Haley Gustafson | Daily Press A snowboarder at the John and Melissa Besse Sports Park catches some air on a jump at the park Friday afternoon. The ski hill, located in Gladstone, officially opened for business Friday. The ski hill will feature extended hours until Jan. 4.

GLADSTONE — Residents looking to hit the slopes can now head to the John and Melissa Besse Sports Park. The park, which officially opened Friday, is featuring extended holiday hours until Jan. 4.

According to Nicole Sanderson, Gladstone parks and recreation director, holiday hours are today until Saturday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 31, and Monday, Jan. 1, from noon to 4 p.m. The extended hours are a great way family friendly way to get people outside and enjoying what the area has to offer, noted Sanderson.

“It’s always good to be able to provide this opportunity for people to enjoy over the holidays,” said Sanderson.

Prior to opening its doors, Sanderson explained the crew at the ski hill was busy making snow for 12 days, getting two of the tubing runs ready for action. The third run will open after enough natural snowfall, added Sanderson. During the extended hours, tubing will be available every day of the week, but following the 2017 holidays, tubing will only be available on the weekends.

“We’re going to be busy,” said Sanderson of the upcoming season.

Last year’s season proved to be difficult, as unseasonably warm weather struck the region causing most of the snow to melt in the area, along with making it hard to make snow at the park, noted Sanderson.

“We’re hopeful we’ll be able to stay open this year,” said Sanderson.

In addition to tubing, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the ski hill and terrain park. The terrain park offers skiers and snowboarders a chance to “catch some air” on a variety of rails, jumps and other equipment.

If residents or visitors don’t have skies, Sanderson said Mr. Bike, Ski and Fitness and Brampton Bike & Ski have skis available to rent.

Once school is back in session, the activities at the ski hill will continue. The award-winning after school program — which offers various schools across Delta County with homework help, a snack and ski lessons — will begin the Thursday following the end of winter break.

On top of all of the other activities, residents and visitors alike will soon be able to enjoy the city’s ice skating rink. This year, the rink has been moved to a new location outside the Gladstone Beach House, said Sanderson. The beach house itself will serve as the warming center for area skaters.

While the recreation department hasn’t started to flood the rink just yet, Sanderson said workers are waiting for cooler temperatures.

For more information about the Gladstone Ski Hill, visit its Facebook page at Gladstone Ski Hill or check the city of Gladstone’s website for a live stream camera of the action on the hill.