GLADSTONE, Mich. (WZMQ) – After a slow start to the winter sports season, the Gladstone Ski Hill is expected to open this weekend.
The City’s Parks and Recreation Department had hoped to open the ski hill in time for Christmas break. However, a late December warmup melted any snow that had fallen or had been made.
Now that temperatures have dropped, snow machines have been running 24 hours a day. They are supplied by water from a pond at the base of the hill, which does require time to replenish.
“It will get depleted,” explained Parks and Recreation Director Wendy Taavola. “We can go five days, then we have to let the pond regenerate.”
Parks and Recreation hopes to open two runs on Saturday, January 11. Taavola says the department is looking forward to getting kids back on the slopes.
“The Gladstone Ski Hill is a great place for kids to come and spend a winter afternoon, get outside,” she said. “Lots of kids makes it more fun.”
The Gladstone Ski Hill After School Program is set to begin on Monday, January 13. Crews aim to open the tubing hills soon after.
Click here for Gladstone Ski Hill updates and pricing.
