歪歪漫画

BEMIDJI -- With freezing temperatures and the first snowfall in the area, plenty of folks have begun wondering when they can hit the slopes again and enjoy the beloved winter pastime of skiing.

鈥淧eople have already been calling to see if we鈥檙e open,鈥� said Laurie Schaper, Buena Vista Ski Area鈥檚 fourth generation operator and group services coordinator.

Last year, the ski area had a delayed start to the season when it opened in late December. At the time, pandemic regulations restricted some of its service offerings, and Schaper said she and her family were unsure of how the season would pan out.

鈥淲e were a little skeptical of how the year would be. A lot of things were virtual, so we didn鈥檛 have school or church groups,鈥� said Schaper. 鈥淏ut it was actually pretty busy and a good year. I think a lot of people just wanted to get out, and skiing is something you鈥檙e mostly outside for anyway.鈥�

Suzanne Thomas, owner of Buena Vista and Schaper鈥檚 mother, said the ski area even saw increased ticket sales, which she also attributes to people鈥檚 increased desire to get out of the house last winter.

While conditions aren鈥檛 quite ready for snowmaking as of now, plans are underway to get the ski area and its guests ready for the upcoming 72nd season, which doesn鈥檛 have an official start date yet. Schaper said they have tentative plans to begin snowmaking next week, and they recently added a new grooming machine with updated features to their fleet.

鈥淚 think it will be a lot easier to operate, and it will work a bit better on the hills,鈥� said Schaper. 鈥淥ne thing we really take pride in is grooming our hills, and making the conditions really nice for any ability to come on and ski.鈥�

Then, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 20, Buena Vista will hold its annual Welcome to Winter open house, which includes a ski and snowboard swap and ski patrol fundraiser -- with a portion of the consignment sales going to its ski patrol for training and medical education. Ski and snowboard gear should be brought to Buena Vista for swap from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 19, or from 8 to 9:30 a.m. on Saturday.

The day is also an opportunity for people to purchase their season passes or snow passes, Schaper added. But if unable to attend, passes can be bought on the Buena Vista or by calling the ski area at (218) 243-2231 .

鈥淭he ski swap brings out a lot of people because they love to look at the equipment and sell their own,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he season passes are such a good deal if you come out here frequently, or, even if you come out here a handful of times, the snow passes pay off.鈥�

During the open house, there will be various vendors in attendance showing the latest in winter gear. Free pizza, drinks and Raphael鈥檚 Bakery cookies will be available to guests, who can also participate in free drawings.

The ski area is also looking to fill multiple job positions and will be holding open interviews on Saturday as well. Schaper said those interested in applying should come by that day, fill out an application and then hang around for an interview.

With renewed interest from groups and no current COVID-19 mandates from the Minnesota Ski Association, Schaper is hopeful the upcoming season and winter events at Buena Vista will look as they did prior to the pandemic.

鈥淚 think we鈥檙e on track for probably the same events that we鈥檝e had in the past, like cross country races,鈥� said Schaper.

Annalise Braught / Bemidji Pioneer

And as opening day is on the horizon, both Schaper and Thomas said they鈥檙e looking forward to being reunited with guests and employees, new and old -- their 鈥渨inter family."

鈥淲inter is a tough time for people sometimes, and being outside and skiing is just so good mentally and physically because you鈥檙e getting that fresh air and Vitamin D,鈥� said Schaper. 鈥淲e are just super excited to get back into the season, and see all the fresh snow and the enthusiasm that it brings. We鈥檙e excited to bring some joy again to people this year.鈥�

1/9: Buena Vista Ski Area is located at 19600 Irvine Avenue NW, about 15 miles north of Bemidji. (Annalise Braught / Bemidji Pioneer)

2/9: Memorabilia spanning over 70 years of Buena Vista Ski Area's history will be on display at its annual open house on Saturday, Nov. 20. (Annalise Braught / Bemidji Pioneer)

3/9: Buena Vista Ski Area is preparing for its 72nd season, and recently acquired a new groomer, which will help drive the ski area's grooming standards. (Annalise Braught / Bemidji Pioneer)

4/9: Buena Vista Ski Area is located at 19600 Irvine Avenue NW, about 15 miles north of Bemidji. (Annalise Braught / Bemidji Pioneer)

5/9: Buena Vista Ski Area is preparing for its 72nd season, and recently acquired a new groomer, which will help drive the ski area's grooming standards. (Annalise Braught / Bemidji Pioneer)

6/9: Buena Vista Ski Area's ski and snowboard swap is open to the public, and attendees can shop for gently used winter sporting equipment. Contributed

7/9: A wall of memories spanning over 70 years of Buena Vista Ski Area's history will be on display at its annual open house on Saturday, Nov. 20. (Annalise Braught / Bemidji Pioneer)

8/9: A portion of the consignment sales from Buena Vista Ski Area's ski and snowboard swap goes to its ski patrol for training and medical education. (Annalise Braught / Bemidji Pioneer) Annalise Braught / Bemidji Pioneer

9/9: Lily Schaper, fifth generation of the Buena Vista Ski Resort family, decorates a Christmas tree in preparation for the ski area's open house on Saturday, Nov. 20. (Annalise Braught / Bemidji Pioneer)