Autumn has arrived. Leaves are falling, temperatures are cooling and it’s clear that snow will soon be upon us. Ski season is on its way, and for Strathcona team members in the Lloydminster area, the Mount Joy Snow Resort will open with some new but familiar signage in place.
Strathcona is investing $150,000 over three years to support the Mount Joy Snow Resort, the only resort of its kind in east-central Alberta.
“Mount Joy began as a ski hill, but over its nearly 60 years of operation, it has expanded to include trail systems, bike paths and nature-based learning programs. It’s become a year-round space for outdoor pursuits of all kinds,” shares Greg Nohnychuk, Manager Operations – SK Thermal at Strathcona. “For local people and families, including a lot of our employees, many memories are made at Mount Joy. There isn’t another similar facility for hundreds of kilometers.”
Grade three and five students learn about plants and shrubs used by Indigenous Peoples that continue to grow naturally at Mount Joy, part of the Blackfoot Hills.
Strathcona’s support will help the resort to maintain operations, upgrade facilities, expand school and learning programs and continue to explore additional year-round recreation options. It will also contribute to the hiring of a full-time staff member, something the resort has never had before.
“Up until this point, Mount Joy has been entirely volunteer managed. It’s incredible what volunteers have done to grow the resort and help it to thrive,” says Greg. “It’s because of the resort’s popularity and success that it’s time to have someone dedicated to Mount Joy’s operation. That’s a significant milestone. The volunteer team should be proud of what they’ve achieved.”
An opening date for Mount Joy’s 2024/2025 ski season hasn’t yet been set. However, with increased snow making capability and a newly renovated rentals building, it’s sure to be a great year for local snow sport enthusiasts.
