INNISFAIL - The Innisfail Ski Club has opened for the season.
Since beginning operations at the Innisfail Ski Hill on Dec. 26, there has been a steady stream of skiers enjoying the snow.
"The conditions have been pretty good with the new snow that came just before Christmas," said Brent Jackson, president of the club. "That's the main key to operation is to keep the snow in decent condition, because there's no made snow, it's all natural."
Volunteers run the club, said Jackson, who works in a variety of areas including in the chalet, as kitchen staff, on the hill maintaining the tow line and grooming the snow.
"This year we have a really good coordinator, Angie Spiller. She's our volunteer coordinator to run the club," he added. "We also do training for our volunteers."
Anyone can buy a membership and become a member of the club but they don't have to be a member to enjoy the ski hill, noted Jackson.
"There's quite a good selection of rentals for people, for skis and boots," said Jackson, noting the chalet where guests can rent equipment. "It's pretty user friendly. If you rent skis, boots and have a tow ticket, it's $18 for the day."
The ski hill is open Wednesday and Saturday evenings from 7 to 9:30 p.m. and from 1 to 5 p.m. on weekends.
Jackson said it has been well used by both members and non-members since opening in late December.
Community organizations such as the Innisfail Kinsmen, Rotary Club of Innisfail and Lions Club of Innisfail have been big supporters of the ski hill, noted Jackson, adding they continue to help make it a great place for families to enjoy every winter.
"The Lions Club is going to sponsor Family Day for us," said Jackson. "Anybody that wants to come, the Lions Club is sponsoring that day for them to ski from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
"The conditions are really good this year so come out and enjoy it."
For more information or for times and weather updates, visit the Innisfail Ski Hill page on Facebook.
Brent Jackson
"The conditions are really good this year so come out and enjoy it."
