All the snow is quickly turning to water as another season ends at the Drumheller Valley Ski Hill, and by most indications, it was a good season for the valley’s winter recreation institution.
    Manager of the ski hill, Zrinko Amerl, describes the year as a break even season. That said, the hill met its goals.
    “We started later than we wanted to, but the goal this year was to provide a consistent product,” said Amerl. “When we were open we had good snow, the runs were well maintained and there were no issues with the lift, or the cat.”
    “Now, next year we are going to expand.”
    In some ways, signs of expansion have already begun. With an arsenal of seven snow guns and a new second lift on the way, considerable investment into the hill is setting up continued expansion.
    Before the snow flies again however, there are plans to add more activity to the hill.
    This summer a number of endeavours are planned for the hill including hiking, mountain biking and even horseback riding.
    Amerl says the hill has developed about two hours of bike trails, but will be adding more with the help of inmate labour from the Drumheller Institution. He hopes to have up to 18 hours of trails available on the hill for all levels of riding skill. There will also be interpretive hiking trails that will explore the natural landscape and the impressive vistas of the valley. The hill will run either a shuttle service or the lift to transport walkers and bikers to the summit, depending on numbers.
    “The view is what we have to sell in the Badlands,” said Amerl. A                  dding attractions at the hills will spin off to other business and attractions in the valley.
    The first plateau on the ski hill will serve as a base for many of the activities including light camping. This will allow cyclists to make it more than just a day trip, allow them a place to tent for the evening and continue to explore the trails. The site will allow small groups to camp. The plateau will also be the base for horse riding trails. He says they will start with a small stable to try out the initiative.
    While they will not be able to operate out of the lodge, Amerl says they are planning to open a teahouse at the top of the lift with full licensed food services.
    Details of the spring and summer season activities will be  available at www.skidrumheller.com or on their Facebook fan page.

    Direct Energy and the Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association (AWNA) are inviting applications from Albertans for the 2010 Volunteer Citizen of the Year award.
    The award is part of a program designed to recognize the significant efforts of volunteers who contribute to make their communities a better place.
    “We’re looking forward to once again recognizing individuals who work hard to make our communities great places to live,” said AWNA President George Brown. “The selfless actions of past winners and many of the other nominees often go unrewarded. This program is designed to showcase appreciation for their efforts. The Volunteer Citizen of the Year Award is a great opportunity to recognize invaluable volunteers who benefit your community.”
    The contest runs through National Volunteer Week, taking place April 18 - 24, and nominations close Monday, May 7.
    The award winner will receive:
$1,000 cash prize;
$5,000 cash grant to the winner’s organization/cause of choice in their respective community;
recognition of their achievement through a commemorative award, article and photo to be published in AWNA newspapers across Alberta;
$1,000 cash grant to four semi-finalists’ organization/cause of choice in their respective communities; and
special recognition of the four semi-finalists.
    The award is open to residents within a community served by an AWNA member newspaper. 
    Applicants can nominate themselves or be nominated by another individual or a group. 
    The nomination should include an account in a maximum of 750 words of the specific contribution an individual or group has made to the local community through improving the quality of life for fellow residents.
    They should also profile the nominee’s organization or cause of choice to receive the $5,000 cash grant and how the donation will be used.
    Nominations must be submitted by May 7, 2010 by post to Maurizia Hinse, AWNA, 3228 Parsons Road, Edmonton, T6N 1M2 or by fax to 780-438-8356.
    A selection committee, formed of two representatives from the AWNA and two appointed by Direct Energy, will review award applications and select the finalists and winning individual or group.

For more info…

Nomination forms can be picked up from The Drumheller Mail office located at 515 Hwy 10 East, Drumheller.
Or you can find a nomination form online at www.awna.com/awards_volunteer.php or www.directenergy.com/vcoy.