'It's going to be a fun season': Marble Mountain opening slopes Friday
Break out your skis and snowboards: Marble Mountain's general manager says the ski hill is gearing up to open on Friday.
Chris Beckett said crews have been working around the clock to get ready for opening day.
"We've been working 24 hours since we started making snow, which was about a week and a half ago," said Beckett.
"I was up on the mountain yesterday, and the natural snow that we're getting is blending in nicely with all the man-made snow."
Beckett is expecting to see a good turnout on the hill Friday, with kids from neighbouring schools off for a PD day.
Seven runs will be ready to use on opening day and Beckett said that there's been a lot of interest in the hill in the months leading up to the opening date.
"There's a lot of excitement for the mountain to be open and the new lift to be open, and I think it's going to be a fun season."
The hill originally hoped to open by Boxing Day, but a lack of snow caused delays. Instead, Marble Mountain brought in snow-making machines to gets the slopes ready.
Low dollar might fuel more visitors
While Marble Mountain has always had a portion of out-of-province visitors, Beckett said the low Canadian dollar may end up drawing new converts to the region.
Beckett said he's heard from skiers in Ontario and Nova Scotia who usually travel to the United States for ski weekends, but who are now considering Marble Mountain instead.
"They're changing their plans, generally they have been going to the United States and because of the high dollar they're looking for new places to go in Canada," he said.
"So they've got marble mountain on their list for consideration."
On opening day, Beckett said he's looking forward to seeing the hard work over the past few months put to good use when visitors take to the hill for the first time this year.
"Seeing smiles on faces, seeing people having a good time, that's what really gets me excited."