Canyon Ski Resort will have new attractions this summer for Central Albertans and visitors.
Adventure Park is expected to be open this July, Canyon general manager David Martel told The Advocate on Thursday.
"We're in the midst of constructing the Adventure Park, which will hopefully have something for all ages to enjoy," said Martel.
"We have a zip line to and from the park, as well as a climbing wall and an aerial ropes course. It will also have something that's completely new to Western Canada: a net park. That is geared towards all ages, from little kids to adults."
The introduction of Adventure Park is part of Canyon's efforts to become a year-round destination. Over the past couple years, Canyon has also introduced a summer tube slide and Alberta's first alpine coaster, the Canyon Coaster.
"We were primarily a winter-based facility. We did special events, corporate events and weddings down at our day lodge in the summertime, but we ran a very base crew," said Martel.
"With COVID, our summer business was shut down and we weren't able to have events. That's what kind of got us to bring more summer attractions. Now we're seeing results from employing year round and having a great core group of staff."
Canyon wrapped up its skiing and snowboarding season on the last weekend of March, which was one week longer than initially anticipated. Martel said this past winter was a "more unusual season" for the business.
"With the warmer temperatures, it was a challenge to get open," Martel said.
"We are very reliant on our snow-making system. You need below-freezing temperatures to make snow – it doesn't have to be overly cold, just -2 C or colder. This winter we had a lot of positive temperatures in November and December, when we're typically seeing double-digit negatives."
Ultimately, Canyon was able to get all of its runs open for the ski season and it "finished with a bang," Martel said.
For more information on Canyon Ski Resort, visit www.canyonski.ca.