Table Mountain's hills are open for skiers and snowboarders this weekend. (Submitted photo/Table Mountain Regional Park)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

Slopes open

Table Mountain welcomes back skiers, snowboarders

Jan 14, 2022 | 3:00 PM

Residents of the Battlefords region who’ve been waiting to hit the ski slopes will finally have a chance this weekend.

Table Mountain Regional Park, one of Saskatchewan’s most popular spots for skiing, snowboarding and tubing, is open for business, Friday through Sunday, after being delayed to start business in 2022. For Friday, the lifts are operating from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

(Submitted photo/Table Mountain Regional Park)

General Manager Lawrence Blouin said they’re excited to finally welcome patrons back to the ski hill. It’s been a tough start to the season, as temperatures remained above 0 Celsius in the fall, followed by government restrictions affecting gatherings and an unprecedented cold snap.

“We went from too warm to make snow to then become too cold to operate,” Blouin said. “It’s been a quite a struggle, but hopefully we’re past that and people can come out and enjoy themselves,”

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The region is now experiencing temperatures much warmer than the seasonal average, with a high of 0 C on Saturday. However, Blouin said they don’t see issues moving forward. Several of the slopes face little sunlight and their crews have been hard at work.

“There’s a foot and a half of snow on the hill, which can take low plus-temperatures for a few weeks,” he said. “We’re in excellent shape.”

Seasonal temperatures are expected to return by Tuesday.

Events have also been affected by weather, as well as pandemic restrictions. Blouin said some were pushed back, including Sask Cup races while the Winter Games were cancelled. Looking ahead, he’s optimistic but added that there’s not a lot of certainty around when events will take place.

“We have the possibility of one of [the Sask Cup events] in February,” he said. “But what we’ve got booked today doesn’t mean much by February.”

“But we’re optimistic. With snow stars, free style club and Sask Cup all ahead, depends on how we do with COVID-19 in the future.”

A few adjustments are ahead for the ski resort yet, as the tubing park hasn’t been opened at this time, due to cold. Blouin said his staff are hoping to open it by Jan. 22, along with the rest of the train park, an area used for freestyling.

“The snow cats will be going out and getting those features done at the bottom half this week,” he noted. “We’re slowly getting there.”

“Excellent conditions, so come enjoy us while the weather is nice.”

More information on availability at Table Mountain Regional Park is online.

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW