The Drayton Valley Brazeau Snow Club, a beloved community institution operating since 1965, has announced its permanent closure, marking the end of an era for the town and surrounding areas. The non-profit organization, which provided a local skiing opportunity just north of the townsite, struggled for years against the increasing challenges of unpredictable weather patterns and escalating insurance costs, ultimately leading to the difficult decision to cease operations. This closure represents a significant loss for the community, particularly for those who grew up enjoying the hill and benefiting from its presence.
The primary factor contributing to the closure is the increasingly erratic winter weather, a trend observed over the past several years. Warmer temperatures and a lack of consistent snowfall have severely limited the hill’s operating season. In the last seven winters, the ski hill was only operational for a total of three seasons, with limited periods of being open four days a week. The unpredictable nature of snowfall, with significant accumulations rapidly melting away, created an environment of operational uncertainty. This inconsistency made it difficult to maintain the necessary infrastructure and, crucially, to secure the reliable volunteer base needed to run the facility.
The Drayton Valley Brazeau Snow Club relied heavily on volunteers for its operations, from staffing the hill to maintaining equipment. The unpredictable weather made scheduling volunteers challenging, as shifts could be cancelled at short notice due to unfavorable conditions. This inconsistency, coupled with the increasing demands on people’s time and the diverse range of volunteer opportunities available, made it increasingly difficult to secure the consistent volunteer support necessary for the hill’s operation. The lack of a steady volunteer base ultimately became a significant contributing factor to the club’s closure.
Adding to the weather-related challenges, the club faced escalating insurance premiums, a burden they ultimately couldn’t sustain. Initially, Brazeau County covered the insurance costs, but this support eventually ceased. The Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) stepped in to provide some relief, but in 2022, they were unable to renew the $14,000 premium. This decision stemmed from increasing insurance claims related to ski hills across Canada, making such facilities a higher risk for insurers. Despite exploring all available options, the RMA, recognizing the need to maintain the long-term sustainability of its broader insurance program, determined that continuing coverage for ski hills was not feasible.
The closure of the Drayton Valley Brazeau Snow Club represents a significant loss for the community, extending beyond the realm of recreational activity. For many, including club president Randy Beckett, the hill held a deeper significance, providing a positive outlet for youth and contributing to the overall well-being of the community. Beckett, who has been involved with the non-profit for the past eight years, expressed the emotional toll of the closure, particularly for those who have been involved with the club for many years. He emphasized the role the ski hill played in keeping kids engaged and out of trouble, highlighting the social value of the facility beyond its recreational purpose.
In the wake of the closure, the club’s equipment, including snow tubes, skis, helmets, furniture, and other belongings, has been transferred to Team Auction and will be available for public bidding through an online auction ending on December 11th. The 42 acres of land on which the ski hill sits will also be auctioned off in March, with 50% of the commission proceeds being donated to a charity chosen by Beckett. This decision reflects a desire to leave a positive legacy and support a worthy cause, even as the club closes its doors. Beckett acknowledges the difficult decision to shut down, but emphasizes the necessity of facing the realities of the situation and making the responsible choice for the long-term. He expresses gratitude to the community and organizations that have supported the non-profit for the past 60 years, recognizing the collective effort that kept the ski hill operating for so long.
