by Karina Hunter

Cody gets to work cutting some small trees.

Ed Hedderson, president of the Kiwissa Ski Club is once again directing hill preparations for the coming season of skiing and snowboarding at Kiwissa Ski Club. Hedderson and Rob Scapinello who each volunteer countless hours at the hill were there this weekend, welcoming Manitouwadge High School students who had come to earn community service hours.  After some brief training from Hedderson in regards to using the brush clearing equipment, Derek Labbée, Cody Oseicki and Lloyd White got to work clearing twigs and small trees off the Main Run and T-Bar Lift path. 

Lloyd and Cody focused on their work.

There is much work to be done at the hill including more brush clearing, putting up siding, indoor and outdoor painting and more without a lot of time remaining before the snow begins to fall.  Last year’s extended season thanks to snowmaking capabilities and lighting improvements which opened the Bunny Run to night skiers for the first time meant Kiwissa, and of course Manitouwadge as a whole, welcomed many skiers and snowboarders from surrounding communities.  It is important that the quality of our hill be maintained to continue drawing these tourists in to enjoy the first class ski experience offered at Kiwissa; volunteering for pre-season preparations at the hill, whether for an hour or an entire weekend, is a great way to contribute to tourism in our community.  Kiwissa Ski Club is always looking for new volunteers and is a great place for students wanting to complete community hours; if you are interested in giving your time call Ed Hedderson @ 826-4926 to learn how you can help.