Skiers and snowboarder rejoice as the Summit Lake Ski Hill is once again open for the season.
This year marks the hill’s 55th year in operation.
Due to weather, the ski hill had a later opening than originally planned.
“We didn’t have enough snow. We packed it with the groomer several times, because if you don’t have the snow packed, it will just fly off,” said Dan Paul, a member of the ski hill’s board of directors.
Paul said this isn’t the first time the ski hill has had issues because of snow.
“We’ve had some late openings, this is one of the later ones, and we’ve had to shut down early because of the lack of snow.”
There was fresh powder on Saturday, Jan. 2, which brought out many people. Along with line ups for the lift, the lodge was packed, and there is a variety of things to do, from skiing and snowboarding, to tubing, snow shoeing, and much more. Lessons are available as well.
One thing people appreciate about Summit Lake is the fact that it’s affordable.
“We had people that live in Kaslo, and they were actually coming here, because they didn’t want to go to Whitewater, because it was very expensive,” said Elizabeth Wolfer, the manager of the ski hill. “They were constantly monitoring their children. Everybody looks out for each other here.”
Along with some older parts of the lodge, which were built in the mid 1960s, there are new parts as well.
There is a rental room which offers everything from skis and snowboards to boots and helmets.
There is also a full first aid area downstairs occupying two rooms. One room is for minor injuries, the other, which has two beds, is for more serious injuries. The rooms are divided by a curtain, which offers a bit of privacy.
Skiers and snow boarders both new and experienced always seem to have a great time on the hill.
“For beginners, it’s the best place you can find, I think. Affordable prices, knowledgeable people, the slopes themselves are excellent for beginners,” said Aviad Bar, who came from Winlow to enjoy the slopes. “I like it here.”
While many came to ski, others came simply to supervise.
“My daughter Petula, and my son Moss came here because they wanted to ski and snowboard, and I get to wait at the bottom with Sapphire,” said Julie Perry.
Perry has been skiing at Summit Lake for about 20 years. Like Bar, Perry also had a bit of a drive to get here, but it’s worth it.
“It’s nice and close, because we live in Silverton, and it’s a very friendly hill. The snow is usually pretty good, and it’s small, so I can keep track of the kids. They can ski on their own, which is nice.”