Ski and Snowboard News, Deals, and Events

Ski Smithers, located in northern B.C., cranked up its lifts Nov. 28. The resort, which runs Wednesdays through Sundays throughout the season and every day during holidays, watched a mid-November storm roll in to pelt Hudson Bay Mountain dropping over 15 inches of snow. That got the locals excited.

Crews this summer jumped on projects to improve the ski hill. They cut a trail to ski in to town, pruned back brush and grass on the slopes to be able to open with a smaller snow base, added to their rental line, and repaired the Skyline Chairlift. The resort also surveyed and cut the line for a new lift to be installed next fall.

The resort upgraded both lodges during the off-season. The Panorama Lodge got a facelift with more tables and new steps. Improvements also included the deck, water supply, power, and roof. Crews revamped the potable water supply, repainted the interior, and renovated the washrooms in Skyline Lodge.

Meanwhile, skiers and snowboarders can get two lodging and lift packages, both including appetizers on the mountain. The Hudson Bay Lodge sells a weekend for two that includes two nights lodging and four adult lift tickets for $324. The Aspen Inn Family Suite offers two nights with four adult passes and four child lift tickets for $442.20. Taxes are not included in these rates. Call (250) 847-2058 or (866) 665-4299 for more information.