in racing.
Upcoming dates to remember at the hill include World Snow Day, Jan. 15, where there will be an alpine ski race for the Nancy Greene Ski Club as well as a snowboard rail competition and displays. Day lift tickets will be offered at a discount to encourage everyone to come and help celebrate World Snow Day.
Mt. Timothy will also celebrate BC Family Day on Monday, Feb. 13, and offer all lift tickets 50 per cent off.
Currently the hill is utilizing the three-person chair lift and the magic carpet on the bunny hill. Day said the T-bar will not be put into use until it undergoes an inspection sometime this year.
