The past year has been an active one for our organization Our board was busy in 2016 with efforts to strengthen our business.
Our business provides winter recreation to many of the region’s citizens. We could not do that without the commitment of our volunteers. Volunteers which provided more than 1055 hours of service in 2016 with the board members separately contributing over 120 hours of volunteer service last summer alone.
We could not operate without financial support; support that is critical to paying our bills. Area donors and sponsorship’s contributed more than $18,000 to support our organization in 2016/17 so far. That is about a 5000% increase from 2015/16.
To those of you who are not involved, I ask that you consider volunteering, and/or financially contributing to our organization.
Caroline Sherrer
General Manager
In closing
We have decided to table the tube park project as it would increase our debt load and increase operating costs for the season and we did not feel it would be in the best interest of the business to move forward with this capital improvement at this time.
We did purchase new rental ski boots to begin replacing worn and damaged equipment as this was part of a fundraising campaign.
We had guests visit Mt.Timothy from Germany, France, New Jersey, California, in BC from the Lower Mainland, Okanagan, Vancouver Island and Northern BC
Our main goal moving forward is to be as fiscally conservative as we can with our operation. We will be concentrating our energies on our core product and our current assets.
Looking ahead
New this season will be upgraded internet provided by CP Electronics which will allow us to place webcams on our new website for real-time weather conditions as well as better internet for our guests both in the lodge and outside.
I have created a part-time events coordinator position to help us grow our events at the hill as I feel this is an area which can help to introduce new users to Mt.Timothy and increase our skier visits. We are planning on several alpine races, live music and terrain park competitions so far.
Season Pass revenue for the 2016/17 is to date at a 72% increase from last season pass sales revenue.
The Cariboo Regional District has approved an energy efficiency grant for Mt.Timothy through the Community Works Fund. They have awarded us $49,000 to repair our day lodge roof and insulation, a new pellet stove, replacing doors and increase the lighting in the vehicle maintenance shop as well as new UV filters for our water treatment system.
To get to a balanced budget we did have to make a few compromises this season and have decided to not operate the lower carpet, T-Bar and Platter lifts. We are hoping to be able to put these lifts back into the mix next season. The Red Chair and upper carpet are both running great after off-season maintenance and they have received their operating licenses.
We will begin operations December 16th, weather permitting, and open 7 days a week until January 2nd excluding Christmas Day. Thereafter we will operate 4 days per week from Thursday through Sunday from 9am-3:30pm. We will also be open for BC Family Day February 13 with all day tickets being 50% off. We will be going to spring hours again beginning March 9th opening from 10am to 4:30pm and then closing operations March 26th.
Let it snow!