Bear Mountain Ski Hill just south of Dawson Creek has a dedicated team of volunteers working hard to prepare for the upcoming ski season.
Paul Gevatkoff, president of the Dawson Creek Ski and Recreation Association, said they still need four to five more days of snowmaking before they can open.
“We started snowmaking as soon as we got some cold weather. We like to get temperatures of around -15 to start,” he said, adding that they’ve already been able to make snow for three and a half days.
Gevatkoff said he’s hoping to open by the middle of December, and that amazing community support will help reach that goal.
“I call it community spirit. If we don’t have that community spirit, we wouldn’t have a ski hill here,” he said.
Volunteers like Bryan Harman have spent countless hours working on the hill over the years.
Harman said his team counts 18 people responsible for the snowmaking process, which runs around the clock.
“We do it because Bear Mountain is such an asset to our city. We think it’s well worth our time to work to have the hill up and running,” Harman explained.
He added that snow production is very challenging because conditions need to be just right.
He said a volunteer needs to be on the hill at all times to monitor temperature and wind conditions.
Gevatkoff said 40 percent of operating costs are covered by volunteers.
He added that companies like Fraction Energy Services are also actively involved by providing much-needed resources and equipment.
“The community is many things, and a skill hill is just one aspect of it. When the industry gets together, works together, and donates together, it’s a success story,” said Dean Hanley of Fraction Energy Services’ Fort St. John branch.
This weekend’s forecast calls for a chance of snow, with temperatures expected to range from -13 and -18, according to Environment Canada.
Harman said that’s exactly what the Mountain needs to support the snowmaking process.
“As soon as we get enough snow made, the hill will get open. Come on up and enjoy it, because it’s so close to town, and it’s a wonderful place to be,” he expressed.
The Bear Mountain Ski Hill Facebook page provides all updates on snowmaking, season passes, opening dates, and other important information.