Collingwood Elvis Festival at Blue

 All hail the King!

In cooperation with the Collingwood Elvis Festival, the Village plays host to the hottest Elvis entertainment as well as other throwback tunes, family entertainment and more!

Friday July 28th
8-11pm	ALL STAR GRAND CHAMPIONS with	Coca-Cola Village Stage
	Ben Klein, James Gibb, Oliver Steinhoff, Gino Monopoli with RUDY & THE ANGELS
Saturday July 29th
12-12:45pm	Performance by Darren Evorglens	Water Street Bandstand
1-1:45pm	Performance by Bruce Herron	Coca-Cola Village Stage
2-4pm	Performance by BEACH PARTY BOYS	Coca-Cola Village Stage
4-4:45pm	Performance by Matt King	Water Street Bandstand
5-7pm	Performance by MEMPHIS JONES	Coca-Cola Village Stage
	TRIO
8-11pm	MUSIC AT THE MOUNTAIN with	Coca-Cola Village Stage
	performances by Jesse Aron, Ben Klein, Tributes to: Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, Patsy Klein, Neil Diamond, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin & Whitney Houston with GERRIE & THE KOASTERS
Sunday July 30th
11-11:45am	Gospel Morning with Norm Ackland Jr.	Water Street Bandstand
12-12:45pm	Performance by Robin Kelly	Coca-Cola Village Stage
1-3pm	Performance by ROY LEBLANC	Coca-Cola Village Stage

Find full event details here: http://collingwoodelvisfestival.com/

Thank you very much.

Peak to Shore Returns July 5 to 9th - 5 Days. 20 Venues. 40 Free Concerts.

There’s nothing like a summer music festival. And there’s no summer music festival like Peak to Shore. It’s a diverse showcase of local, up-and-coming talent plus Canadian touring veterans performing at 20 unique venues - all situated within the incredible natural beauty of the Southern Georgian Bay region.  Part of 365 days of live music from Collingwood to Meaford, Peak to Shore has helped solidify the region’s reputation as the live music mecca north of Toronto.

With more visitors each year, Peak to Shore has become an important source of exposure for new Canadian talent. “It’s a great platform for new and local artists”, says Chris Scerri, the festival’s program director. “Some of these musicians just starting out are going to be on the scene for a long time. They’re going to create some of those, ‘I saw them before anyone knew who they were!’ moments for our guests, which is really exciting.”

The Lineup

Headlining the festival is east coast icon Séan McCann of Great Big Sea, Saturday night at Blue Mountain Village.  Featured Venue Artists include: Irish Mythen at Meaford Hall, Luke McMaster at Blue, King Cuddy at Bruce Wine Bar, The Harpoonists and the Axe Murderer at Blue, Ethan Paxton & The Brakeman at the new CROW Bar & Variety, and Devon Cuddy Band at the spectacular Shipyards amphitheater overlooking the Collingwood Harbour. Plus dozens more concerts and open mics all week throughout the region. While the vast majority of the shows are free, dinner reservations are recommended at several venues and advance tickets are available for Meaford Hall and Simcoe St. Theatre concerts.
Peak to Shore is a favourite not only of the festival-goers and musicians, but of the venue owners as well, and has led to more live music spots popping up in the area. Steven Vipond, co-owner of Bruce Wine Bar, a popular spot for great food and great live music in Thornbury, says the growth of the music culture in the region has helped fuel the growth of his business. “Music has become so woven into the fabric of the area.” says Vipond. “There are so many great musicians that attract so many music lovers, we’re opening CROW, a second dining and music venue in Collingwood in time for the festival. Music has created the demand, and we’re happy to meet it.”

Another great aspect of the festival is just how much there is to do beyond the music. The Southern Georgian Bay region is a summer playground. Anchored by Blue Mountain Village, there are fantastic shops and restaurants and a host of outdoor activities and adventures for the whole family. And this is no “pitch-your-tent-in-the-mud” music fest. The area boasts a range of accommodations, including luxury suites with spa amenities. Visit BlueMountain.ca and use the promo code PEAK2SHORE to save 40% off three nights or more in a Village suite when you book by May 18^th.


Peak to Shore Music Fest is music and nature at its best. A not-to-be-missed cultural adventure, and an amazing showcase of what music means to the Southern Georgian Bay region. For more information and complete concert listings, visit www.PeaktoShore.ca.

Community Day at Blue Lets Locals Experience Summer Fun at the Resort for Free

Summertime is fast-approaching and promises another sunny and busy season at Blue Mountain Resort. Before visitors from all over the world make their way to the Collingwood and Blue Mountain area, the Resort is inviting the community to come and enjoy a day just for locals this Sunday, June 4th at Community Day at Blue.

 “We have guests that visit from all over the province and the world but it’s our local community members who support Blue and make it what it is,”

says Lesley Biffin, VP Human Resources. “We are welcoming community members who live and work in and around Blue to enjoy all that Blue offers in the summer for free this Sunday.”

The day will be full of family-friendly events including live entertainment, children's activities, local food and beverage sampling and free access to Blue Mountain attractions including the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster, Wind Rider Triple Zips and the Apex BagJump. Guests can also support local charities by making a donation at one of the charity tents set up in the Village plaza.

For those who live in Collingwood, there will be free bus service on the Collingwood-Blue Mountain transit link.

Community members are asked to bring a proof of mailing address to receive their Community Day at Blue passport, which is their ticket for the day.

“Summer is a busy time at the Resort and in our area,” says Manager, PR, Tara Lovell. “Our hope is that Community Day at Blue gives our employees, their families, friends and neighbours all a chance to come together and enjoy Blue Mountain as we kick-off the upcoming season.”

More information about Community at Blue can be found online at www.bluemountain.ca/communityday<http://www.bluemountain.ca/communityday>

Community Day at Blue Details:

Date: Sunday, June 4th (Rain or shine!)

Time: 10am – 6pm

Activities Include:

  *   ·       Bring proof of local mailing address and receive FREE and

discounted Blue Mountain attractions

  *   ·       Live entertainment throughout the day

  *   ·       Active outdoor activities including hiking and mountaintop

yoga

  *   ·       Food sampling and specials

  *   ·       Retail discounts

  *   ·       Storytelling, groove dancing, face painting and more!

  *   ·       FREE bus on the Collingwood-Blue Mountain transit line from

10am - 6pm

Grade Eight Students Discover Local Job Opportunities

Over 300 grade 8 students will be adding hands-on life lessons to their curriculum as they gather at Blue Mountain Resort on Tuesday, May 9 for the first ever Grade 8 Adventure Day. Six local schools will be participating in what the Resort is hoping will be an on-going opportunity to engage with local youth. Spearheaded by Blue Mountain’s Human Resources team, Grade 8 Adventure day will include activities developed to expose students to the wide range of job opportunities available at Blue.

“We have been given this amazing opportunity to expose our students to what their community has to offer,” comments Patti Fedorco, a grade eight teacher at Cameron Street Public School. “These students, who are at a pivotal point in their lives, are lucky to be able to live in an area they can work and play.”

Students will also have the chance to learn about and discuss the transition from elementary school into high school including having a job for the first time. Facilitated by Human Resources and Public Speaking professionals, the day will be an opportunity for students to discover strategies for navigating this next stage of life while experiencing the offerings at the area’s largest employer.

“I feel that these local young people are the future of our community and of our Resort,” says VP, Human Resources, Lesley Biffin. “As the area’s largest employer, it is our responsibility to engage local youth and teach them about having a job, how to participate in a successful job interview, and how to write an impressive resume. These are basic life skills that can only be learned in practice. This event will provide a starting point for this type of learning as well as opportunities to showcase what job options exist for 14 to 15 year old students as they begin entering their working life.”

Blue Mountain, a four-season destination, employees up to 2,000 employees during peak seasons. Job opportunities at the resort vary from full-time, permanent professions to part-time seasonal jobs. Students have always been a significant part of the employee network at Blue.

“The grade eight students at Cameron Street Elementary are fortunate to attend a school in such a caring and connected community,” notes Troy Comish, Principal at Cameron Street. “Blue Mountain plays a pivotal role in our community by providing a vast array of recreational and employment opportunities. This year, through the Grade 8 Adventure Day, Blue Mountain has taken the initiative to expose our students to the possibilities they offer through employment in an informative, exciting and interactive way. This type of partnership between school and community partners is essential to support our students through their transition planning as they look forward to and plan their bright futures.”

This is the first of what Blue Mountain hopes will be an on-going event for local students. Community members who want to learn more about the Grade 8 Adventure Day can contact Lesley Biffin at lbiffin@bluemountain.ca or visit www.bluemountain.ca for more information about job opportunities at Blue. 

Monterra Golf Opens for the Season April 27

The grounds crew at Monterra Golf, at Blue Mountain Resort, has been working hard to make sure the greens are in tip top condition for opening day this Thursday, April 27 at 9AM. With a damp start to spring, preparing the course for the first tee off has been a waiting game.

As of the 27^th, Monterra will be open seven days a week. Monterra will be kicking off the season with a spring special of $69 per player, per round. Pricing is applicable any day of the week until May 18^th and includes the use of Monterra’s GPS-enhanced golf carts. For more information or to reserve a tee time, golfers can visit www.bluemountain.ca/golf or phone 705-445-0231.

The opening of Monterra complements the resort-wide shift to green season activities. The Cascade Putting Course opened Easter weekend and will be available every weekend for guests along with the Woodlot Low Ropes and Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster. With the remaining summer attractions scheduled to open on Victoria Day Weekend, it won’t be long until the green season is in full swing at Blue Mountain Resort.  

Blue Goes Green for Earth Day Blue Mountain Resort will be hosting an Earth Day movie screening in support of Environment Network’s Active and Safe Routes to School Program

BLUE MOUNTAINS, ON – April 17, 2017 –– In celebration of Earth Day and in anticipation of another fantastic biking season, Blue Mountain will be hosting a film screening in support of the local Environment Network’s Active & Safe Routes to School program. Blue Mountain is best known for its ski operation in the winter but has grown into a four-season destination that highlights natural features of the Escarpment to offer attractions to guests.

“Being the largest mountain village resort in Ontario comes with a heavy responsibility to plan and operate in cooperation with the environment,” says Lindsay Ayers, Director of Planning and Environment at Blue Mountain. “We are inviting the community to join in our efforts to make sustainable choices and support a cause that encourages just that.”

As the community puts away their skis and snowboards and gets ready biking season, Blue will be screening Bikes vs. Cars, a film that highlights the positive impact communities can have when they support alternative transportation. A fitting film to raise funds in support of the Environment Network’s program which aims to curb driving habits and instead find greener ways of getting around.  

“Getting outside and using human power vs. fossil fuels for transportation has so many positive outcomes.  The obvious reductions in emissions from the burning of fossil fuels, physical and mental health benefits but also the not so obvious; such as reduced congestion on our roads, and improved community connections.  It helps us all to get to know each other and feel less isolated after a long winter of grey days and hibernation.” says Michele Rich, Executive Director at the Environment Network. “The Environment Network will use funds raised to continue the Active and Safe Routes to School programming, specifically the Walk to School Bus and in-school programs.”

The film screening will take place on Earth Day, this Saturday April 22 in Weider Room at the Blue Mountain Inn. Tickets are $10 each and 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the Environment Network.

Event Details:
What: Earth Day Film Screening: Bikes Vs. Cars
When: Earth Day – Saturday, April 22 at 7:00 pm
Where: Weider Room – Blue Mountain Inn

Tickets are $10.00 each in support of the Environment Network.
The event includes free popcorn (BYOB – Bring Your Own Bowl), a cash bar (with valid photo I.D.), and draws for a selection of great door prizes!

Tickets are available for purchase at The Environment Network (10138 Highway 26, Collingwood) or Columbia Sportswear in the Blue Mountain Village.

More information can be found at: https://www.bluemountain.ca/things-to-do/events

Blue Mountain Resort to Host Audi FIS Ski Cross World Cup Finals

The Audi FIS Ski Cross World Cup Finals will be hosted at Blue Mountain Resort March 3-5, 2017.The event will showcase the world’s best ski cross athletes as they compete in the season’s final World Cup race. Blue Mountain Resort located in the Blue Mountains, Ontario is looking forward to welcoming visitors from all over the globe to cheer on their athletes while enjoying Ontario’s premiere alpine destination.

Credentials: Media who would like access to the event venues must be credentialed. An accreditation form can be found online at http://alpinecanada.org/events/fis-ski-cross-wolrd-cup-blue-mountain-can. Media passes will be issued at the registration desk located inside the Blue Mountain Inn. A photo ID is required.

Filming and Photography: Upon arrival, designated positions near the bottom of the course and in the finish area will be assigned to the credentialed photographers on a first-come, first-served basis.

NOTE: All media other than print are required to complete a Video / Audio Footage Policy form.

Interviews: Media interested in interviewing particular athletes, team or coaches before, during or after the events should contact Ashley Shantz, Manager, Communications & Media Relations for Alpine Canada at ashantz@alpinecanada.org. Media interested in interviewing representatives from Blue Mountain Resort should contact Tara Lovell, Manager, Public Relations for Blue Mountain Resort at tlovell@bluemountain.ca. 

Visitor / Spectator Information: The Audi FIS Ski Cross World Cup race and Celebration Festival are FREE to attend. Visitors are encouraged to use the Collingwood / Blue Mountain Transit Link which will be offering FREE bus service from Downtown Collingwood to the Village at Blue.

Spectators are welcome to watch the event from the course finish area which will be located behind the Blue Mountain Inn. Spectators and guests can also watch live coverage of the race in the World Cup Celebration Festival Area located in the Blue Mountain Village. Guests can also enjoy free family activations and live music in the Village throughout the weekend. 

Event Schedule:

Friday, March 3	-        Official Training (1:00 – 3:00 p.m.) -        World Cup Festival – Village at Blue Mountain
Saturday, March 4	-        Official Training (11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. & 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.) -        World Cup Festival – Village at Blue Mountain
Sunday , March 5	-        Training and World Cup Finals @ 10:30 a.m. -        Awards – Ski Cross Finish area immediately following the race -        World Cup Festival – Village at Blue Mountain

Our Favourite Four Letter Word

Remember the start to last winter? We did everything right. We were good all year and made sure to be ready for our favourite season. The letters to Santa were sent, all the wishes made and the traditional sacrificial burning skis offered to Ullr (Okay, that last part didn't happen). All we wanted was to open our windows and shout for joy with a proclamation of our favourite four-letter word. S-N-O-W! 

And yet, we waited and our wishes turned into prayers until finally, winter came, as it always does. And when the white stuff did arrive, it was bright and wonderful and everything we hoped for and it left us wanting MORE! That's why we get excited about things like this season's Farmer's Almanac. Say what you will about long-range forecasts. It may be a shot in the dark but we are clinging to the optimism. 

According to this year's prediction, we can expect a proper Canadian winter with cold temps and lots of, you guessed it - snow! That's right, folks! It isn't just our wishful thinking that has us excited about getting ready for winter.

The Weather Network is looking ahead to a white winter too with their recent Winter Sneak Peak that has our hearts all a flurry. According to their forecast, we can expect a "classic winter" this season with all the wintertime fixin's including "above normal snowfall for much of the Great Lakes region". Start up the Bing Crosby and dust off your hats and mittens, friends. Looks like our days will be merry and white!

Still a non-believer? We have a feeling Mother Nature may be feeling a bit remorseful for last winter (if we can call it that). And maybe we are reading too far into it, but we like to think that she sent us a little sign of hope this morning with a light sprinkling of snow on the top of Blue Mountain this morning. 

Blue Mountain Turkey Tent Event

Gear up for less at Blue Mountain’s signature retail sale: The Turkey Tent Event. Save up to 70% off your favourite brands including Columbia, The North Face, Burton, Salomon, and more! Plus, you can pick up or purchase your 2016/17 Winter Season Pass while you’re outfitting yourself for a winter on the slopes. The Turkey Tent Event is upstairs in South Base Lodge.

Thursday October 6: 9am – 9pm
Friday October 7: 9am – 10pm
Saturday October 8: 9am – 6pm
Sunday October 9: 9am – 5pm
Monday October 10: 9am – 12pm

https://www.bluemountain.ca/things-to-do/events/turkey-tent-event

Monterra Golf Set to Tee Up

Blue Mountain Resort is declaring winter officially over with the opening of its championship golf course, Monterra scheduled for Thursday, April 28. The public course, designed by award-winning golf course architect, Tom McBroom, is one of the most unique in the area with scenic views of Blue Mountain’s ski hills from the base of the Niagara Escarpment.

Players will notice some changes to the course this season with new forward tee decks on all 18 holes. Previously known as a challenging course, Monterra’s updated course stats will welcome golfers with varying levels of ability.

“We want to encourage both expert and novice golfers to come and enjoy the sport,” says Adam McCutcheon, Manager of Golf Operations at Monterra. “Golf is just as much about the game itself as it is spending time with family or friends who want to enjoy a round as well. The new forward decks make playing at Monterra more accessible for a variety of players while maintaining the quality of play we strive to deliver.”

Golf memberships are currently available at the Monterra Golf Shop, by phone at 1-877-445-0231 or at ww.bluemountain.ca. Each Monterra membership includes the opportunity to purchase Birdie rounds for a friend or family member to play at a discounted rate.

Golfers should note that the course will open this Thursday with aerated greens and cart path only. For those eager to get back into the swing of things, tee times can be booked by phone at 1-877-445-0231. More information can be found on Blue Mountain's recently updated website.

We have lots of Snow - Get Your Lift Tickets Now!

Save Now

Mother Nature has been temperamental this season but we'll take what we can get and in the case of the last 24 hours, it has resulted in 20+cm of fresh snow! Thank you, MN!

Winter may be fickle but more importantly Winter is also Freedom, Family and Social. See which profile suits you best over on our YouTube channel.

March Break is around the corner and we've partnered with Family Channel to make your getaway a memorable one. Details for this exciting week are further down in the newsletter.

Enjoy a sample of #winterwarrior shots below and keep tagging us on social media! 

Winter is Here and Blue Mountain is Celebrating

Blue Mountain is known for hosting festivals and events during the summer months but on Saturday, January 23^rd, the Resort will host its first winter festival: Celebrate Winter. This new festival is designed to celebrate all things snow including the fun of the Village with the sport of the Mountain.

“Winter is here!” says Tara Lovell, PR Manager at Blue Mountain Resort. “We were all anxiously awaiting the season and Blue Mountain is ready to celebrate everything that winter has to offer.”

Blue had its latest opening day on record on December 30^th but thanks to proactive on-hill preparations and the Resort’s advanced snowmaking technology, the hill is now open end-to-end with nearly all of Blue Mountain’s 42 ski runs open for skiing and riding.

“The Village is looking its best with a fresh blanket of snow, especially at night with the lights on the slopes and on the trees,” notes Patti Kendall, Director of Marketing & Events for the Blue Mountain Village Association. “While we normally run events in the warmer months the pedestrian design of our Village, fire pits and outdoor stage are fun and safe for families.”

Celebrate Winter will kick off at 9:00 a.m. where locals and guests alike can spend a full 12 hours outside enjoying all that the season has to offer including skiing, snowboarding, tubing, snowshoeing and even a winter scavenger hunt through the Village. Afternoon fun includes a tour through the Village on the MJ Byrne’s Horse & Wagon rides, maple taffy on snow, ice wine, local apple and cider sampling, interactive groove dancing and ice and wood carving. Once the sun sets, look forward to a Fire & Snow party featuring Glow Groove Dancing, a torch light parade down a ski run, fire dancing and fireworks.

“The wait is over and we are inviting everyone to join us in celebrating the snow,” says Lovell. “Bundle up, embrace the season, and get outside with us at Blue.”

The complete list of winter activities taking place during Celebrate Winter can be found online at www.bluemountain.ca or www.bluemountainvillage.ca. Guests should also be reminded to call 1-877-445-0231 for snow and attraction updates.

Schedule of Events: 

10am & 2pm	Columbia Guided Snowshoe	Columbia
10am - 12pm	Snow scuplture carving	Mill Pond
10am -4pm	Winter Scavenger Hunt	Village
10am - 10pm	Mountain Scavenger Hunt	Blue Mountain
10am - 4pm	Red Prince Apple Cider Tasting	Village
10am - 4pm	Horse and Wagon Rides	Village
2pm - 4pm	Wood Sculpture Carving	Village
10am - 4pm	Ice Sculpture Carving	Village
3pm	Groove Dancing	Village
6pm-8pm	The North Face DJ Skating Party	Mill Pond
Evening FIRE AND ICE SHOW
8:30pm	Glow in the Dark Groove Dancing	Silver Bullet Plaza
9:30pm	Fire Dancing	Silver Bullet Plaza
10:15pm	Torch Light Parade	Smart Alec
10:30pm	Fireworks	Smart Alec

Ring in the Season with Jingles & Joy at Blue Mountain Village

The holiday spirit has begun at Ontario’s largest shopping and dining pedestrian Village and four-season ski resort. Just two hours north of Toronto.

Come and enjoy turn-of-the-century architecture dressed up for the season. Sleigh bells can be heard in the background as carolers stroll the cobblestone pathways and children visit Santa. Nothing welcomes the holiday season like December at Blue Mountain Village with spectacular fireworks each Saturday night at 8pm, again on Christmas Eve, and twice on New Year’s Eve.

Forget fighting for a parking space and shopping inside at the mall. Instead, enjoy the weather strolling outside through the Village, exploring the 50 unique shops and eateries. From locally-owned stores featuring original gift ideas, art, women’s fashions and home décor to Christmas décor, toys, ski wear and so much more! You’ll be sure to find something for even the most discerning folks on your list. And when it’s time to drop the bags and have a bite, there are 25 restaurants and eateries to choose from. Busy kids will love the indoor/outdoor Plunge! Aquatic Centre complete with a water slide and rope swing and just steps away is Ontario’s only exhilarating Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster - open daily this school break. If you’re in need of a little break from the hustle and bustle visit one of the two Village spas - one is just for kids!   

The Village makes a great day trip but staying the night gives you time to really take it all in. There is a complete range of excellent and affordable accommodations as well as fabulous amenities like year-round outdoor pools.

Winter’s on the way. Welcome it with Jingles & Joy at Blue Mountain Village. 

Find the complete list of shops, restaurants, spas and programs here www.bluemountainvillage.ca/jingles

Ski Resort Gets Ready for the Season While Waiting on the Weather

Even if Mother Nature isn’t quite ready for winter, Blue Mountain Resort certainly is. The Resort had initially been targeting November 27 as the start to their ski season but recently announced a delay to their opening date due to the warmer temperatures forecasted this week. “Our systems are ready to get running as soon as the weather and conditions are favourable,” says Steve Spiessman, Director of Slope and Grounds Operations. “We are taking advantage of temperatures as warm as -2.2 Celsius and snowmaking windows as short as 4 hours to get the hills open as soon as possible.”

As the official opening day gets closer, the Resort is still preparing for the busy season and looking for seasonal staff to help serve the thousands of guests Blue Mountain draws each season. To attract student talent, Blue has launched a new Tuition Assistance Program which provides eligible employees with an opportunity to receive $500 toward their post-secondary education for each consecutive season of employment. “This is a brand new program that is pretty unique to this area,” says Janet Hammond, Manager, Human Resources. “We know we will need more team members once the season kicks off and we want to do what we can to make working at Blue as great an opportunity as possible.”

Off-hill, the events in the Blue Mountain Village are also lined up and ready including Jingles and Joy, a festive welcome to winter that includes free activities for families from horse-drawn wagon rides and carolers, to fireworks and visits with Santa Claus. “The Blue Mountain Village has become a hub of activity every weekend of the season,” notes Claire Woodhouse, Events Coordinator for the Blue Mountain Village Association. “People know that if they are looking for something to do on- or off-hill in the winter, they can always find something fun to do at Blue.”
 

Blue Mountain Resort's earliest opening day was on November 25 in 1989 and a typical season starts around mid-December. The updated opening day for the season is yet to be confirmed but Blue Mountain will be providing updates on their social media accounts and on their website. Those anxiously waiting to find out when the lifts will be running can check www.bluemountain.ca or phone 1-877-445-0231 for updates.

Operators are Getting Ready to Make Snow at Blue Mountain

It will look like the ski season has started early at Blue Mountain Resort this Tuesday as the Snow Making team gets ready for the season. “We will be running our snowmaking system close to capacity this week to get ready for the upcoming season,” says Steve Spiessman, Director of Slope and Grounds Operations and resident snow whisperer at Blue. “It is still a little early to actually be making snow on the hill but testing all the snow guns will make it look very wintery on the mountain.”

According to Spiessman, this run-through is an important step in starting the season as early as possible. “We always test the system in advance so that we can make any repairs or adjustments,” notes Spiessman. A lot of snowmaking is at the mercy of the elements and ideal snowmaking conditions are a bit more complicated than a thermometer reading of zero degrees or colder.
“This year, we are running the system at near capacity and will be testing snow guns, piping systems, air compressors, water pumps, and automation software. By running this equipment now we will be able to improve our pre-season efficiency and take advantage of even the shortest snowmaking windows leading up to opening day,” Spiessman says.

Blue Mountain has Canada’s largest snowmaking system and ranks among the most powerful in North America. Over the past several years, Blue has made significant investments in its capabilities including energy efficient tower guns that operate at higher temperatures. “Of particular note is how much more efficient we are with our automation system,” says Spiessman. “We used to have to wait for 1-3 days of cold weather to make snow. Now we can take advantage of ideal snow making conditions in windows as short as 4 hours.”


The snowmaking system will be running as early as 2 p.m. Tuesday afternoon but as always, Mother Nature gets the last say as to when the hills open for the season. Guests who want to be ready for ski season as soon as possible, can take advantage of the early bird rates on season passes by visiting www.bluemountain.ca or calling 1-800-445-0231 by November 1.

Halloween Comes Early with The Haunted Hill at Blue Mountain, October 23 - 25

A weekend of Halloween-themed family fun awaits as Blue Mountain Resort transforms into The Haunted Hill from Friday, October 23^th to Sunday, October 25^th, 2015.  Come enjoy the eerie atmosphere in Blue’s Enchanted Forest, the Creepy Carnival and the Haunted Graveyard putting course.

All attraction tickets will be half price so guests can take their little goblins and ghouls to activities like the Wind Rider Triple Zips, Timber Challenge High Ropes, Climbing Wall, Plunge! Aquatic Centre, Woodlot Low Ropes, Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster and the Apex Bag jump at 50% off. Not only are the rides dressed up but Blue Mountain team members will be dressed for the occasion with fun Halloween costumes and activations.

Last year’s sold-out, signature attraction, a “Hike on Haunted Hill” will be returning once again. Presented by Theatre Collingwood in partnership with Collingwood Collegiate Institute’s and Meaford Highschool’s Drama Club, this spooky, one hour theatrical performance will take guests on a guided hike through the haunted forest of Blue Mountain Resort. Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for youth, and free for children under 5 years of age when accompanied by an adult. Performances run Friday and Saturday evening at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., with the not-so-spooky family-friendly matinee performances on Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., and Sunday Afternoon at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.  Self-guided tours of the Haunted Forest will also be available leading up to each performance on Friday October 23^rd from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m., and Saturday October 24^th from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Other Halloween activities will be taking place in the Blue Mountain Village throughout the weekend including pumpkin carving in the centre of the Village, Halloween button taking, a Trick-or-Treat Scavenger Hunt and more.


For more information aboutThe Haunted Hill at Blue Mountain, visit www.bluemountain.ca/halloween

There’s still time to get your kids into camp this summer!

Come (or come back!) to experience Beachside with activities on the water at Blue’s private beach and on some of the fun attractions at Blue! The best part? From August 24 to September 4 campers can bring a friend for FREE!

Beachside gives kids ages 11-13 a chance to get outside and pack some end-of-summer fun into the weeks before school starts again. Campers enjoy making new friends and have fun doing activities such as kayaking and stand up paddle boarding. Plus they also get to try Blue Mountain’s most sought after attractions including zip lining and high ropes course.

BEACHSIDE CAMP SAMPLE ITINERARY
MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY
AM: Beach Games PM: Ziplining	AM: Timber Challenge High Ropes PM: Beach Games	AM: Biking to Thornbury PM: Kayak from Thornbury	AM: Golf PM: Beach Games	AM: Beach Games BBQ Lunch PM: Amazing Race

To register or to get more information please call 705-445-0231
Offer applies to daily or weekly bookings at Beachside Summer Camps only.

http://www.bluemountain.ca/plunge_super_camp.htm