Early ski season providing winter boost to Ottawa area businesses

The early winter weather is providing businesses in the Ottawa area with an early-December bump. CTV’s Kimberley Johnson reports.

Skiing and snowboarding is off to an early start across the capital region and as hills fire up their lifts, businesses are welcoming the cold embrace of winter.

At Centre Vorlage, ski school director Christian Campeau says this is the earliest they’ve opened in decades, with opening day typically happening in late December.

“It’s nothing short of a miracle we’re open on the sixth, seventh of December,” he told CTV News Ottawa. “It’s the first time in over 55 years that we’ve been able to open so early.”

There are three runs up and running, with more expected to be in operation later this week.

Campeau says the extended season is important for business as it allows lessons and rental programs to start up earlier than usual.

The early start to the season is especially welcome this year, Campeau explains, as the company made major investments in snowmaking infrastructure last year, costing hundreds of thousands of dollars.

“It feels great,” he said. “Because we’ve had a couple of dismal seasons in terms of weather where we either had to wait and open late or, unfortunately, close early.”

Calixa Edwards was out on the slopes Sunday, and she says she’s happy to have the chance to strap on her skis early this year.

“Usually it’s not open this early. There’s not this much snow, and it’s not cold enough,” Edwards said. “So, it’s really, really great. I love it.”

Edwards says she tries to get out to peaks across the region when she can, and a long winter means more days on the slopes.

“It’s amazing because often I’m very busy in the winter,” she explains. “I don’t get to ski as much as I would like. So it’s really great to have the opportunity to start early.”

Meanwhile, for those selling winter sports equipment, the snowy weather is already having an effect.

Expedition’s Wakefield owner Vicki Schouten says her business has been seeing a boost.

“I would say there’s about a 20 to 30 per cent increase in both sales and service,” she explains. “We’re definitely seeing a lot more service come in right now. And we’re seeing a lot of people want to invest in new equipment.”

The local company sells everything from outdoor clothing to cross country skis and equipment. They also service equipment.

Schouten says backcountry skis and fat bikes, which can travel in the snow, are some of her biggest sellers right now.

“When there’s snow on the ground it puts people in a good mood,” she says. “It makes them want to get outside and do the activities. So whether they’re renting or buying, it’s definitely very important for small businesses.”

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