Chicopee to add more ski runs in coming years, says CEO

Bill Creighton is not only dreaming of a white Christmas but also about a big mountain of dirt that's piling up on the Chicopee ski hill in Kitchener.

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TheChicopeeCEO said the dirt will be used to expand the learning centre for beginner and intermediate skiers andsnowboarders, which he forecasts will be finished in a couple of years.

Creighton toldCBCK-W'sThe Morning EditionhostCraig Norris the bigger dreambeyond a lot of snow for this seasonis to makeChicopeebigger to better serve users.

"We're looking to bring in 440 thousand cubic metres. That's 44,000 truckloads of dirt,"Creighton said.

"We're going to go up to 10 metres in height on the Fairway Road side. Expanding will add five more runs on that side."

Jobprospects

Expansion at the location could eventually lead to the hiring of more seasonal employees. Creighton said this year they plan to hire almost 600 students between the ages of 14 and 18. Those jobs have been tough in the past as ski hills in southern Ontario battle with milder winters.

That's where snow machines come in.

In the last two years the company has invested $500,000 in snow making equipment. Creighton points out the industry is going in that direction where they're relying more on making snow to ensure they start in time for the winter break and remain open right through March Break.

Chicopee opens for the season on Saturday.