Mount Dufour ski hill is officially open for the season.
On Dec. 26, the ski hill opened despite drooping temperatures. It was a sunny day and skiers were ready for the season. Out of town Christmas visitors were also on deck to check out the city's local attraction.
Visiting from Gatineau, Que. for the Christmas break, Ivan Lafantaisie said he was looking forward to coming to the hill with his niece and sister.
"I'm an avid ski enthusiast so now that the hill is open, it gives me something to do with my family," he said. "My niece is six so she's starting to understand what skiing is. She watches it with her mother and asked us to take her."
Open for the Christmas break from 9 a.m until 4 p.m, the ski hill offers the following:
- a full service chalet that includes a fully licensed lounge
- ski and snowboard equipment rentals
- lessons given by professional and certified instructors
- seven trails that include three beginner trails, one "more difficult" and three "more difficult"
- 320 foot vertical
- two lifts, one is a quad lift and one is a poma lift
- a terrain park
- 100 per cent snow making capabilities
After experiencing the city's ski hill, Lafantaisie said he cannot wait to come back next year.
"I visit my sister yearly for the Christmas break," he said. "This is my first time on these slopes and I love it. The staff is extremely friendly. The accommodations are great. The weather is perfect, although a bit chilli. The slopes are so well maintained. I can't wait for next year already."
The ski lift is open during the Christmas break from 9 a.m until 4 p.m, as well as during March break, Familiy Day Monday, Saturdays and Sundays, all with the same times. The ski lift will be open on pre-determined Fridays as well.
If you are thinking of learning how to ski, instructors at the hill offer a ski school, where they teach students how to ski and snowboard.
For pricing information on ski and snowboard rentals, as well as day passes and ski school lessons, visit Mount Dufour's website or reach them by phone at 705-848-6655.
