By Sheldon Spackman

Unique Celebration

Canyon Ski Resort offers uplifting experience for local grads

Jun 8, 2020 | 1:45 PM

Canyon Ski Resort near Red Deer is offering a completely new way to celebrate graduation this year.

A chairlift processional ceremony will be available this Saturday, June 13 to any and all graduates looking to celebrate moving onto their next chapter in life.

Grads will be given the unique opportunity to ride the resort’s chairlift to the top of the hill where professional photographers will be ready with a scenic valley backdrop to capture the moment of celebration with each graduate and their families.

Robyn Martel with Canyon Ski Resort says it was a Red Deer school that brought the idea forward by sharing with them what some schools were doing in the United States.

“We thought it was so cool and shared it on our social media which blew up overnight and saw there was a real desire in the central Alberta community for something cool and unique for the 2020 grads impacted by COVID-19,” she explains. “We wanted these grads to remember more than just the COVID-19 pandemic and this is a safe and really cool way to celebrate with friends and family – not to mention the most epic backdrop for your photos.”

RESPONSIBILITIES OF A TRUSTEE ADDRESSED

Day 2 of LaGrange v. Red Deer Catholic: "This is not about cancel culture," says division counsel

14h ago

conducted energy weapon utilized

RCMP arrest man after confrontation inside Bower Place

16h ago

one suspect still sought

One charged after alleged armed robbery in Bower Place parking lot

16h ago

The event includes a private ride on the chairlift, a DJ playing music and announcing the graduates as they reach the top of the hill, and professional photography for the graduates and their family by Candy Koated Design Studio and One Bright Day Photography. The event will be live streamed so those at home can still celebrate the day.

Canyon is also supplying grads with a commemorative certificate and memorabilia marking the occasion.

There will be access for one vehicle per graduate of family/supporters to witness and be a part of the procession/photographs (as per AHS regulations only those traveling in one vehicle per grad).

Martel says they still have space available and are hoping 100 grads will participate.

“They sign up for their grad like they would a tee time, get to ride the chairlift up and their family will meet them up at the top to celebrate them and take some formal grad and family photos,” says Martel. “We hope they get a memorable grad experience and even though their graduation didn’t go as planned, they’ll have a really cool and unique experience to think back on!”

“We hope the grads and families will embrace the opportunity to celebrate grad in this exciting way,” continues Martel. “And who knows, if this is popular we may be able to start a new tradition for grads in years to come!”

Saturday’s event runs from noon to 6 p.m. If inclement weather arises it will be postponed until the following weekend.

Canyon has received approval for the event from Alberta Health Services and will be following all government restrictions.

For more information, visit canyonski.ca.