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March snowstorm rejuvenates outdoor enthusiasts

Mar 8, 2018 | 11:00 AM

The snowstorm that recently blanketed much of the province may have frustrated drivers, but the extra snow was welcomed by outdoor enthusiasts in the Northeast.

The Melfort region saw between 30 and 50 cm during the storm, which blasted the province for three days. Melfort and District Trail Riders member Curtis Parfitt had been grooming the group’s trails for 16 hours when northeastNOW caught up with him today. He said the recent snowfalls will keep snowmobilers active longer than expected this season.

“The snow I’ve been grooming is exceptionally deep,” Parfitt said. “This is going to make our trails last another two weeks for sure, despite predicted warm weather.”

The group’s trail system covers a wide radius around Melfort, reaching to Star City, St. Brieux, Naicam, and North to Wapiti Valley. Parfitt said the members and local snowmobile riders are excited to have a fresh layer to ride on.

“I haven’t seen snow like this for 12 years,” he said. “It’s definitely very nice. The warm weather makes it very nice to ride in, too.”

The snowstorm also brought smiles to the faces of skiers and snowboarders. Wapiti Valley Ski and Board Resort manager Marc Anderson said the hill has become very busy again. He said the recent accumulation of snow will help their season overall.

“Christmas was kind of brutal with the cold weather, but ever since then we’ve had some busy days. With this snow now, I expect the rest of the season will be very busy,” Anderson said.

Anderson said the resort has had good snow for skiing and boarding all winter, however that doesn’t always translate into an active hill. Now that the cities and towns in the area are also under a fresh blanket of powder, he said enthusiasts turn their minds back to the sports.

“More snow in the cities makes people think about skiing longer,” he said. “Once the snow melts in town we’re kind of forgotten about.”

Anderson said the amount of snow that fell means the hill could likely extend their season, but the resort will still be closing at the end of the month.

‘We’re always closed on the last weekend of March,” he said. “Once April hits, the skiing dies down.”

 

Clark.stork@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @ClarkStork