Many Maritimers are bemoaning a tough winter and looking forward to spring, but ski hill operators are celebrating a successful season on the slopes.
Skiers and snowboarders have enjoyed near perfect conditions for the past three months, and hills like Cape Breton’s Ski Ben Eoin are reaping the benefits.
“More snow is good. It gets people out for sure and passes the winter,” says skier Sam Wall.
“You have something to do, something to look forward to, rather than just looking out and looking at all the snow you have to shovel,” says skier Asta Antoft.
Kevin MacInnis, the manager at Ski Ben Eoin, says membership has increased at the hill this year and skiers have been hitting the slopes more often.
“We had hoped to keep even and were ahead a little bit, which is a real positive sign, and we’re finishing off with a real good year, so we’re hoping we can make a move forward again,” says MacInnis.
While membership has risen, operating costs have declined. Thanks to the record amount of snowfall this winter, hill operators have not had to rely on manmade powder.
“Most people are finished snow-making end of February, the same with us, but if it snows earlier, you will be able to make headway financially,” says MacInnis.
Despite the perfect conditions, the hill will close on its scheduled date because it’s not financially viable to stay open longer. With the season coming to a close, some skiers will be sad to see it go.
“With these kinds of conditions, if the weather was going to hold it would wonderful to have it continue on,” says Antoft.
Skiers will hit the slopes at Ski Ben Eoin for the last time this season on Sunday.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Kyle Moore
