‘Winter is back’: Chicopee CEO touting best ski conditions in years
Posted Jan 5, 2026 03:20:03 PM.
Last Updated Jan 5, 2026 04:34:53 PM.
While not everyone is a fan of the snow and cold so far this winter, the folks at Chicopee Ski and Summer Resort in Kitchener have been loving it.
The hill opened for the season on Dec. 20, 2025, and according to CEO Bill Creighton, it was the earliest opening in five years.
The early start was primarily due to one of the coldest Decembers in recent memory, which allowed the hill to kick off grooming efforts. Along with the most snow in the last 75 years, it aided in building a snow base, which now sits around 30 cm, according to Creighton.
Such a sturdy base will allow the hill to weather a potential January thaw without much impact.
Creighton told 570 NewsRadio that with so much going their way this season, they’re in a really good spot.
“The conditions here at Chicopee have never been better. And, you know, with a bit of nature’s precipitation, the fresh snow on top of our groomed trails, it’s fantastic skiing.”
Creighton explained how they are able to optimize what Mother Nature gives.
“When it’s cold we make our own snow; we don’t actually need nature’s. And, it’s a little bit heartier. But, what you like to do is to get some of that natural snow and then churn that into the man-made snow, and it just makes for a fantastic product on the ground.”
With these optimal conditions, the hill has been very busy, but thanks to ongoing improvement efforts, Chicopee has been able to manage quite well.
“In the last two years, we’ve added one quad lift and two surface lifts. We’re adding a third surface lift this year,” said Creighton. He went on to say, “It’s crazy, we’re busy than ever with the start of the season, and there are no line-ups at lifts, you can ski right on, and that’s been fabulous.”
Excellent conditions, little to no wait times, it seems like this would be the perfect opportunity to learn how to ski or snowboard. Creighton said they have launched the new “Discover Lessons” programs.
It’s a drop-in style program that includes a group lesson with an instructor, equipment rental and a Learning Centre Lift Ticket. The lessons are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Once completed, participants will be given a free lift pass to use at a later date.
Chicopee Ski and Summer Resort is open daily, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
