KAMSACK - Duck Mountain Provincial Park has had a ski area since 1978. That’s 46 years of enjoying this great Saskatchewan winter sports activity. Plans are to open the ski hill on Dec. 26.
This prime winter sports recreation area has all-natural snow, as there are no snowmakers and operators are loving the early dump of snow. It is run by Duck Mountain RM of Cote Ski Hill Board.
A spokesperson for the Duck Mountain Ski Area tells the Kamsack Times and SaskToday.ca, “The Duck Winter Sports FUNdation has been a big help this year giving our hill a much-needed facelift and more, Some of their many contributions include: new paint job for our 2 T-Bar lifts, new retaining fence for the bottom of both T-Bars, four new liftie shacks, new firepit area, new staining for our deck, getting Starlink internet, wireless sound system, new signage all over the hill and along the road, solar lights on the bunny hill, helping with the repairs to our snowcat machine and many other small things that we could not have tackled without them.”
Operators say that many sponsors help keep ticket prices low and customer service high, offering a great option for both new and experienced skiers and snowboarders alike.
“We were a part of the Mackenzie Top Peak challenge which required people in the community to vote for our hill. We made it into the second round which only had 10 Ski Hill from all across Canada. We were amazed that we made it that far and it is all thanks to everyone who voted for The Duck,” added the Ski Hill Board.
The organization has high hopes for the season.
“This early snowfall is amazing for us as we rely on natural snow for all our runs. We have a new general manager this year, Kiera Nikiforoff, who has been in various positions at the Duck for a couple years. We are hoping to have a great opening week from Dec. 26 - Jan. 5, packed with lots of snow and special events.”
Outdoor sports enthusiasts are encouraged to keep an eye on their website and social media to stay in the loop of what is happening at The Duck.
With lights now added to the bunny hill, the organization is hoping to extend hours of operation into the dark on specific days. As well, they plan on having a regular ‘learn to ski and learn to snowboard, program. Additionally, plans are in the works for wing nights, brunch specials and more.
“For those wondering where to stay we have partnered up with Duck Mountain Lodge, Madge Lake Developments and Duck Mountain Motel to offer a Sleep & Ski deal for all those who come out this winter,” says the ski board.
Duck Mountain Ski Area has two T-Bars and a Magic Carpet that has a combined total of 22 runs including a tubing run. The main Lodge features the T-Bar Cafe, a great place to grab a bite before hitting the slopes, a rentals building where you can get skis, boots, snowboards, tubes, snowshoes and they also offer waxing and tuning as well.
The early snow has generated even more enthusiasm for The Duck and the opportunities this winter provides to outdoor sports enthusiasts.
There are multiple physical benefits to skiing in the winter. Don’t discount that spending time on spectacular snow-covered terrain is therapeutic in its own way. Skiing and snowboarding also beings together diverse groups of people with common interests, including a desire to learn, techniques and just enjoy the fun of outdoor winter sports while being around other like-minded individuals.
Duck Mountain Ski Area can be found nestled on the southern edge of beautiful Duck Mountain Provincial Park, a scenic one-hour drive north east of Yorkton. Operators of this winter recreation venue encourage you to check them out, assured that you will be glad you did.
The Ski Saskatchewan website shows Duck Mountain as one of seven ski hills in the province.
