Lingering winter 'cool' for March Break

YorkRegion.com
March 9, 2014
By Brea Bartholet

You may be getting sick of this frigid weather, but it could be giving your family more options over March Break.

Below-zero temperatures have become a common occurrence this winter, causing many to stay bundled up longer than usual.

But the cold weather isn’t all that bad. In fact, it has given outdoor resorts a glimpse of hope for an extended season.

Uplands Ski and Golf Centre in Thornhill is one of many ski destinations in Ontario benefitting from the ongoing chill.

Ski director of more than 30 years, Karen Hladki, says the weather couldn’t be any better for this time of year.

“This season as been absolutely unbelievable,” she said this morning. “In March, our programs really depend on the weather and if the conditions are good enough.”

Ms Hladki says though the amount of snowfall hasn’t differed much from recent years, the continued frigid temperatures have kept natural snowfall from melting under warmer conditions.

“We’re used to having a hot spring season and generally we have a lot of man-made snow to keep up the hills. Thankfully, the natural snow didn’t melt, because it’s much nicer to ski on.”

The centre even closed during select days this winter due to such cold temperatures - a true example of just how ruthless Mother Nature has been.

In recent years, Uplands has had a difficult time maintaining their March Break camps, as warmer temperatures kept skiers and snowboarders off the hill.

With a spark of enthusiasm, Ms Hladki says she is very happy that nothing will be rained out this week.

Families visiting Uplands seem to agree, too.

Yariv Sharon and his two children, Jordan and Eden, chose to take full advantage of the weather this weekend by hitting the hills at Uplands.

All geared up to spend some quality family time together, Mr. Sharon says weather is certainly a factor when it comes to choosing the right March Break activities.

“We would like to go to Montreal this week, as long as the weather is OK. The temperatures have been a little warm, but its been very nice out so far,” he said.

Though 11-year-old Jordan was eager to strap up his snowboard, knowing he has an entire week without homework clearly trumps any lingering worries of weather conditions.

“It would be fun to go to Montreal, but my favourite part about the break is that I don’t have to go to school,” he said.

Thanks to this year’s extended winter, Uplands will host a March Break day camp running March 10 to 14. Private hourly lessons are still available to anyone ages three and above.

The ski centre will officially close for the season March 16.

To register, visit www.uplandsgolfandski.com or call 905-889-3291.