Two longtime Red Deer families officially took over Canyon Ski Area on Tuesday with a pledge to preserve it as Central Alberta’s prime alpine resort.
The Alois Kunc and David Martel families are the new owners and operators of the ski hill. The announcement comes following a two-and-a-half-year roller-coaster ride as to whether the hill would be purchased and if so, for what purpose.
New Canyon Ski Area general manager David Martel said the families are thrilled with their new business.
“It’s like a dream come true,” said Martel on Wednesday. “We’re outdoor enthusiasts ourselves and we’re very excited to keep this local gem alive in Central Alberta for years to come . . . our vision is to maintain it as an alpine resort.”
Martel said they have a number of program ideas in the works and are also committed to existing year-round activities at Canyon, which is located 10 minutes east of Red Deer.
“I know there are people who have never been out to Canyon or have (not) had the opportunity to try skiing or snowboarding,” Martel said. “That’s something we’d like to change.”
Early in 2008, the 240-acre property was put up for sale and was seen by a number of potential buyers, including those who considered redevelopment. Then the City of Red Deer and Red Deer County looked seriously at buying the operation, which had been earlier listed at $3.1 million, so it would stay as a ski hill.
But that deal fell through.
“We finally made a dream come true in January when the city and the county weren’t able to put things together,” Martel said.
“It’s taken time to put things together, but as of June 1, everything did and we’re pleased to be serving the public.”
Martel and his wife partnered with her relatives, the Kunc family, to buy the property at an undisclosed price. They are taking over from Lorraine and Karl Martinek, longtime operators of the ski hill and partial owners. Karl began running the hill in 1968 and Lorraine started helping two years later. They have decided to retire but will stay on as consultants.
It’s uncertain what capacity the Martineks’ children, including daughter and former general manager Sonia Hand will have in the operation.
“We’re maintaining it as a family ski hill once again,” said Martel, who anticipates he’ll be using his journeyman electrician skills for the electric chairlifts. “I don’t think we could have done it without (the Martineks’) support in upcoming seasons.”
Canyon Ski Area is now taking registrations for its summer adventure camps for children aged eight to 14. The week camps include transportation to and from Red Deer, meals and activities like horseback riding. Cost is about $330.
Earlybird passes will go on sale in July for the upcoming 43rd ski and snowboard season. People can also rent out the lodge this summer for weddings, conferences, and the like. For more information, call 403-346-7003.
ltester@www.reddeeradvocate.com