Chicopee set to open for ski season in coming weeks

Chicopee Ski and Summer Resort is preparing to open for another ski season, but the date when it officially opens will depend on the weather. 

“Our snow makers are on standby call 24 hours a day, and Mother Nature just keeps playing with us.” said Bill Creighton CEO of Chicopee. “We get some great weather, we get all excited, and then it starts to fall off.”

Creighton said that Chicopee likely will open sometime after Christmas. 

“I'm skeptical whether we'll be open before Christmas, but certainly after Christmas, we're looking to get rolling as quickly as we can,” he said. “Exciting times ahead.”

Although several programs have sold out, there is still opportunity to book lessons and some select programs. For those who are new to skiing or snowboarding, Creighton said the hills at Chicopee are a great place to return. 

“You wouldn't believe the new Canadians, the new people to our region who are coming out and experiencing winter for the first time,” said Creighton. “We are truly one of the best places in the country to learn to ski. You don't have to be Mont Tremblant, you don't have to have 1200 feet to learn to ski.”

Chicopee already has around 630 people on staff for the winter season, but are always looking for more instructors. 

“If you're a ski instructor, or a snowboard instructor, or a talented skier or snowboarder, we can train you and get you on staff,” Creighton said. “We're always looking for more, because we run out of inventory of ski instructors.”

This year will also see a number of new improvements at Chicopee. That includes an automated snow making system, and new lighting on the hills.