Skiers and snowboarders ride the lift at Mount Baldy. (Richard McGuire file photo)
Mount Baldy Ski Area promises to be a busy place during the March break as conditions remain outstanding despite the warm weather, says mountain manager Matt Koenig.
“Despite the fact we went almost a month without a single drop of snow, the conditions are fantastic,” said Koenig, who has been the mountain manager at Mount Baldy for more than a dozen years and was rehired by the new managers of the facility, located 45 minutes east of Osoyoos.
“We are expecting the good conditions to continue until the season ends. We’re expecting to close things down on March 24, so we still have a couple of exciting weeks ahead of us.”
Back in December, the Calgary-based company, Baldy Capital Corporation, arranged for interim financing and agreed to an interim management agreement with the resort’s receiver, G-Force Group out of Vancouver.
The hill opened in early January after being closed the previous ski season.
The response to the re-opening of Mount Baldy Ski Area has been very solid over the past 10 weeks, said Koenig.
“It has been fun and exciting to be back in business,” said Koenig. “The community support from the people in Osoyoos and Oliver has been really positive and we’re thrilled with the response.”
March Break means hundreds of local school children won’t have to attend classes and he’s hopeful many of them will head up to Mount Baldy with their parents for a day of skiing, snowboarding and fun, said Koenig.
“A lot of people will be heading out on vacation to places like Mexico, but if you’re staying local and looking for something to do over the March Break, we encourage you to come up to Mount Baldy and enjoy a beautiful day with us,” he said.
On Sunday, March 15, the Mount Baldy Alpine Club is hosting a free ski camp for kids interested in joining the ski club programs for the 2015/16 season.
The Mount Baldy Alpine club offers ski training and race programs for kids ages 5 to 14. The goal is to have fun and be active in an exciting ski program that teaches physical and personal skills that will last a lifetime, said Koenig.
Registration will take place at the ticket office.
Mount Baldy will only be open Saturday and Sunday for the last two weekends of the season.
The final weekend promises to be a lot of fun as Mount Baldy will host a Dummy Downhill event on Saturday, March 21.
There will be a “Show and Shine” event starting at 10:30 a.m. and the downhill races will begin at 1 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for “most creative”, “best crash” and “crowd favourite.”
The entry fee is $30.
Registration details are available at the ticket office.
On Sunday, March 22, the Slush Cup will begin at 12:30 pm. Entry fee is $10.
Prizes will be awarded for “best wipeout” and “best costume.”
The Slush Cup features wild and crazy individuals brave enough to ski or ride into a pool of ice cold, slush water, wearing their craziest and most original outfits.
Registration will again take place at the ticket office.
Koenig said Fred Johnston, president of Baldy Capital Corporation, is continuing his negotiations to purchase Mount Baldy and he’s confident there will be a major announcement to complete the process over the next few months.
“He’s moving forward with his plans to become the new owner and I’m very optimistic about the future of Mount Baldy,” he said.
Reduced prices for lift tickets will remain in effect for the final few weeks of the ski season. The prices offered include:
• $29 for an adult day ticket
• 25 per cent discount on the above prices for season pass holders from other ski areas. Simply present your pass at the ticket office.
KEITH LACEY
Osoyoos Times
