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January 22, 1998
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)


Winter tourism activity growing

Winter recreation activities are in high gear in many parts of the province with seasonal weather conditions setting an excellent stage for traditional winter pursuits.

"From Clarenville to Steady Brook to Smokey Mountain, winter activities are underway, highlighting the full potential of the province's winter tourism product," says Tourism, Culture and Recreation Minister Sandra Kelly.

"Marble Mountain is reporting its best skiing conditions in a couple of years, while White Hills just outside Clarenville has had excellent snow, and seen a constant flow of traffic since the season began, " Ms. Kelly says. "In addition, Gander's `Runway' slopes have opened, and are receiving their heaviest use since opening two year ago."

Kelly noted that thanks to an incredible effort by the staff of Baie Verte's Copper Creek Ski Hill, the facility has also commenced operations for the season.

"This is great news, and with more snow in the forecast for Baie Verte over the next couple of days, it's a very encouraging sign," the minister said.

Kelly noted that weather conditions in northeastern, central and western Newfoundland have been very favourable, underscoring the huge winter potential the province has for the winter tourism market.

"Because there's been so little snow on the Avalon Peninsula this winter, a large portion of our population probably isn't aware of how great the skiing conditions are at Marble Mountain, White Hills and the Runway," the minister said. "With such optimum winter conditions in these areas, I'd encourage our residents to sample the fantastic outdoor experiences that await."

Kelly noted the excellent conditions are also helping the growth of another winter pursuit. "The announcement this month of plans for a network of snowmobile trails on the island has generated a great amount of interest," Kelly says. "With even an average winter, our unrivalled terrain and scenery can serve as significant draws for the recreational snowmobile market."

Kelly notes that Labrador has an established network of snowmobile trails and activities, and the timing is right to develop and promote the winter experiences which can be found in the province as a whole.

"The great conditions of Labrador will be highlighted during the Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games this March in Labrador West and of course, in 1999 Corner Brook and area will host the Canada Winter Games," Kelly says. "It will be a prime opportunity to show the rest of Canada the full range of winter recreational pursuits which we can offer on an annual basis."

Contact: Doug Burgess, Communications, (709)729-0928.

1998 01 22 2:10 p.m.

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