Dave Bishop is officially in countdown mode as Sir Sam’s Ski/Ride edges closer to reopening for the 2025/26 winter season.
Slopes at the Haliburton County landmark will be slick for opening day Dec. 13, Bishop said, with at least two runs, potentially three expected to be in operation this weekend. It will mark the beginning of Sir Sam’s 61st season, with the hill welcoming people annually since 1965.
“We’re in great shape and the forecast has really been on our side,” Bishop told The Highlander during a Dec. 8 interview. “Last year we opened on the same weekend, but we’ve been very fortunate this year. Mother Nature has been very generous – the cold temperatures we’ve been getting mean the hill is in great shape.”
Bishop said crews have been working around the clock for weeks getting things ready. After a strong early snowfall in November, staff groomed whatever naturally fell and started adding to it with manufactured snow. Bishop said there’s eight-to-ten inches of real snow, with the rest topped up by machines that have been running 24/7 so far this month.
It will likely be a quiet opening weekend, Bishop said, with things really getting into full swing for Boxing Day.
“We will be opening at least two lifts and two runs, potentially three runs, depending on how things go this week. Everything is on target for a great season,” Bishop said.
“Last year, we opened on the same weekend. In 2024, we had a good early snowfall and then started getting into warmer temperatures. This year, it’s been a little bit different. Kind of the opposite of that, where we had a bit of snow but the colder temperatures have really enabled us to build a good base [with the machines],” Bishop added.
While they won’t be in operation this weekend, Bishop said upgrades to the upper tunnel and pony lifts have been completed. The structures will re-debut Dec. 26.
Saying there’s nothing especially new people need to know this year, Bishop said he expects the ski hill to be open every day between now and spring 2026, other than Christmas Day. To ski, people can purchase day passes, booklets that grant up to eight visits, or season passes.
Sir Sam’s boasts 12 runs and five ski lifts, a heated chalet, and on-site ski shop operated by Delancey Sports.
There will be themed festivities through the ski hill’s opening two weekends – Dec. 13 there’s a ‘Jingle Mingle’ holiday party beginning at 6 p.m., tickets required, while Dec. 20 is Sir Sam’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony, starting at 4 p.m.
Asked what people should know, or consider, before their first run of the season, Bishop recommended everybody take things slow to start.
“Don’t come in thinking you’re going to be 100 per cent ready to go. Start off slow and steady, build up to that perfect run,” Bishop said. “It’s important to build the stamina back up, for people to get their body familiar with the slopes again – then everyone should be just fine.”
