Canyon Ski Resort is bumping up fun levels a few notches with some new features.
Resort co-owner and general manager David Martel said on Friday they were busy putting the finishing touches on a terrain park that will triple, if not quadruple, the size of its predecessor.
A magnet for the younger crowd, terrain parks feature jumps, rails, boxes and other skill-testing obstacles for skiers and snowboarders.
“It’s just improved all round with how the layout works with regards to the flow of the jumps and the rails,” he said.
The 12-to-17-year-olds who tend to gravitate towards terrain parks rank as some of the ski resort’s best customers.
“We’re always trying to build and we want to make them happy as much as we can.”
The terrain park has been designed to include some entry level features so newcomers tackling rails or jumps can get a taste for it before upping the adrenaline factor.
The new features have been overseen by Wade Koiz, a world-class designer based out of Calgary.
It was expected that the first phase would be completed for Friday night action with the rest ready for the public today.
The new terrain park is on the north side of the T-bar. A new handle tow and beginner area has been put in where the old terrain park sat.
Another new feature guaranteed to give visitors a rush is a tube feature that will be located where the old handle tow was. That has now been converted to a tube tow to pull tubers to the top of the hill, where a chute will take riders to the bottom.
“It’s almost like a water slide on snow,” he said. An operator will be posted at top to direct traffic and keep it safe. Each specially-designed snow tube seats one, but groups can go down together.
It is expected to be ready for the new year. The cost will be $20 for a two-hour ticket or $30 all day. Season pass holders pay $15. A $60 four-person family rate is available with $10 per extra person. The price includes helmets.
Martel said the season is off to a great start this year.
“The conditions on the hill are fantastic. With all this cold weather, we were able to get a huge head start on our snow making.
“We’ll be able to have 100 per cent of our hill open this Christmas, including the double chair.”
Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily over the holidays, from Dec. 22 to Jan. 6 except for Christmas Day, when it is closed. On New Year’s Day, hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information, go to www.canyonski.ca
pcowley@www.reddeeradvocate.com