Crowds flock to ski hill in Nova Scotia as season finally opens
The opening day of ski season in Nova Scotia was met with scores of enthusiasts excited to hit the slopes.
Skiers from across Nova Scotia came out in droves to Ski Wentworth on opening day, which was long-delayed due to mild weather.
"Typically, we like to get open before Christmas," says Ski Wentworth general manager Leslie Wilson. "But this year it was just such a mild December and January, we've been making snow whenever we possibly can, we like to have -5°C (temperatures) at a minimum to make some good quality snow."
SEE ALSO: Ski season in the age of COVID: Canada makes adjustments
Skier Andrew Crystal tells The Weather Network that typically he'd take his family to Quebec, but "we're staying home because we don't want to isolate."
Ski season finally underway in Nova Scotia after a long delay because of mild weather. Photo: Nate Coleman.
Wilson says there's a lot of pent up demand.
"People have limited options for their outdoor recreation right now and they're not traveling. They're not going down south, they're not going on ski trips to Maine and Quebec, so they're looking for something to do, so we had a great opening day."
With schools still closed across the province, the timing couldn't have been better.
Skier Cindy Cameron says "we're just really excited about this last snowstorm."
"We got lots of snow and they were able to get a few trails open, and so now, we're here with the kids and getting them out of the house and active before this last week before we're going back to school," added Cameron.
If you're heading to the hills, you'll still need to bring your mask.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on skiers. Photo: Nate Coleman.
"The biggest changes are sort of in the indoor facilities. Of course you have to wear a mask, but also outside, you need to wear a mask when you're on property -- in the lift lineup, on the chair, and we won't be asking anyone to load the chairlift with someone they don't know," says Wilson.
Thumbnail courtesy of Nate Coleman.
