Barbara Latkowski
Caledonia Courier
Murray Ridge Ski Hill is ready for winter thanks to all of the dedication and hard work put in by volunteers over the last few months.
The popular ski resort, known as the best kept secret of the north, is keen to open as always on the first Saturday of the school holidays in December.
But this wouldn’t be possible without the help of volunteers who have been brushing and clearing its 22 hills since October.
Murray Ridge manager, Jana Gainor, is thrilled with the turnout and with the progress made. “We were behind this year so we asked the community to come out and help. And it’s not easy work, Gainor said. “It involves a lot of climbing and a lot of heavy hard work.|”
A number of community members, organizations and businesses came out to lend a hand.
“We’re so thankful to everyone. This was so necessary. And we are also grateful to Taba, the Fort St. James Snowmobile Club, Nahounli Kennels and KDL for equipment donated to help with the clean-up,” Gainor said.
Gainor, currently in her first year of managing Murray Ridge, couldn’t be more excited for the upcoming season.
“We have so many programs available, lots of ideas, new events and new staff. I’m really looking forward to it,” she said.
But all in all, none of it would be possible without the help received by volunteers in the community.
“We’re so thankful to the community, for those who came out and gave up their Saturdays and Sundays to help out,” Gainor said. “ Our hill is built on volunteerism. We need lots of hands to maintain it and without them, we wouldn’t have a hill.”
For more information on Murray Ridge and the upcoming season visit: murrayridge.com