Edmonton Ski Club to reopen next week

After months of uncertainty, the Edmonton Ski Club will open for the remainder of the season as of next week.

With help from municipal and provincial funding, the ski club plans to operate in February and March on Thursdays and Fridays from 4:30 until 9 p.m. and on Saturdays from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.

• Edmonton Ski Club looks to reopen part-time in 2018

"We're looking forward to seeing skiers on the hill," MontyWorobec, the ski club's president, toldCBCNews Monday.

Financial struggles

The ski club has been struggling financially for years. Last fall, as the organizationwas trying to figure out whether it could reallocate its operating budget to much needed infrastructure repairs, its longstanding lease with the city was terminated.

• Edmonton Ski Club 'blindsided' by termination of ski hill lease, open to collaborating with area hills

Coun. Ben Henderson said Monday the ski club would have to be up and running to reallocate funds, or get further grant money.

He said he's glad the ski club decided to operate this winter.

"Taking a year off is always a scary thing to do. It makes it that much harder to come back," Henderson said.

• Edmonton Ski Club gets emergency funding from city

The province recently approved $600,000 in grant moneyto the ski club, over three years. The money is earmarked for capital and operating, said a government spokesperson.

"I think [with] the lifts from the government and the city, it's going to create just a way better ski hill, a better experience for Edmontoniansas a whole to come out and ski and enjoy the winter," Worobec said.

roberta.bell@cbc.ca

@roberta__bell