Shames Mountain is well equipped to handle the extra snow it has received ahead of the ski season with a new snowcat.
My Mountain Co-op (MMC) fundraised for a hill groomer last year and received a few hefty contributions from community partners to make it happen.
The refurbished snowcat arrived on Nov. 7 and was used to groom the ski hills ahead of opening on Saturday, Dec. 9. Before the warmer weather, the mountain recieved an early dump of approximately 1.8 metres of snow its peak, approximately 1.5 metres of snow at the T-bar and 1 metre of snow at its base.
READ MORE: New Snowcat for Shame Mountain
“We are ever grateful for the overwhelming support we received from the many communities that continue to make our operation possible,” said MMC general manager Christian Theberge said in a press release. “The dedication of MMC membership to see Shames Mountain succeed is incredible, and evident in the fact that our largest financial contributors to this project were organizations outside Terrace who see the value we’re able to create through capital projects like this.”
Fundraising for the $300,000 machine began during the 2016-2017 season, with support provided by individuals, municipalities and large and small businesses. The Port of Prince Rupert and the District of Kitimat were large contributors to the project, with the port providing $50,000 and the District of Kitimat adding$25,000 and with another $25,000 to come from the 2018 budget.
“Shames Mountain is an important recreational asset for the Northwest, and we’re proud to continue to support My Mountain Co-op’s efforts,” said Shaun Stevenson, vice-president of trade development and public affairs for the Port of Prince Rupert.
“The District of Kitimat is pleased to be able to contribute to My Mountain Co-op’s new groomer,” said District of Kitimat Mayor Phil Germuth. “Shames Ski Resort offers some world class winter recreation, which we feel lucky to have located so close to our community.”
The replacement snowcat is a Prinorth BR 350 snow groomer, which is a newer model of the existing machine. The old equipment will be kept as a backup and parts machine.
matthew.allen@thenorthernview.com
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