Mount Joy Snow Resort opened for the season this past Saturday, January 9th.
The kickoff featured specials on day passes and the opening of the lower levels runs, operated with tow-rope-lifts. As there was a fair amount of snowfall the Thursday and Friday prior to opening day, Mount Joy Snow Resort President, Ray Tatro, said the staff has been hard at work to get the north-facing hills up and running. More advanced skiers and snowboarders were also able to enjoy some of the rails that were set up.
Located roughly 20 minutes south of Lloydminster, Mount Joy is a volunteer-operated community ski hill and far more exciting that mere opening weekend, the resort is also celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
“Isn’t it awesome that 50 years ago there was vision and foresight and passion by a group of people in the area to start that facility,” says Tatro.
“…50 years is a long time. We’ve had super cooperation from the community and from our land owners, the Harbins [who] have been super to the resort over the years. 50 years is a heck of an accomplishment and we feel very of the fact that the hill’s been there that long.”
Tatro also said there isn’t an official date set yet for the 50th Anniversary celebration but that it will likely take place towards the end of February. He said the day would honour the people who were elemental in creating the resort, and feature fun and games for youth and their families like tug-of-war, as well as skills competitions from riders, face painting, live music, a barbecue, and rate specials.
For more information about Mount Joy Snow Resort including location, rates, closure dates, and ski school registration visit mountjoy.ca or find them on Facebook.