The Gibraltar Room in Williams Lake was packed tighter than a can of sardines with excited skiers and swag Saturday when the Timberland Alpine Ski Society and Mt. Timothy Ski Area hosted its annual Ski Swap and Sale.
Mt. Timothy Ski Area administration manager Alisha Piccolo and Mt. Timothy Ski Society president Debbie Dengel both said there was an outstanding turnout resulting in a positive vibe heading into this winter’s ski season.
“We have seen a gradual increase in [seasons pass and voucher] sales at the ski swap yearly but to see this much of an increase was not expected,” Piccolo said, noting sales almost doubled compared to last year. “All in all I feel this was a very successful event.”
TASS director Lisa Young also said things went well with the swap and sale, noting a change in venue for this year’s event could have contributed to its success.
Following the swap and sale MTSS hosted its annual general meeting where a new board of directors was formed.
In total, Dengel said five new directors joined this year’s board including Morgan Day, Michelle Swalwell, Stephen Pellizzari, Noel Thompson and Mark Robinson. Also re-elected to another term were Dengel and Ryan Wonnocott.
She thanked outgoing directors John Stace-Smith, Bruce Johnson, Gernot Zemanek, Matt LeBourdais and Dan Butchart for their significant contributions over the years to the hill and its progression.
“I’m so excited to see such new energy and enthusiasm,” she said. “This is so welcomed. It’s been many years since we’ve had such a well-attended AGM with 42 members and 10 nominations to fill seven director positions.”
The MTSS executive will be named on Nov. 19 during its first meeting of the season.
Topics discussed during the meeting included the opening of the currently unfinished guest services building and an upcoming New Year’s Eve party.
“To get it [the building] open we need about $5,000,” Dengel said, noting the board of directors plans to incorporate new fundraising ideas and initiatives this season. “To completely finish it we need about $30,000.”
Williams Lake resident Sheila Boehm has also formed a committee of directors and ski patrollers to put together the New Year’s Eve gala, dinner, dance and silent auction as a fundraiser for the hill.
“It’s something new for the hill and tickets will be out shortly,” Dengel said.
“That was really positively received and more information will be available soon.
“[This meeting] just shows people are positive and looking forward to a good ski year.”
