Ski season ‘getting very close’
Early-bird passes available for downhill and cross-country
The Mark Arendz Provincial Ski Park in Brookvale is planning an earlier than usual opening, but a warm forecast for the weekend will determine just how early.
“The hill is getting very close,” said spokesperson for provincial parks, Andrew Sprague. “We’re going to have a look Monday and Tuesday of next week to see where we stand and try to firm up an opening date.”
Snow makers are running fulltilt at the downhill site to add to the early blanket of the white stuff that has already accumulated. Heavy snowfall in November has allowed groomers to pack down some of the fat-bike and cross-country ski trails at the Nordic site too. Anyone with their own gear is free to use the groomed trails.
Sprague said they will decide when to open the Nordic site next week as well.
The rental shop and lodge are not open yet at either site. Early snow makes for a long season, or so hopes office and rental shop supervisor Erin Curley.
“With the season that looks like it’s going to be earlier than some years, it’s a great opportunity for people to buy, they really get a great value out of the pass,” she said.
Curley has worked at the park for nearly 20 years. Her father worked on the hill for 40.
This season will be the first for the new name as well. The two ski park facilities were re-named in honour of skier and biathlete Mark Arendz. “We’re pretty proud the fact that an athlete of Mark’s calibre got his start at our resort,” said Curley.
All cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals will be at the Nordic site this season, said Curley.
As always, downhill rentals are available at the Alpine lodge.
Season passes are available for Alpine, Nordic, Fat Bikes, and Snowshoe at reduced rates until Dec. 24. Early-bird season passes are for sale at Source for Sports in Summerside, Outer Limit Sports and Sporting Intentions in Charlottetown, as well as at the alpine lodge at the Mark Arendz Provincial Park in Brookvale.
The office is open for pre-season hours Monday – Thursday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m.to 7 p.m.