Skiers and snowboarders can still hit the slopes in Toronto.
Shakya Karma snowboards at Earl Bales Park Tuesday afternoon.
Staff photo/NICK PERRY
Toronto ski and snowboard programs are a great way for the entire family to stay fit and have fun this winter.
There are two centres operated by the City of Toronto, one in North York and one in Etobicoke.
However, with the lack of snow so far this season, the ski centres at Earl Bales Park and Centennial Park are not running at full capacity.
At Earl Bales in North York, three of the four runs are open. Heather Kerr, community recreation programmer, said evening programs are running as scheduled and children on school trips are keeping the runs occupied during the days.
"We have a fairly large base so even if some melts we won't be left with grass," Kerr said.
Earl Bales is also located in a valley, and it draws its water from a cold water source, making it easier to make snow as well as store the man-made snow thanks to the terrain.
Centennial Park doesn't have those advantages. It draws water for making snow from the regular water line, which is as cold as lake water.
Jordan Dionne, a community recreation programmer at Centennial, reported that one run at his facility is open this week, but they're hoping for winter weather to bring on the snow so the remaining two runs can start operating.
And the weather forecast doesn't need to call for flurries in order to supplement the snow base; all the centres need is chilly temperatures.
"We don't necessarily need snow. We need it to be minus 4 to make snow," Kerr said.
Centennial Park
WHERE: 256 Centennial Park Rd., one block west of Renforth Drive, north of Rathburn Road, Etobicoke
FACILITIES: ski and snowboard school, snowboard and downhill rentals, limited helmet rentals, high-tech snowmaking, t-bar, carpet lift, night skiing and snack bar.
PROGRAMS: Instruction is available for children as young at three years old; there are group as well as private lessons; there is a one-time lesson for the ultimate beginner to explore the sport of either skiing or snowboarding; ski and snowboard leadership programs are offered; the racing programs are non-competitive and designed to enhance technical skills, posture, speed control, confidence and fun; freestyle programs provide a learning environment in which riders can develop their skills at an individualized pace with their instructor; specialized adult ski and snowboard programs are offered; there is also a women's exclusive ski program.
HOURS: Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Earl Bales Park
WHERE: 4169 Bathurst St., one light south of Sheppard Avenue West, inside Earl Bales Park in North York
FACILITIES: ski and snowboard school, snowboard and downhill rentals, limited helmet rentals, high-tech snowmaking, chair lift, rope tow, night skiing, snack bar and fireplace.
PROGRAMS: Instruction is available for children as young at three years old; there are group as well as private lessons; the centre welcomes children and youth with special needs/disabilities can join a specialized ski program; there are introductory lessons for beginners to explore the sport of either skiing or snowboarding; ski and snowboard leadership programs are offered; the Freestyle Park features jumps, a junior rainbow box, a junior butterbox and a wide flat rail (for intermediate skiers and snowboarders); a Learn to Race program is designed for aggressive skiers and those interested in getting into alpine racing.
HOURS: Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
INFO:
- Daily Snow Pass Rates: an all-day pass is $29, but there are lower hourly rates that are also based on age.
- Season snow passes are available for the full season, daytime Monday to Friday or night only
- Equipment Rentals: skiers and snowboarders can rent some equipment or all equipment on an hourly basis or for all day, Rentals cannot be issued to anyone under 18 years of age without being accompanied by a parent/guardian. There are some date restrictions due to camps.
- For further info visit www.toronto.ca/parks/skiing