Sudbury, Ontario — Things weren’t looking good in 2024 for the Lively Ski Hill.
With only 715 skier visits during the warm 2023-24 ski season, the city was considering finding a new operator or shutting the ski hill down, as it did with the nearby Capreol ski hill. However, led by Ward 2 Councilor Eric Benoit, a group of locals increased paid visitation to 4,052 people during the 2024-25 season. The growth continued this prior ski season.
Sudbury.com reports that visits jumped once again during the 2025-26 season. The ski season had 5,740 guests, another sharp jump from the prior winter. This past winter saw the introduction of the terrain park, which brought a new batch of skiers and riders. Events like Friday Night Lights, which features fire pits and music, also led people to visit the ski hill.
“It’s a great credit to the volunteers and all the work they’ve done,” said Eric Benoit to Sudbury.com. “It’s a real showing of what a partnership between the city and community can make happen.”
Because of the past two busy ski seasons, the city plans to keep it operating. The offseason could include work to renovate the base lodge (chalet).
About Lively Ski Hill
First opened in 1963, the Lively Ski Hill is a great place to learn the fundamentals and for racers to train. The short yet steep hill features four trails and one lift. It’s one of two ski hills owned by the City of Sudbury, with the other one being Adanac. Lively is open for night skiing on Wednesdays and Fridays, and offers day skiing on Saturdays and Sundays. They offer extended hours during Christmas break and March vacation week.
Image Credits: Lively Ski Hill
