Snow crews have been putting in 12-hour shifts on Antoine Mountain, preparing the powder for another ski season.
So explained Sarina Goad, the Social Media and Marketing person for Antoine Mountain. She detailed how the snow making machines have been running for over a week, and all is looking good at the popular ski resort just outside of Mattawa.
Wax those skis, because the hill is set to open on December 27.
Goad said, “We’re very excited for the upcoming season, it’s going to be great.” Indeed, last year’s warmer winter cooled the ski season considerably, so Goad, the crew, and skiers alike are all hoping for a great winter ahead.
See: Mild weather brings an early end to Antoine Mountain’s ski season
Efforts by BayToday to contact the Laurentian Ski Club in North Bay for an update were unsuccessful.
Antoine Mountain eased into the season with a special event at Gateway City Brewery on November 28th. Organizers held a screening of “Warren Miller’s 75,” a documentary about the man who made ski films for decades.
It was a great event, Goad said, adding, “There were about 150 people there, and it was kind of like the kickoff to our ski season. We had the best turnout, and so many positive vibes from everybody who are excited to come out next year. Everyone has their fingers crossed for a great ski season ahead.”
Indeed, Goad has been consulting her trusted Farmer’s Almanac, and so far, it looks like Jack Frost will be on the ski hill’s side.
“Last year was cut short,” Goad said, “I think everyone is a little bit more excited for this year, and we’re seeing more season pass sales this year, which is great.”
The good vibes are strong on the hill, Goad emphasized, and she’s already booked the musicians for all the Saturday afternoon shows. Moreover, this year marks the 10th anniversary of the rebranding of the hill to Antoine Mountain, and Goad is thrilled about that.
“We’re going big this year,” Goad promised, “It’s our tenth anniversary of becoming Antoine Mountain.”
Goad detailed, “It’s been 10 years of a lot of work and all of our guests are seeing it now, and it’s getting busier, but it still feels like home to a lot of our skiers.”
For all the details, and to purchase passes, visit Antoine Mountain’s website, and prepare for the December 27th opening.
David Briggs is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of BayToday, a publication of Village Media. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.