It was a sublime day to open a ski hill. For the first operational day of the new winter season at Troll Resort, the temperature was a comfy -8C, there had been a 10 cm dusting of new powder on top of a 34 cm base.
The official comment from Troll organizers on their social media page was “very good conditions for opening day.”
The smell of cinnamon buns filled the lodge and the sound of laughter nudged the opening day crowds towards their next rip down the mountain. There is a vertical rise of 459 metres out there just waiting to be snow surfed.
“With winter so solidly here we are excited to see everyone soon,” noted Troll management.
There’s a ski school and rentals are available.
Troll is located on the Barkerville Highway on Highway 26, about 40 kms east of Quesnel near the community of Wingdam. The log lodge and lift entrances are just off the highway, so you can’t miss it.
The season got underway with the Red and Yellow lifts operating (the Silver lift and Terrain Park are still closed). They will be open every day from Dec. 16 through Jan. 3, only closed on Christmas day.
“Keep skiing or you get old,” Troll proprietor Hildur Fossberg Sinclair once said. To give substance to her idea, anyone 75 or older may ski for free at Troll Resort, as well as anyone aged five or younger. There are seven other price points to ensure every budget scenario has a chance to enjoy the mountain. At the top of the price structure is the Adult regular rates, in which a full-day pass is $65, a half-day is $50, the 10-day pass is $580 and a season pass is $800.
“If you wish to add on night riding for your season pass this season, please let us know when you’re getting your picture done,” said management. That addition, a discount on one-off night skiing passes, is $50 for ages 15-plus or $30 for ages 14 and younger, “and that covers you for the whole season.”
Lift passes may be purchased at Rocky Peak Adventure Gear on Reid Street in downtown Quesnel. For any purchases at the hill, be advised that the Interac service is on dial-up so cash and cheques might be more expedient.
Troll Resort also offers a discount for any skiers or snowboarders who hold passes for other ski resorts. Anyone with a season ticket to another mountain gets 25 per cent off at Troll.
The mountain managers also encourage the public to come out for their Dec. 14 showing of the new Matchstick Productions ski movie Anywhere From Here at the Carib Theatre (367 Reid Street) in Quesnel. “It’s a fundraiser for our Lightning Creek Ski Club.” Doors open at 5pm, show time is 5:30. Tickets are available at Rocky Peak.