Watch the video above: Warmer temperatures has skiers and snowboarders out at Table Mountain
NORTH BATTLEFORD, Sask. – The cold deters business but things are looking up for Table Mountain Regional Park with temperatures shifting closer to the positive side.
Avid skiers and snowboarders on the Saskatchewan ski hill say the ideal temperature to hit the slopes is around minus 10, but that hasn’t happened much this season.
But they are out taking advantage of recent temperatures.
“It’s actually working out nice, we have some nice days because every other time when we decide to go it’s been minus 50, minus 30 not really do able, not really enjoyable because your mainly focused on the weather the whole time,” said snowboarder Josh Stellick.
The final month of 2013 was close to six degrees colder than normal and Table Mountain felt the impact.
“It’s definitely hurt us, the numbers are down substantially,” said Dave Cashmore, Table Mountain Regional Park outside operations manager.
In December 2012, Table Mountain sold around 9,000 lift tickets, compared to 5,500 last month.
Besides attendance, the frigid cold can also do a number on the runs.
“The minus 50, it will harden the snow but we’ve got two big snow cats to go out every night and keep it all nice and loose so the snow’s always in top shape,” said Cashmore.
Hill operators are forecasting change.
“Typically our Christmas is a busy season and hopefully with these warm weekends coming up we are going to make up for some lost time,” said Cashmore.
With above seasonal temperatures expected for at least the next week, Cashmore’s wish could help turn an average year into a peak season.
Table Mountain Regional Park is open until the end of March.
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