Those looking to spend a day skiing, snowboarding or tubing in Saskatoon will be in luck starting Friday.
Optimist Hill in Diefenbaker Park is to open to the public starting at 4 p.m. According to Optimist Hill, the first 250 visitors will receive free lift passes and hot chocolate, thanks to sponsorship by the Conexus Credit Union.
The recreation site is open from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. from Wednesday to Friday, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. From Dec. 26 to Feb. 26, hours will be 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., weather permitting.
Lift passes range from $15 to $25 and season passes range from $195 to $350.
People can rent equipment on site, and snacks and warm food are available in the chalet.
“The Optimist Hill Campaign (OSP Community Development Corp., a non-profit corporation) began in 2013 and is the Optimist Club of Saskatoon’s biggest project to date,” a statement said. “Phase I, now complete, includes a 70-foot hill with groomed lanes for snow-tubing, skiing and snowboarding, terrain park, enhanced free toboggan hill and two conveyor lift systems for an easy commute to the top of the hill.”
The City of Saskatoon proclaimed Optimist Hill a “Designated Municipal Project” on Dec. 17, 2018. That means those who donate to Optimist Hill can receive tax receipts from the city, according to the statement.