Wentworth’s Fall Festival of Colours draws crowds again

WENTWORTH - With leaves turning, the Wentworth Valley is drawing crowds as people immerse themselves in the autumn colours.

On the first day alone of the Fall Festival of Colours at Ski Wentworth, over 1,000 people bought lift tickets for a ride to the top of the ski hill, seeing the views and walking down through the forested trails.

“Wentworth Valley is so gorgeous in the fall,” said Leslie Wilson, president and general manager of Ski Wentworth. “People just love getting here and being outside and doing a hike. And the nice thing is too, is that the whole family can do it.”

The Fall Festival of Colours has been running for over 25 years. Traditionally on the Thanksgiving weekend, it was expanded to two weekends last year due to COVID (to space out the crowd) and to offer the opportunity to those who normally are away during the holiday weekend.

“So people do pick and choose a nice day,” said Wilson on opening today. "Like today is gorgeous, we lucked out.”

Sara Walsh-turner, Susan Robben and Susan Turner walked down with the kids and grandchildren and said it was nice and beautiful. Last year they did the Explosion, a more difficult trail, but opted for the Chickadee this time.

“It was peaceful and tranquil,” said Walsh Turner.

They are not skiers but love coming to Wentworth for the fall colours festival each year.

“You get to see a view of the valley that non-skiers (don’t) get to see,” said Susan Robben.

Two sections were hubs of activity – The Barn, which opened last year near the base of Chickadee, and by the lodge. BBQS, picnic tables, a fireplace, discounted winter gear for sale and fun music completed the atmosphere.

This year the festival is taking place on the weekends of Oct. 9 - 10 and Oct. 16 17, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person or $45 for a family for one ride up (no return). Proof of vaccination and ID for those required must be shown at the gate. Depending on weather and demand, Ski Wentworth may hold a bonus weekend, though Wilson said she could not confirm at the time.

The proof of vaccination was new since last year’s COVID planning, but there was no congestion as assets such as online ticketing made things easier.

Wilson said people are excited for the next ski season ahead, with the season passes already up.

“We had a really good year last year despite COVID and all the protocols that were in place. I think folks were just really thankful to be able to get outside and do something, be active with your family and friends and whatnot … (last year) a lot of people tried skiing for the first time, so we just have to build on that.”