AVESTA awards Ski Martock

The Annapolis Valley is known for its summer and fall tourist seasons, but winter is when things heat up for Ski Martock.

As a host hill for the 2011 Canada Winter Games the Windsor area ski hill is a key recreational venue in the area. It will be recognized for its contribution during the Annapolis Valley Events and Sport Tourism Association (AVESTA) awards luncheon, in Kentville November 13. “In selecting our first-ever awards recipients, there were a number of organizations that immediately came to mind,” says AVESTA Chairperson Hal Baird. “Martock has been a driving force in the province for many years, producing countless events and will be an important facility during the 2011 Canada Winter games. “We are proud to announce that Martock will receive the Venue of the Year award for its significant contribution to tourism, economic growth and the development of athletes in the region.” Upgrades underway

In the last year, Martock has invested millions on upgrades to create prime conditions for the 2011 games. In preparation for the Canada Games, Martock has installed additional snow guns and widened and graded downhill trails for snowboard cross, parallel giant slalom and half-pipe events

The hill has also doubled its Nordic ski acreage and installed facilities for the biathlon.

Andy McLean says local athletes and downhill enthusiasts will always be their primary customers. “We’ve been hosting events since this was a ski hill and for us, it is just as important to have 1,000 local kids at an event as it is a dozen from around North America,” Maclean says. “Local participation is key and we run the gamete, from grass roots to the elite athletic events. We make sure everyone can participate.”

All upgrades will be in operation for this years ski season, he says, meaning an enhanced experience those who frequent the hill this winter.

As the only ski resort in the Annapolis Valley, McLean says Martock has to offer a top-notch venue. “If there are going to be ski and snowboard events we are it. We have that responsibility.”

Guaranteeing snow is important, he adds. “If we don’t have snow by opening day, we need to make it so that there is a good season for everyone.”

Expanding reach

Owner Heather Boylan says the facility is no longer a day resort; over the years it has become a weekend destination for those outside Windsor/West Hants, too.

She notes the addition of overnight accommodations in the area, like Super 8 and Falls Lake, helps promote longer stays. “It’s like a mini vacation. People can come and relax and not worry about commuting home every night. The more of that we have in Windsor the better.” “We do draw a lot of people to this area with the majority coming from Halifax but it is nice to be recognized locally, in our own community,” Boylan says.

AVESTA’s Baird says the organization is mindful of the Valley’s track record hosting major regional, national and international events. The awards recognize those who are working hard to enhance infrastructure, tourism, economic growth and the development of athletes in the region. “We all have one thing in common: promoting the Annapolis Valley as a great location to host an event,” he says.

AVESTA was formed in the spring of 2007 to facilitate the Annapolis Valley’s growth as a leading destination for sport and event tourism in Atlantic Canada. Spanning West Hants, Kings and parts of Annapolis County, AVESTA is comprised of representatives of local municipalities, sporting associations, educational institutions, businesses, provincial representatives and economic development associations.

Side bar

Economic Impact of Ski-Martock

Courtesy of Dr. Brian VanBlarcom, Economics Department, Acadia University -60,000 ski trips per year by visitors -Visitor spending of $2 million per year. -200 full and part-time jobs -$4.2 million upgrade for 2011 Canada Games - As part of the 2011 Canada games will host 2,700 athletes and thousands of visitors, VIPs, officials and media

Web links: www.avesta.ns.ca

www.martock.com