Ski park aims for New Years Eve opening

A milder December on P.E.I. will mean a later opening for Brookvale ski park this year.

The park hopes to open Dec. 31. Last year, following several snowstorms, Brookvale was able to open Dec. 23, the earliest opening in a decade.

We like to open the Saturday before Christmas, said Brookvale superintendent Allen Matters.

This year natural snow has not been coming down, but temperatures around freezing this week have allowed for the operation of snowmakers. Much of that artificial snow will be lost with high temperatures and a rainstorm forecast for Christmas day, but Matters hopes enough of a base will remain for the New Years Eve opening.

The temperatures are looking good starting the 28th, he said.

If we get going the 28th and get a little stretch of weather, things look good.

Opening during the holidays can make a big difference for the park. With schools closed large family groups will come to visit.

Ski hills across the Maritimes are struggling to open with the mild weather, but Matters said no one is panicking yet, even with the rain in the forecast.