MOUNTAIN LIFE - Blue Mountains | Fall 2017

FALL 2017 ML BLUE 33 UP FRONT As if there weren’t already enough things to do at Canada’s third most heavily visited ski destination, Blue Mountain is busy cementing itself as the resort equivalent of a border collie—perpetually cheery, resourceful and unable to sit still for five minutes. The crew at Blue is at it again, this time creating a 1km-long skate path loop atop the Escarpment. Blue’s new skate path (official name to be determined) will be built in a section of hilltop bush located between the Orchard and South chairlifts— complete with shinny pads, a warming hut, and a rental facility where guests can rent some skates, or lace up their own. “We have offered skating on the Mill Pond in the Village for several seasons,” notes Dan Skelton, President and COO of Blue Mountain Resort. “Skating outdoors is an iconic Canadian winter pastime and we discovered a hidden opportunity at the top of the mountain where we could take a skating experience at Blue and literally elevate it.” The skate path logistics are still under review but the tentative plan is to walk in near Southern Comfort chair, along a short trail, and then skate your heart out through a treed trail on the looped ice path. Blue’s advanced snowmaking infrastructure will be essential in flooding the skate path and the team has invested in a new Zamboni to ensure a smooth and level 1km loop. “The loop will take skaters across the top of the Escarpment, so you’ve got beautiful vistas of the Bay and the Town of Collingwood,” adds Skelton. “I envision an experience that includes scenic views, both day and night, as well as a hilltop café but the first step is to get it open.” The official name and grand opening of the Blue Mountain skate loop is scheduled for this ski season. –Nelson Phillips BLUE MOUNTAIN ANNOUNCES PLAN FOR HILLTOP ICE SKATING PATH DAVE BARNES ILLUSTRATION “We could take a skating experience at Blue and literally elevate it.”