Algoma District ski attraction opens early this season
Despite temperatures above freezing, alpine enthusiasts in the Algoma District were able to hit the slopes today.
Searchmont Resort celebrated its earliest opening day on record, and excitement was high said manager Barb Greensted.
"We had some already here at 7:30... we didn't open until 9:30."
Greensted credits her staff and their nearly 100 snow-making machines for the early start to the season, with less credit to Mother Nature.
“Most of the snow you see here on the hill is man-made snow,” he said.
“So our snow making crews have been working pretty hard over the last couple weeks. We have increased the snow making capacity substantially over the last few years."
One skier CTV News spoke with is a regular on the hill, and said he was thrilled to be able to enjoy his favourite winter sport this early.
“It’s amazing being out here in November. It’s the first time in all my years that I’ve skied this early and the run is a lot better than I thought it would be,” he added.
A pair of snowboarders even made the trip from Sudbury when they heard that Searchmont would be open Thursday.
"We just hit the road and drove the 4 hours," they said.
The pair were also impressed at the quality of the runs despite temperatures hitting 7ºC.
“They're great. You’re able to grip, complete turns, and have some fun. No ice. No ice at all. Not sticky not wet. Well, well groomed.”
Greensted said they're hoping the early start means that Americans will also take advantage of the Thanksgiving holiday to head north of the border to take to the slopes.
Something she said is necessary after some hard years caused by the pandemic.
The heavy use of man-made snow could prove another benefit, as it won't melt as quickly when the temperature goes above freezing.
"It creates a great base for us. So we’re also hoping to have the longest season ever.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
CRA no longer requiring 'bare trust' reporting in 2023 tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency announced Thursday it will not require 'bare trust' reporting from Canadians that it introduced for the 2024 tax season, just four days before the April 2 deadline.
Full parole granted to man convicted in notorious 'McDonald's murders' in Cape Breton
The Parole Board of Canada has granted full parole to one of three men convicted in the brutal murders of three McDonald's restaurant workers in Cape Breton more than 30 years ago.
Incident on Calgary's Reconciliation Bridge comes to safe resolution
Nearly 20 hours after a man climbed and remained perched on top of the Reconciliation Bridge in downtown Calgary, the situation came to a peaceful resolution.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.