Cold winter forecast sparks optimism for ski and snowboarding season

Colder weather brings smiles northern ski hills After last year’s mild winter, this blast of cold weather is bringing smiles to ski slopes in the north hoping to bounce back this season.

The latest blast of snow and cold weather is bringing smiles and good cheer on the ski slopes in North Bay.

Last year, the Laurentian Ski Hill didn’t have the season it was hoping for due to an unusually mild winter. But this season, the beginner hill is open for those looking to shred the slopes and shake a bit of rust off.

There were plenty of smiles among those getting runs in Thursday morning, skis and snowboards strapped to their feet.

"It feels so awesome -- it feels like you’re coming back after you’re sick," said snowboarder George Sanschagrin.

"I’m just so happy to be back."

The ski hill opened Dec. 21, a bit earlier than usual. Some rain and warm temperatures forced the slopes to close Dec. 28-29.

But a colder and snowier start to the New Year drew first-time and experienced skiers and snowboarders to the hill, looking to break in new gear.

A group of teenage boarders were on the slopes Thursday training to become instructors.

"I’ve been snowboarding for such a long time. It was my mom who got me into it," said Madison Amyotte.

"It’s so amazing, connecting to the outdoors and with nature and having the wind blow on your face."

"I hope that there’s lots of snow," added Amyotte's friend, Jorga Harrison.

With machines making more snow Thursday afternoon to blanket the slopes and get them properly groomed, the expectation is the ski hill will have its major run -- the Slingshot -- open Wednesday if the weather cooperates.

"We are way ahead," said ski hill executive director Duncan Cornthwaite.

"Last year, we just can’t compare. It was a bad year for everybody."

The hill is already preparing to host races and competitions as the season slides on.

"The North Bay Ski Racing Club has their annual Laurentian race happening at the end of January," Cornthwaite said.

"We also have our elite alpine group looking at running a race in March."

The forecast is calling for snow, with high winds and daytime highs in the mid -10s. It will get chilly overnight, with lows hitting the -20s, just perfect to get the slops in pristine condition, Cornthwaite added.

"It’s going to be an awesome season and I hope we can get out a lot," said Sanschagrin.