There was a packed chalet, dozens of skiers on every run and dignitaries from around the region on hand at the Tawatinaw Valley Ski Hill Jan. 26, to celebrate its grand re-opening under the new management of the Tawatinaw Valley Ski Club.
Those who weren’t out on the hill on the above-freezing Saturday, were inside the chalet to hear elected officials from Town of Westlock and Westlock County, the Town of Athabasca and Athabasca County along with Barrhead-Morinville-Westlock MLA Glenn van Dijken speak of the importance of the site.
“At one time this was just going to be a memory, but through the hard work and dedication of some individuals, I am so proud to say this place is open,” said Westlock County reeve Lou Hall. “If those people that are on the board are any indication of the people who are supporting this facility, it’s going to be an amazing place to come for years.
“I am so happy that we are able to be here today. I’m very impressed with the turnout as well.”
Ski club board member Heather Toporowski introduced the speakers and thanked county council and administration for reversing the decision to close the hill last summer.
“They were really willing to sit down with us and sit down with us again and sit down with us a few more times and really kind of work through some of the challenges. It really was a good process for us because it made us go back and really think through what we needed to do to make it successful, so we do appreciate that,” she said.
“We also appreciate that they do offer us some very real and tangible support towards our funding which we really want to acknowledge and thank them for.”
Ski club president Wendy Batog echoed Toporowski’s thanks to not only the county, but the supporters who helped make the continued operation of the hill a reality.
“We are very grateful to the county on making this decision and the gracious outpouring of the community. The support to revive this hill has truly been humbling. We’d like to express our sincere gratitude to all those who were involved in making this happen,” she said.
“No matter how large or small your contributions seem to you, please know that this endeavour could not have been done without the success of your efforts, all of which have created the celebration of this family recreation area.”
van Dijken commended the ski club for their hard work over the last several months. He taught his grandkids to ski at the facility.
“The significance of this day is the many hours of volunteer work and effort by the Friends of Tawatinaw and all the work they’ve put in to spread the message and the vision and to bring people together, elected officials as well as volunteer supporters and business,” he said.
“It’s a big success story. Good things never come easy.”
The MLA also pointed out the process has created a sense of pride and self-esteem in supporters that was great to see.
He also noted what a great example was being set for the younger generation.
“They’ve got the next generation watching what they’ve done and they’re going to be the next leaders that recognize that sometimes it takes a lot of hard work and determination to get things done,” said van Dijken.
Westlock mayor Ralph Leriger also addressed the crowd, sharing some memories of his youth at the ski hill as well as some more recently-made memories with his grandchildren at the hill this season.
“I have many, many, many fond memories of this place. I burned a lot of wet socks and mitts warming them up on the old pot-bellied stove. A place like this has really created opportunities for family-based recreation. You can see all age groups out here,” said Leriger, adding the hill also taught him about civic duty and volunteerism when he was growing up.
“It’s wonderful to see the multi-generational legacy this facility has created.”
