Who are the people putting this together?

Jos Konst has a vision that will end decades of debate in Smithers — how to connect the town to its ski hill. Over the years, hundreds of thousands of dollars have been spent analyzing, exploring and researching a way for Smithers to take advantage of one of its best attractions. However, high speed quads, gondolas, as well as a myriad of other proposals have never left the drawing board.

Konst told The Interior News on Sunday, his idea is so simple and realistic that unlike more grandiose schemes, a community ski run from the peak of Hudson Bay Mountain into town is not only viable, but would revolutionize skiing, hiking, mountain biking and other recreational opportunities in very short order — with little red tape. “This is something we can do as a community,” said Konst, a Rotary Club of Smithers past president. “It’s something we can afford, it’s not a pipe dream and it could be in effect by next winter.”

Already backed by both of Smithers’ Rotary clubs and private sponsors, Konst kicked off a drive to construct the dual-purpose winter ski run and summer trail down the north slope from the hill into Smithers. The 75-metre-wide run will cover 3,700 vertical feet and Konst estimates it will take seven minutes of hard skiing to go from the top of the mountain to the bottom.

The estimated cost of the project is $50,000 but in just six short days, Konst said private individuals, service groups and businesses have already stepped up to support the run to the tune of $17,000. To ensure the run remains a source of community pride, Konst wants to see sections of the run adopted and cared for by Valley organizations.

Currently, petitions are being circulated for people to sign to indicate their support, which Konst said will also prove to municipal leaders that not only is the connecting run a good idea, but that it is something the community wants. Konst said he would like to see one signature for every vertical foot the trail covers. A steering committee is also being formed and Konst said he wants all aspects of the community represented.

“We want a cross-section of people on the committee,” he said. “This is a heck of an opportunity for all user groups to get together and really see something positive happen for this community.” The area of the proposed trail has some history as a recreational zone. In the 1930s there was night skiing and in the early 1970s, Konst had a tow rope set up which took kids up the slope so they could ski. “We’re just joining the past with the present,” Konst said.

Who would be liable for any injuries that occur on the "Community Run"?

Extension of Ski & Ride Smithers insurance and coverage from the province.

Who would be responsible for maintenance on the "Community Run" during ski and hiking season?

Ski & Ride Smithers during the ski season and there would be an "Adopt a section" plan in place for different sections during the rest pf the year.

Is the picture on the front of the petition actual?

The picture is an artists rendition. Visible run will be green lawn.

Who would do the actual clearing/logging?

The work will be contracted out and managed by volunteer experts in the field.

Would ski patrol service the run?

Ski patrol would sweep the run at the end of each day.