Hidden Valley Ski Resort is open for the season. Kevin Kyle/CHAT News

By Jesse Gill

RECREATION

‘The best start’: Hidden Valley Ski Resort kicks off winter season

Dec 19, 2024 | 6:03 PM

Hidden Valley Ski Resort near Elkwater opened Thursday morning with a small group of skiers and snowboarders taking advantage of opening day.

While some people were kept away by road conditions coming from Medicine Hat, school and work, there were still many skiing enthusiasts taking to the hill.

The hill is expected to be busier this weekend, said Chris Dodds, visitor experience team lead for Cypress Hills Provincial Park and Hidden Valley Ski Resort.

The ski hill is open over a full week earlier than it was to start 2023, when Dec. 28 was the opening date.

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Last season only main and the beginners hill were open to start the seasons, where this year the majority of the slopes are ready for use already.

“”Honestly, this is the best start we had in a number of years,” Dodds said.

“We got lucky. Weather provided, we had that cold snap there in November, and the snowmaking crew was able to get out, and I think they had one of the longest continuous snowmaking runnings that they’ve been able to do,” he added.

“They emptied the pond, and they created a whole host of man-made snow for us. Combine that with the snow that we got, I mean even the fresh snow from last night, and Hidden Valley’s never looked better this early. Our conditions are fantastic.”

Dodds said that having the hill open before Christmas is always excellent.

Those able to get out to the hill Thursday were happy with the experience.

“Oh yeah, the hill is pretty good right now. We got a lot of snow last night overnight. Yeah it feels good. A lot of fresh Pow,” one skier told CHAT News.

“Yeah it’s pretty good. There is lots of powder out now,” another skier said.

“It’s really nice and sunny out. And there’s not so many people, so it’s really good,” a young skier said.

“I think it was definitely good skipping school to come ski. It’s nice because no other kids are here. So it’s like pretty good trails too. Fresh snow. Nice,” a younger skier mentioned.

A pair of snowboarders go up the lift on opening day at Hidden Valley Ski Resort. Kevin Kyle/CHAT News

Dodds said they will have lots of options for those looking to learn to ski, with lessons for both kids and adults.

He is optimistic for the season at the ski hill.

“We are stoked with this amount of snow that we got and really looking forward to Christmas break and having people come back out and enjoy winter,” Dodds said.

“Last year was a bust. It was bad, let’s be honest. This year, a whole different story.”

With temperatures expected to get on the plus side of zero coming up, Dodd said they have an additive in the snow to help maintain it, and with a good snow base in place, the excellent conditions should hold at Hidden Valley.