department Programmer Shawna Patterson led one final vote and a show of hands made it official, at the Kiwissa Chalet; skiers, snowboarders, spectators and other visitors can answer their rumbling stomachs with a variety of foods prepared by cook Kurt Costigan at the BLIZZARD GRILL.

Afterwards the group headed to the Beginner Hill to answer Patterson and Deschamps’ challenge of a sliding relay race for which they had brought along crazy carpets for those brave enough to participate.  Economic Development Officer Anthony Friedrich, who had thought he was being invited for a simple bite of pizza and the opportunity to meet the Kiwissa 2011-12 team did not have ski pants with him yet still chose to participate when Kiwissa Manager Dave Young had to excuse himself due to a prior commitment and one person would have been left without a team mate.

In the end, four teams of two faced off for fun and bragging rights.  One member of each pair began at the bottom of the beginner hill running to the top of the hill to tag off their team mate who then slid down as fast as possible before running back up to descend one final time WITH their partner (yes, their were two adults or young adults on each little crazy carpet) on the crazy carpet – both on board together.  This was of course when the real challenge was faced as most did not easily fit together on their carpet even if laying on top of one team mate who was on top of the carpet.  Squeals, screems and plenty of snow flew into the air as the teams raced to the bottom.  Winning the race, well – sorry – you’ll have to wait for the video (SUBSCRIBE to www.youtube.com/karinahunter to ensure you are notified when any OntarioNewsNorth.com event videos, interviews or sports coverage are published) to be added here (& our youtube channel) to make that call for yourself.

The evening was a great deal of fun and a wonderful way to kick off the season as a united team!  The brave Kiwissa staff now welcome you every Saturday & Sunday from 11-5pm as well as Friday evenings from 6-9pm.

CLICK HERE to visit OntarioNewsNorth.com’s SKI CONDITIONS page, updated daily when the hill is open or when local cross-country ski and snowshoe trails’ status changes – this not only for Kiwissa but also Trestle Ridge, Northern Trails Cross-Country Ski Club, Marathon Cross-Country Ski and Snowshoe Club, Superior Cross-Country Ski Club and the downhill centres in Sault Ste. Marie and Thunder Bay as well.

The evening was a great way to kick off the 2011-12 season and everyone involved had a great time. Photos OntarioNewsNorth.com