Hey skiers and snowboarders looking for something to do today on the Easter Monday school holiday.
Hart Ski Hill is still open, but only for one more day.
Located in the city 3740 Winslow Dr., the lifts will be open tonight until 8 p.m. and then will shut down for the season.
Open since Dec. 10, its earliest-ever opening in 53 years, the downhill resort has been open for a record 112 days, breaking the old mark of 102 set last year.
The two big snowfalls in February that buried Prince George, combined with unseasonably cool spring weather, have provided better-than-normal late season snow conditions. Hart Highland Winter Club spokesperson Marissa Spagrud says they probably could extend the season a few more days but the numbers of users are dropping off.
“Our spring conditions are pretty good,” said Spagrud.
“With all the dumps of snow we got throughout the year we actually have a fair amount of snow on the hill compared to last year but we are now starting to get some slush puddles and we’re getting some dirt patches on the top of the hill.
“We’re closing because we haven’t had too many people coming to the hill. Everyone is moving on to spring activities and with the warm weather and sun they’re just leaving winter behind now.”
Around Prince George, the three closest ski resorts - Purden, Powder King and Murray Ridge – have closed for the season. Ski Smithers at Hudson Bay Mountain will be open on weekends in April, weather permitting.
In Jasper, Marmot Basin plans to remain open daily until May 1.
For cross-country skiers, the trails at Otway Nordic Centre are still well-covered. Rain on Sunday and overnight freezing temperatures left boiler-plate conditions on many of the trails and it’s best to wait until the snowcat has plowed out those ruts or allow for daytime thawing to soften the snow.
Check the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club website for daily grooming reports.
