SASKATOON - Saskatoon’s Optimist Hill, in its sixth season of operation, is holding closing weekend events March 29.
Saskatoon’s Optimist Hill winter recreation venue opened in February of 2019, for 21 days before season’s end. The first full season was cut short due to the arrival of COVD-19 pandemic prescribed shut downs. The following season also included multiple COVID-19 restrictions to follow but the next season had minimal restrictions that were later lifted. The winter sports option in the Bridge City has been fully operational ever since.
Maxine Tebbe, General Manager of Optimist Hill, says, “Optimist Hill is a non-profit organization that relies on grants, donations and revenue to operate the facility.”
Tebbe acknowledges that challenges can be imminent being that they operate as a ski hill and know they are weather dependant, and cannot forecast what days they are able to open or how long the season will last.
“We started using a product called SnowMax in 2022/2023 season which is combined with the water to make better snow, snow at warmer temperatures and to better utilize the water to make more snow with the same amount of water. This product allows us to open earlier, save on utilities (power and water), extend our season and offer a better product throughout the season. We were only closed 14 regular days since opening at the end of November. Last season we were closed 10 days but opened two weeks less than 2024/2025 season,” says the rec. venue’s GM.
Tebbe adds, “The vandalism and criminal activity happen every year... from people tagging our buildings, to breaking into the chalet and stealing, to stealing tools from the maintenance building. We have some great business partners in the community that have given us some great deals on products or services to deal with the negative activity. Each season more security cameras are added and better locks on the buildings, more lights to better see activity. Like every small business, we get what we can to continue operating and continue providing a service and pray that nothing breaks until parts can be received."
Acknowledges highlights this season
Optimist Hill saw some highlights this year as they continually try to add on events they offer each season, and continue building ones that they already have.
“We partnered with SK Snowboard and had a provincial Rail Jam here again this season. We also worked together to offer Groms programs to get more youth interested in snowboarding. We brought in SkiJoring at the beginning of March. Skijoring is using horses to pull skiers and snowboarders across the flat land to perform tricks on moguls and jumps. This was exciting to see the mix of snow sports with horses.”
The annual Slush Cup is scheduled for March 29 weekend, and each year Tebbe notes that they see more participants and spectators coming out and enjoying as the season’s end, signaling spring. This year’s event will include a polar plunge, pond skim with tubes, rail jam, vendors, draws and much more in addition to toonie hot dogs, and burger available complemented with beer gardens and fire pits to stay warm.
As with many seasonal recreation venues, challenges are often in funding and community perception.
“To operate a ski hill, capital needs to be purchased as well as maintained. The snow guns currently being used were from Blackstrap and need to be replaced but comes with a price tag of $150,000 for two guns. The two conveyor lifts need to be serviced annually and repairs can run us into five figures. The snowcat also needs annual service. We are trying to expand on a small budget. The community, for the most part, are great supporters but there are still some that believe we are a city-run facility. I also get some 'missing the free hill',” says Tebbe.
Optimist Hill employs 58 staff, one of which is full time and the remainder are seasonal part time.
Offerings, options and creating future opportunities
For Tebbe, just because the hill’s season is over doesn’t mean her work is as she has already started planning for next season.
“Grants are due throughout the year and are applied for, too. We also work with other community partners to offer events here in the summer months. From concerts to festivals, we are building an event venue.”
This season included programs like Groms and Mini-Groms, which is a learn-to-snowboard program. Next season, the venue will offer a learn to ski program as well as showcase the freestyle club and alpine racing, to further develop these programs in Saskatoon. Skijoring was added this season with a ton of positive reviews.
Tebbe says the plans are to turn this seasonal venue into a year-round facility. Funding is being sought to expand and offer summer tubing, which would include a slip and slide.
“We are also entering phase 2 of our original plans and that is a permanent chalet with all departments under one roof as well as a convention room and kitchen. And to keep developing our partnerships to offer more events.”
Every Friday in September, Optimist Hill offers a ‘Movie in the Park” series and is expanding that offering to include a musical group before the movie. The rec. venue’s GM says they are also open to discussing ideas to partner with other groups.
