SOME Winnipeggers may be dreading the next big snowstorm, but staff at Asessippi are embracing the weather with open arms, and expanded services for skiers.
The Asessippi Ski Area and Winter Park has a number of renovations and improvements in the works for its eighth ski season, including a new lift, improved and newly developed trails, and expansions in the lodge area.
"The biggest item is definitely the new quad lift," said Roz Pulo, director of marketing for Asessippi. The new four-seater lift is being built in the Bear Claw area of the park, currently underused by Asessippi because of a previous lack of lift access.
"With the new lift, it goes right to the top of that area, and extends even further than that," said Pulo.
Initial planning for the new quad lift began roughly two years ago, said Pulo, when the original concept was developed. Some drawings were created and posted in the lodge last year, and the lift finally went under construction this year.
Overall terrain at Asessippi has increased by a third overall with the additional lift, and two new trails are being added because of the Bear Claw expansion, both for intermediate-level skiers.
A third new trail will be built elsewhere in the park to replace a pre-existing trail, called the Swingback.
Pulo said the lift was a big priority due to an ever-growing number of resort visitors. Last year Asessippi took in roughly 98,000 visits, up around 10,000 from the year before.
This year, said Pulo, "we definitely hope to cross the 100,000 mark for sure."
To accommodate the additional lift capacity, Asessippi is also building a second pump house to feed river water into the snowmaking system.
What's still up in the air is when the new lift will be open to the public. The resort had aimed for late December, but weather could change all that.
"It's all because of Nother Nature," said Pulo. "We really have to go step by step. Their target is still Christmas, but it could go either way a couple of weeks, or even more."
Another new feature at the park this year is a snow carpet, or moving sidewalk. The carpet is geared towards beginners, and aims to replace the traditional tow-rope for carrying skiers or snowboarders up the hill.
"If you're just learning the sport, it's very, very difficult," said Pulo. "You're wasting half your energy learning how to ride this silly rope. So we feel that this will increase our success rate for beginners."
The resort has also worked to increase its overall amenities for visitors at the lodge. The deck has been doubled in size, two new fireplaces have been added, and the on-site giftshop has also been expanded.
Asessippi already features 21 ski runs for both beginner and intermediate skill levels, and hopes the newly developed Bear Claw area will help them appeal more to their target market.
We really do cater to families," said Pulo. "The atmosphere in the lodge is like the mountains - I often call it a little piece of the mountains, not too far away. You're getting that experience, but your'e not going into intimidating terrain."
Asessippi's season runs from December 8 to April 1. Those interested in more information can visit the group's website at www.asessippi.com.
The resort is just under a four-hour drive from Winnipeg, north of the Yellowhead Highway, near the Manitoba/Saskatchewan border.
lindsey.wiebe@freepress.mb.ca
Other Manitoba ski resorts
Ready to hit the slopes? Most of these Manitoba resorts open in early to mid December, weather permitting. Be sure to contact the resort or visit their website for directions, rates and opening dates.
Falcon Ridge Ski and Recreation Area
Located: Roughly an hour and 45 minutes from Winnipeg, on Falcon Lake.
For more information: (204) 349-8273
www.falcontrails.mb.ca
Holiday Mountain Resort
Located: 90 miles from Winnipeg, on Highway 3.
For more information: (204) 242-2172
www.holidaymountain.com
Minnedosa Ski Valley
Located: 7 km north of Minnedosa, on Highway 10.
For more information: (204) 867-3509
www.skivalley.ca
Mystery Mountain Winter Park
Located: 20 minutes north of Thompson, MB.
For more information: info@mysterymountain.ca
www.mysterymountain.ca
Springhill Winter Sports Park
Located: 15 minutes from downtown Winnipeg, off Highway 59 North.
For more information: 224-3051
www.springhillwinterpark.com
Stony Mountain Ski Area
Located: 11 km north of the Perimeter on Highway 7, in Stony Mountain.
For more information: (204) 344-5977
www.skistony.com
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