'It's awesome': Local ski hills open for season despite lack of snow in Edmonton
The winter sport season got underway in Edmonton Saturday, despite a lack of snow on city streets.
Ski clubs worked around the clock to get ready for skiers and snowboarders on opening weekend.
"We opened at 9 a.m. The phone started ringing at 8," said Zoe Sloan, from the Edmonton Ski Club. "It's been numerous calls and emails and people stopping in with questions."
While there were lots of smiles on the hill Saturday, the above average temperatures and a lack of snowfall meant staff – and snow machines – have been working overtime to get the hill ready.
"Minus 4 and below is where we typically make snow," Sloan said. "We did have a cold snap in October where we made a whole bunch, so we just left it in a pile and it self-insulated so we didn't lose a whole lot of product."
While there's still lots of snow to blow, what was there was more than enough for folks eager to get back on the slopes.
"It's awesome," said skier Joshua Crosby. "All the runs aren't open, but who cares? You're out here, you're having fun. It's awesome and well appreciated."
At Snow Valley Ski Club, around 9 million gallons of water was turned into enough snow to open around 70 per cent of the runs and get lessons started up. Snow making will continue at night to finish up what's left.
"Everyone is just in a great mood because we're open. It's just the best time ever," said Tim Dea of Snow Valley Ski Club.
Rabbit Hill Snow Resort also opened Saturday, while the Sunridge Ski Area opens Sunday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING 122 active wildfires burning across Canada, 32 considered 'out of control'
The 2024 wildfire season has begun, and it's shaping up to follow last year's unprecedented destruction in kind, with thousands of square kilometres already consumed.
B.C. parents sentenced to 15 years for death of 6-year-old boy
A British Columbia Supreme Court judge has sentenced the mother and stepfather of a six-year-old boy who died from blunt-force trauma in 2018 to 15 years in prison.
Veteran TSN sportscaster Darren Dutchyshen has died
Veteran TSN broadcaster Darren 'Dutch' Dutchyshen, one of Canada’s best-known sports journalists, has died. He was 57. His family says 'he passed as he was surrounded by his closest loved ones.'
Miller scores late as Canucks grind out 3-2 win over Oilers in Game 5
J.T. Miller scored in the final minute of the game and the Vancouver Canucks came back for a 3-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 5 of their second-round playoff series Thursday.
Think twice before sharing 'heartbreaking' social media posts, RCMP warn
Mounties in B.C. are urging people to think twice before sharing "heartbreaking posts" on social media.
Police issue Canada-wide warrant for Regina homicide suspect
Police have issued a Canada-wide warrant for a man wanted in a homicide which occurred in Regina on May 12.
Trudeau calls New Brunswick's Conservative government a 'disgrace' on women's rights
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau assailed New Brunswick's premier and other conservative leaders on Thursday, calling out the provincial government's position on abortion, LGBTQ youth and climate change.
Kevin Spacey receives star support as he fights to get his career back
Kevin Spacey is pushing back on the 'rush to judgment' against him and is being backed by some big names as he seeks to reclaim his acting career.
Speaker cuts ties with Sask. Party, alleges he faced threats, harassment from gov't MLAs
The Speaker of the Saskatchewan Legislature Randy Weekes has severed ties with the Sask. Party after accusing some members of harassment and intimidation tactics, including a situation he claimed saw the Government House Leader bring a hunting rifle to the legislative building.