Carolyn Grant
Skis are tuned, passes purchased and all eyes turn to North Star Mountain for opening day this Friday, December 14, 2012.
It's opening weekend at Kimberley Alpine Resort, one of the most anticipated weekends of the year.
Although milder temperatures and rain plagued the end of November and early December, the Resort weathered it pretty well, says Area Manager Ted Funston.
"We've received approximately 175 cm of snowfall at the top of the mountain, which is over five feet, and the recent cold temperatures have made for good snowmaking this week, so the skiing should be great."
Resorts of the Rockies Vice President of Sales and Marketing Matt Mosteller says that last year was a record one for snowfall at KAR, and is already over a foot ahead in total snowfall in the alpine over last winter.
"With this incredible snow and perfect winter temperatures, this Friday makes the epic launch of another skiing and snowboarding tradition at Kimberley Alpine Resort."
Locals have been hiking the hill in recent days to get a few runs in and the general consensus has been, "Awesome."
"We are planning to have the Northstar Quad Chair, Easter Chair, Tamarack Chair, and Magic Carpet open, in addition to the base area facilities," Funston said. "Guest services will be open late to 7 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday this week to allow people to get their season passes ahead of time."
One big event locals won't want to miss is free skiing and riding on Sunday, December 16, 2012.
As a way of saying thank you to locals, residents of Canal Flats, Skookumchuck, Meadowbrook, TaTa Creek, Kimberley, Marysville, Wasa, Wycliffe, Moyie, and Cranbrook will ski for free. To receive a free lift ticket, residents will need to show proof of residency such as: Drivers license or photo ID accompanied with utilities bill that shows proof of current address.
Also planned for Community Day is a charity barbecue for the SPCA. Burgers will be available for $2 and all money will go to the SPCA. Local residents can go to Guest Services and receive a voucher that will entitle them to a hamburger for only $2.
The Winter Sports School invites beginner Skiers or Snowboarders to a complimentary lesson. There will be a total of 20 Ski and 20 Snowboard spots available, with lessons taking place from 10:30am - 12:30pm and 1:30pm - 3:30pm. Space is limited and guests must pre-register at Guest Services.
Lessons will include a voucher for free equipment rentals at the Rental Shop. Please note that these lessons are for new skiers and snowboarders only.