Powder Ridge Ski Hill Opens To Public On Thursday

(KNSI) – Powder Ridge in Kimball opens to the public for the first time this winter season on Thursday.

Skiers will have a chance to hit some of the slopes, but not all. Assistant General Manager Shelby Hedtke says they start the snow machines on the easier runs first and eventually branch out.

“We always try to start with our beginner runs first, just because we want to make sure our beginners have the runs to go down as needed, and then we just kind of start working our way through the hill as far as going from easier to more expert runs.”

Hedtke says early in the season, Powder Ridge typically sees pass holders and younger children. It will diversify as area high schools send clubs and competitive teams out, and everyone is in the act by about Christmas time.

Hedtke says there’s more to the hill than just skiing and snowboarding. Tubing is one of Powder Ridge’s most popular attractions. “One of the nice things with tubing is there is no skill required, so anyone can do it. We always say any age from four to 94, anybody can do it.”

Live music takes over Chester’s Bar and Grill on Saturday nights. You can enjoy a meal without ever taking on the trails.

Hedtke says the hill stays open as long as possible. In a typical year, runs begin to deteriorate in mid-March. Hedtke says Powder Ridge welcomed skiers last year until the end of March due to persistently cold temperatures.

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