BROOKVALE - Islanders are proving their love for the outdoors. Brookvale Provincial Ski Park reported a record-breaking opening week.
The 2011 ski season kicked off on Saturday, Jan. 8 with more than 1,000 skiers and snowboarders hitting the slopes.
Park manager Allan Matters said anticipation played a role in the opening week boom.
"Last year we opened on Jan. 3 and this year we didn't open until the 8th so we were a little later," said Matters.
On Saturday, Brookvale's second weekend of the season, numbers were shaping up to meet the park's opening day.
Matters believes the abundance of skiers and snowboarders has a lot to do with the weather.
"We're getting the crowds due to the weather. It's nice warm temperatures that we're getting. When it's really cold out its perfect for making snow but people don't want to be outside. Right now it's just barely cold enough to make snow but it's the perfect temperature to the crowd out," he reasoned.
Brookvale Ski Park had a record number of skiers and snowboarders enjoy their facilities and Matters said with Mother Nature's cooperation things are looking good to make 2011 another record-breaking year.
There are seven runs of 11 open for downhill use and 25 kilometres of cross-country ski trails. Brookvale Ski Park conditions, rates and hours of operation are available online at tourismpei.com.
anicholson@journalpioneer.com
