The Local Weekly The heart and soul of our communities with news and information about the Sunshine Coast
During the 2020-2021 winter season, snowshoers, cross-country skiers and snow sledders headed for Dakota Ridge in record numbers.
“Dakota Ridge is always busy in the winter, especially during the holiday break, but this season, partly due to the pandemic, the facility saw a big increase in sales of season passes over last year’s season, especially for families,” said Sam Adams, SCRD parks planning coordinator.
Season pass sales in 2019/2020 were $11,422 compared to 2020/2021, which were $19,217.
Dakota Ridge’s success is due in part to a growing group of volunteers who graciously provide their time to assist with operations and management, monitoring the trails, and answering questions.
“Quite simply, a huge part of the success of Dakota Ridge is down to the community of volunteers – I would like to recognize the tremendous contributions they make in order to create an experience for visitors each and every year,” said Adams.
Dakota Ridge is a 620-hectare (1,532 acres) plateau, featuring 20 kilometres of world-class cross-country ski trails (classic and skate), four kilometres of groomed snowshoe trails, three kilometres of wilderness snowshoe trails, and a family-friendly sledding area. The area tops out at 1,200 metres and is beautifully surrounded by old-growth hemlock, balsam and yellow cedar trees with views of Vancouver Island, the Salish Sea and the North Shore mountains.
“The last day of operations for the 2020/2021 season is Wednesday, March 31,” said Adams. “Snow conditions have been excellent, so there’s still time to get up there and enjoy. While doing so, please remember to practice physical distancing (staying two metres apart), and if you are feeling sick, please stay home.”
As spring progresses, the road to Dakota Ridge will start to degrade and become soft and muddy, so please drive with caution and check regular updates on road conditions on the Dakota Ridge Facebook Page.
More information about Dakota Ridge can be found at www.scrd.ca/dakota-ridge.
Submitted by SCRD
