Ski hills across the National Capital Region are seeing big crowds this March break, with sunny skies, moderate temperatures and solid snow conditions drawing families to the slopes. “It’s a perfect day for skiing,” says Evelyn Partridge, who is enjoying the holiday with her brother Jackson and father Chris. “I just like that you get to do jumps and you get to try new runs. “I enjoy coming to the hill and spending time with my dad and my sister,” adds Jackson. “March break is the best time to go skiing.” Their father, Chris, says this winter has been exceptional for resorts around the region. “Camp Fortune is a hill that we haven’t explored yet in the in the area, we usually go to some of the other hills around here, and for March break, we wanted to check it out, and off the list,” he says. “Absolutely it’s been one of the better seasons. A lot of nice bluebird days and great conditions on the hill.” For those looking to try something new, Freestyle Ontario, is offering March break camps this week, on top of its full-time recreation and competitive programs. “Freestyle is pretty much acrobatics on skis. It’s doing flips, spins, skiing backwards, doing rails and boxes and it’s fun,” says Laurent Briggs, a coach with the club. “In my opinion it’s the most exciting way to get down the mountain.” François Bernier, director of sports services at Camp Fortune, says cooler weather and significant snowfall in early December was a key factor in helping to extend the ski season. “Right now, it’s mid-winter conditions on the hill and it’s fantastic out here. It’s been an awesome season. Great snow. Hardly any rain at all and the groomers took care of everything,” he said. “Easily, with all operations still running smooth, we will be open to Easter Sunday. After that, perhaps with some reduced terrain to mid April. But sunshine, white snow, nothing is better than that.” In the Gatineau region, ski hills like Mont Cascades, Edelweiss and Vorlage, along with Mount Pakenham and Calabogie Peaks in eastern Ontario, will remain open with many resorts still having weeks of season ahead.
