Skiers and snowboarders enjoying the slopes at Hidden Valley this season

Fresh powder and crisp winter air are what skiers and snowboarders are experiencing at Hidden Valley this week.

But that’s not stopping outdoor enthusiasts from hitting the slopes.

Owen Trickett is a ski instructor at Hidden Valley. Originally from the UK, he has worked at the hill for the last two seasons.

“The thrill, the thrill. There’s nothing better than two skis on the bottom of your feet hurtling down a hill. You have great scenery, great people, it’s a fantastic sport,” Trickett said.

“It’s amazing to be able to work in a job where you’re educating people on something that’s so fun,” he added, “It’s such an invigorating sport, and it’s so amazing to have new beginners who are so happy once they’re able to ski.”

COVID-19 has added some additional public health measures for ski hills this year, which include mask-wearing, physical distancing, and online ticket pre-sales.

Those tickets have been a hot item. Right now, the weekends are booking up within hours of going on sale according to the head of visitor services with Cypress Hills Provincial Park, Mike Ractliffe.

“And we’re limited to 500 people per day just to make sure that the visitor experience is good, lift lines don’t get too crowded and there’s plenty of space for people around the main lodge and lift lines.”

He says there are also changes in the chalet, where the cafe makes a third of the hill’s revenue.

Seating inside has been restricted at this time, but you can still order take-out.

“People are bringing their own lunch and having their own barbecues in the parking lot,” Ractliffe added.

But with 500 people coming each day on the weekends, he says it’s one of those years where revenue will balance out in the end.

As for hill conditions, they’ve been fantastic with great weather and an early snowfall at the start of the season.

“This week is looking a little bit colder which is nice, we’ll be making some more snow,” Ractliffe said. “But the runs themselves have been holding up great, everything is open.”

Skiers and boarders have been grateful they’ve been able to enjoy the slopes this winter.

Chat News spoke with skiers on the hill, “It’s such a treat,” one said. “You know it’s been a pretty depressing couple months or almost a year now and it’s getting tough so it’s nice to be able to do this.”

“Good way to get out and be social, not be so alone and stuck at home kind of deal, get to go hang out with the buddy and have a fun time,” another skier shared.

With other recreation activities restricted at this time, Ractliffe says based on rentals, they’re also seeing more people trying out skiing again.

“Outdoor recreation is kind of the silver lining of this grey cloud that’s over us right now, but being able to provide this facility and have people outside is a bonus.”

by Chantal Wagner

Skiers and snowboarders enjoying the slopes at Hidden Valley this season

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