Lobsterfest at the Olde Town Terrace - NEW LOCATION

Organizing after Ski Season to make sure you're ready for next year

Sad but true...the end of Ski Season is only weeks away and with that in mind I though I'd share with you my strategy for always being organized for next year's ski season.  On the last day of skiing I would force (yes force) our four kids to search through every boot bag, the boot room, every ski boot and every drawer, look under the beds and in every closet for every single ski sock (expensive ski socks that you don't want them wearing to school because they can't find a matching pair of other socks)...every piece of long underwear, gather all ski gloves, goggles, balaclavas and bandana's.  

Then, everything that could go in the wash...went in the wash.  A few shots of Febreeze into each pair of ski boots (especially the boys boots and race gloves...gross gross gross)...then a sheet of fabric softener into the boots before storing them all in boot bags to protect them from dust in the garage or boot room.

Next comes the fun part (ok...this is only really fun if you're an organizational freak but trust me...taking the time to do this is worth it)..I would take a giant zip lock bag and label it for each kid (you only need to do this one time because they last year over year)...and then start the folding and sorting.  I think the rest of the process is pretty self explanatory...you can take this opportunity to take unmatched ski socks put them in the craft basket to make hand puppets and sock monkeys at a later date...perhaps a rainy day activity on a wet Spring day.  You can also stick a fabric softener sheet into the bag for added scent if you want.  Eco friendly solutions are available if that appeals to you.

The giant zip locks would then go into the boot room to hibernate for the spring, summer and fall and then WOW on the first day of skiing the next year everyone starts out happy because there are no tears (this only really happens with little girls) because everyone can easily find all of their proper ski clothing.

This sure makes a great start to the first day of ski lessons when especially younger kids might be a bit nervous...and the older kids are very excited to connect with their ski buddies...really who wants to waste on that all important first day on the hill looking for sock? 

MMMMM Pancakes

Yeay...it's Pancake Tuesday time at The Sunset Grill in the Blue Mountain Village.  Next Tuesday, March 4th is Sunset Grill's annual fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society. Pancakes are $1 and an extra $1 with berries. 100% of the proceeds are donated to the Canadian Cancer Society. This is the 6th year that Sunset Grill has done this fundraiser and this is an important year as they hope to pass the $10,000 mark for funds raised to date. So please mark your Calendars for next Tuesday, March 4th from 7am to 3pm, and come out to support a great cause. 97.7 the Beach will be broadcasting live on location.

Tax Tips from Local Expert Julie Ford

If you're looking for some tax help you might want to read these tips from local expert Julie Ford

Special Olympics Conference Race

Special Olympics Conference Race

February 23rd at Blue Mountain Resort, almost 100 Ontario Special Olympics Alpine skiers from the Central Ontario District will live this philosophy as they compete in the sanctioned Conference 1 Ski Races. 

Looking forward to skiing on their home turf, the 27 athletes from the Blue Mountain Special Olympic Alpine Team are ready to give their all and take great performances and wonderful memories to their homes in Collingwood-Blue Mountain, Thornbury, Meaford, Nottawa, Barrie, Newmarket, Owen Sound, Thornhill and Toronto.

Racing Slalom, Giant Slalom and Glide events, these skiers are motivated to do well as success in this Conference race qualifies for the 2015 Provincial Games in North Bay, leading to National Winter Games in Newfoundland-Labrador.   In the past, winners at this race have gone on to participate at Provincial, National and the World level. Since Austria is the next World Games site, athletes will be highly motivated.

Local residents may recall Collingwood’s co-hosting over 2,000 athletes from 90 countries at the 1997 World Winter Games and that event led to the founding of the largest program in Canada and sponsored by Blue Mountain Resorts since the beginning. Every Sunday during the season 44 volunteers and our 27 athletes may be found on the ski hills at Blue.

“Collingwood Council has supported Special Olympians from the beginning.” says Mayor Sandra Cooper. “Their dedication, courage, good will and camaraderie is a model for us all. I invite you to come out and see how these very skilled athletes perform. On a cold day it will warm your heart.”

 “Let me win, but if I can not win, let me be brave in the attempt”

This motto of the Special Olympic movement was the banner under which Roman Gladiators went into the arena. The racers on Feb 23^rd will not be facing Lions but will be skiing with the hearts of Lions. Come out and see for yourself.

Awards Ceremony will be held at Blue Mountain Resort, South Base Lodge at approximately 3:30 p.m. on February 23rd, 2014. 

Free Family Day Activities in Downtown Collingwood

Valentine's at the Pottery