By Vivian Chui

A northern B.C. ski hill is now better equipped to maintain trails and extend the season for local skiers and snowboarders.

In time for the 2017 season, Fort St. James鈥� ski club has built a new maintenance shop for housing grooming machinery and essential tools for the Murray Ridge ski area, located just outside of Fort St. James.

Murray Ridge is open annually from December to late March, weather dependent, and has 30 kilometres of alpine runs for various levels of skiing and snowboarding, as well as 20 kilometres of groomed cross-country trails.

Supported by the federal gas tax fund allocation for recreation infrastructure, the project allows the ski club to not only perform regular and specialized maintenance in a safe environment, but also help to extend the equipment鈥檚 lifespan for future seasons.

鈥淭he Government of British Columbia continues to support its communities through the successful partnership with the federal government and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities,鈥� said Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad. 鈥淗ere in Fort St. James, we are investing in the Murray Ridge Ski Area with a new facility that will enhance the ski hill鈥檚 maintenance and enjoyment by sports enthusiasts and the surrounding community.鈥�