Skiers and snowboarders from across Atlantic Canada gathered at Crabbe Mountain this weekend to kick off the season and take part in some friendly competition.
Despite the opening being delayed a week due to weather, more than 90 people braved the cold to celebrate the official start of the season.
Crabbe Mountain events and marketing coordinator Stefanie Bouchard said people from Halifax and Prince Edward Island made the trip to join New Brunswickers at the 11th annual Roast Beef and Rails event.
Bouchard said the beginner hill is now open.
“We’ve had to make a bit of snow, we got a bit of snow last week which was nice, it built a good base for us to pile up on and we always start the year with manmade snow so it’s no different, really,” Bouchard said.
She said there are a couple of new additions this year, including a glade run that’s being debuted.
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“People will have to go out and find it, which will be kind of fun. It’s really rare to get a brand new run on such a well-established hill but it’s out there and we hope that people will go find it once the hill opens,” Bouchard said.
Skier Jordan Condon made the trip with several friends from P.E.I to take part in Sunday’s event.
Bouchard said the change this year is that all park users will need to wear a helmet as part of the new mandatory helmet policy. The change will help protect all skiers and snowboarders from head injuries, such as concussions.
Condon said he always wears a helmet and said it’s important to be safe on the slopes.
“It might be something that’s new to people who are out kinda cruising the hill and used to having the wind in their hair but it’s for everyone’s safety,” Condon said.
Davis Bragdon. 12, was one of the younger skiers competing today, braving the cold to take part.
“My face is pretty frozen, but whatever, it’s worth it,” Bragdon said.
He said he started skiing several years ago when he was two-years-old and said he believes anyone can learn to ski.
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