Montreal

Eastern Townships ski season worst in decades

It’s being described as one of the worst ski seasons since the 1960s.

Balmy temperatures caused 'one of the hardest seasons' for ski hills

The lift in Mont Sutton hasn't run since the ski centre closed for the season on March 28. (Kate McKenna/CBC)

It's being described as one of the worst ski seasons since the 1960s.

It may only be April 1, but many ski hills in the Eastern Townships are already either partially or entirely closed after a shorter-than-average season.

December was also temperate, causing some of the hills to lose out on coveted Christmas vacation revenue.

With the exception of its boutique and main office, Mont Sutton has been totally closed since March 28.

Mireille Simard, communications co-ordinator for Mont Sutton, said the ski hill hosts events year-round to offset financial losses during shorter-than-average seasons. (Kate McKenna/CBC)

The mountain's communications co-ordinator said the ski season has been especially tough in the Eastern Townships.

"Mother Nature maybe forgot the Eastern Townships for snowfall, but every season and every winter is different," said Mireille Simard.

"It's been one of the hardest seasons."

Despite opening later and closing earlier, Simard said that when the hill was open the ski conditions were quite good.

Simard said the hill is already planning for next year.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kate McKenna is a senior reporter with CBC News. She is based in the parliamentary bureau. kate.mckenna@cbc.ca.