Ski season still going strong

Many resorts are holding steady with a solid snow base and spring skiing season going strong.

That home stretch of ski season across Simcoe County is proving to be a pretty solid one.

Gareth Houben, president and general manager of Hardwood Ski & Bike in Oro-Medonte, said the cross-country skiing is still going strong. He said this year has been an excellent year for snow and is close to being record-breaking.

“This has been an exceptional year for cross-country skiing,” said Houben. “This far into March, usually we start closing some trails down but the snow base is substantial still so all of our trails are open.”

While the outdoor recreation centre had to close early last year due to the ice storm, this year has seen 478 centimetres of snow and counting.

If you’re planning to head out, Houben said the best time to ski is in the morning when it’s below zero and the snow is fast still. Once temperatures go above zero, the snow slows down a little bit.

He said 40 kilometres of trails are groomed and open with mid-winter conditions, citing the rec centre is many days away from even shutting down any trails.

Hardwood also doesn’t have a set closing date. Houben said some other places will close once they see traffic diminishing but Hardwood stays open until conditions do otherwise.

“The diehards can come right until the bitter end,” Houben said. “These years don’t come around too often so while we got it, take advantage of it.”

Audrey Rieckenberg, a cross-country skier, was more than happy to be out skiing for the day.

“Last year we were able to ski to the end of March but I don’t remember it being this good last year and even in past years,” she said. “It’s very fast out and the coverage is insane.”

Blue Mountain has wrapped up night skiing for the season but still remains open during the day.

Other downhill ski resorts in the area are fully open including Horseshoe Valley, Mount St. Louis Moonstone and Snow Valley Ski Resort.

Horseshoe announced its last day is April 5.