Horseshoe set to open 50th ski season

Horseshoe, a Skyline Resort in Barrie, Ont. is kicking off its 50th ski season this weekend with an unexpected early opening tomorrow (Dec. 1). Two ski runs, Ponytail and Steeplechase, will be open along with 15 km of groomed Nordic trails and 10 km of snowshoe trails. “Mother Nature has been kind and the conditions have been better than expected for snowmaking, so we’re excited to welcome our ski season guests a bit earlier this year at Horseshoe,”says Sean Billing, general manager. “We have lots in store to commemorate our 50th anniversary and this is an ideal start. We look forward to making this year the best ski season yet.”Horseshoe Resort has introduced several ski and snowboard packages designed for both beginners and experts. The Discover Ski & Boarding package starts from $249 a night and includes everything first-time skiers need — accommodation, breakfast, one alpine lift ticket, ski or snowboard rentals and a 1.5-hour group lesson. More advanced skiers and snowboarders can take advantage of the Ski & Stay special, which includes accommodations, breakfast and a lift ticket from $129 a night. New this season, lift tickets will be valid on the day of check-in through the day of check-out, giving guests extra hours on the hill. (http://www.horseshoeresort.com)