Daily Press file photo Reece Baldobski shows off his snowboarding skills by practicing jumps off a wooden ramp at the John and Melissa Besse Sports Park Ski Hill in this file photo. The ski hill opening has been delayed this year due to mild temperatures and lack of snow.

GLADSTONE — The ski hill in Gladstone is scheduled to open next month, a little later than initially planned.

The Gladstone City Ski Hill at the John and Melissa Besse Sports Park on North Bluff Drive was set to open this week, but the weather had other plans.

“The ski hill was set to open on December 21st, but with the unseasonably warm temperatures, we have to hold off on opening. If Mother Nature cooperates, our next target opening date is January 11th,” said Parks and Recreation Director Wendy Taavola.

Hopefully, the weather will cooperate and bring more of the white stuff needed for skiing, sledding and more.

She said the city hired 17 seasonal workers and has a few remaining openings for ski lift operators.

“The Gladstone Skill Hill has been a fixture of the community since the 1970s. The family ski hill is comprised of four beginners to intermediate runs along with a terrain park. The hill is also home to three tubing runs. There are two tow ropes and two wire cable tows operating to serve the hill. The ski chalet was built around 1974; it includes a ski patrol office, a large banquet room, a full kitchen, bathrooms, and a brand-new deck across the back that overlooks Little Bay de Noc,” Taavola explained.

She added that the ski chalet will again have a concession stand for patrons, but she and her team are working to add to it this season.

“We are working to provide an ice rink that will be open during hill hours. This fall, we cleared the area of trees and graded the terrain to house the rink. The warm temperatures have affected this as well, but we remain hopeful,” she said.

The ski hill’s after-school program will also return next month. This program has served hundreds of local children over the years. The annual program runs from January to March, but Taavola said the opening is delayed due to a lack of snow.

Once open, the ski hill will be open on Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 4 to 8 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from 12 to 6 p.m., and Tuesday and Wednesday.

The tubing hill is only open on Saturdays and Sundays.

According to the City of Gladstone website, gift certificates from the 2024 ski season will be honored this year.

“Please watch for updates regarding the ski hill opening on the City of Gladstone webpage and Facebook page. You can always call parks and recreation at (906) 428-2311,” Taavola said.

The city’s website regarding the ski hill can be found at www.gladstonemi.gov/parks-and-recreation/page/gladstone-ski-hill.