Ski hills at Chicopee still closed

Skiers and snowboarders in Kitchener will have to wait a little longer before they can hit the slopes at Chicopee.

Before the holiday break, Chicopee Ski and Summer Resort was eyeing Dec. 30 as its projected opening date for the 2023/2024 winter season.

But that didn’t happen.

In an update posted on its website, Chicopee pointed to the mild temperatures and lack of snowfall for the delay.

Chicopee’s CEO Bill Creighton confirmed that as of Jan. 2, there is still no opening date known for the ski hills. Warm weather and consistent rain has made it difficult for the ski hill in Kitchener to make snow. Usually the weather has to be consistent around minus two before man made snow can hit the ground.

“We’re saying now that the crystal ball is filled with snow, we can’t really hit that exact day so were just saying stay tuned to our website and certainly it will get out in media when that opening date is coming,” said Creighton.

Creighton said the weather conditions have not been optimal for snowmaking efforts.

“Coming up later this week, we have a couple of really good snow making days and it warms up a little after that but I would think by the middle of the month we’d be open for sure.”

Chicopee first opened in 1934 and since then they haven’t recorded too many winters like ones we are seeing now, says Creighton. He added the reopening date can be sporadic but they tend to aim to open before Christmas Day, when all the kids get out of school for the holidays.

“For us we need the cold temperature so we can make snow and the man made snow is more resilient then the snow from nature,” said Creighton.

In 2023, Chicopee recorded their busiest March ever. Creighton says they had fresh snow falling before they ended their season.

Chicopee tends to close for the winter season during the last Sunday of March break which is followed by annual snowmobile races.

Creighton said other ski hills nearby are open already for the season for anyone who can’t wait to hit the slopes.

Information about when they will reopen will be posted on Chicopee’s website. Creighton added check the weather and slope conditions before you go.