There was a long line of people in snow pants and toques at Centennial Park on Saturday afternoon -- despite the frigid temperatures.
That’s because the Centennial Park Ski and Snowboard Centre finally opened for the season, after a warm December and lack of snow prevented it from opening sooner.
Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre, the other city-owned facility, opened on Thursday.
Both offer an accessible alternative to private resorts. They have low elevations that make them easy for beginners, low-cost lessons and are on public transit routes.
Here are the details:
Centennial Park Ski and Snowboard Centre
Location: 256 Centennial Park Road, near Eglinton Avenue West and Highway 427
Hours: Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (weather permitting)
Facilities: equipment rentals, snow-making machine, t-bar lift, carpet lift, night skiing and snack bar (but no bank machine)
Phone: 416-394-8754
Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre
Location: 4169 Bathurst Street, near Sheppard Avenue West
Hours: Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (weather permitting)
Facilities: equipment rentals, snow-making machine, chairlift, rope tow, night skiing, snack bar and lodge with fireplace (but no bank machine)
Phone: 416-395-7931
Outdoor curling rinks open Sunday
The city will also open free outdoor curling rinks on Sunday.
The rinks are located in Alexandra Park at 275 Bathurst Street and in Dennis Flynn Park at 370 The West Mall.
Equipment can be arranged for through the Toronto Curling Association’s website or by calling 416-657-2425.
