The mountain coaster is set to make its debut at Ski Martock this December. But it’s not a seasonal ride, the aim is to expand their activities year-round. “It’s over a kilometer long of a ride going through banks, a handful of tunnels, multiple tight banks, a couple zig zags and swooshes,” says Martin Kejval, Cape Smokey and Ski Martock CEO and owner. The team at this ski hill started planning the mountain coaster in November. The project’s price tag is around $3.5 million, and its opening date is Dec. 21. “We were open only four months out of the season and how can we elongate the season and turn it into something like a green Disneyland and how can people enjoy nature all seasons of the year,” adds Kejval. It’s a ride intended for the whole family. “This is the first of its kind in Atlantic Canada. Other models exist in Ontario, and I think a handful in Quebec, but nothing in Atlantic Canada. So, it was a little bit of figuring out what playing field we were on, but everyone was super helpful and we brought it across the finish line,” says Kejval. Construction started four weeks ago, and it’s been a big team undertaking. “We have to basically build between the trees, the construction and everything. It’s quite significant in general and it’s quite a huge project to do in one summer to get it all organized and prepared in that time frame,” says Barbora Kejevalova, Cape Smokey and Ski Martock marketing coordinator. The eventual plan for the team at Ski Martock is to become operational year round, turning the ski hill into a multi-use mountain. “We added mountain biking as well, or we are kind of working on that, it was once present here at Martock and we are kind of doing it once again but trying to upgrade it and bring people over,” adds Kejevalova. Their first mountain biking event kicks off this weekend. The trail is still in the building process led by Devin White with Dirt Love Design. Riders can expect sink holes, hills and forest terrain. “We are looking to expand to kind of, all year-round operations, being open in the summer as well as in the winter. Expanding year after year, you know and adding new features and we are always listening to what people are suggesting and what they want to see at Martock,” says Kejevalova. As for the coaster, it’s on track to make its debut this winter and owner Kejval says he hopes it brings out people’s inner child. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
