Chicopee History

The Past

Chicopee Ski and Summer Resort is steeped in 75 years of history.  While the club itself is a chronicle of racing heroes and amazing experiences with friends and families, it is the drive, perspiration and inspiration of the pioneers of the club, through to its current staff, members, and volunteers, that truly reveal the heart and soul which has made this small hill a Jewel in Kitchener’s Crown.

For 75 years Chicopee has been home to many families and individuals, giving them the chance to enjoy sports they otherwise might not have had the opportunity to experience. By continually re-investing in staff, training and technology, Chicopee remains a mainstay of the Canadian ski and snowboard community,recognized as a premier learning centre for winter sports enthusiasts. All from an urban ski area in the heart of Kitchener - Waterloo.

The Present

Chicopee is continually in the top 5 for skier visits in the province of Ontario, claiming almost 200,000 winter guests each year. More people within the direct local community are beginning to discover Chicopee doesn’t shutter its windows come April. In fact, since the early 1980’s Chicopee has been serving the appetite of the off-season crowd when horseshoe pits and high-end tennis courts were first introduced. With the popularity of these summer offerings, Chicopee has a renewed focus on its traditionally ‘off- season’ operations. The creation of a multitude of summer camps, teambuilding programs for corporate clients and school-aged children alike, as well as the formal creation of mountain bike trails crisscrossing the property began a new tradition at Chicopee, the Green Season.

With the Green Season now in its sixth year of operation, Chicopee has added beach volleyball leagues for players of all ages and abilities. Additionally, by forging key strategic partnerships, such as with IMBA, the International Mountain Bike Association. This partnership has delivered on its promise to continue to build the biking community. The dirt jump park, first built in the spring of 2008, with great help and support from volunteers, has helped to propel Chicopee to the forefront of another progressive sport. As a result, Chicopee has seen an influx of riders coming from all over Southern Ontario to ride, jump, hop and enjoy the newest sport Chicopee has to offer.

The Future

Where does Chicopee go from here? Chicopee has been an industry leader for much of its 75 years, helping to grow winter snow sports in Ontario and firmly establishing itself as a leader and appealing to beginner and long-time avid skiers alike. Chicopee has been the home to Olympians, the off-season training grounds for world class athletes, and the launch pad for many sport enthusiasts. Chicopee has a clearly defined mission statement which can be summed simply as; Chicopee, Your Year-Round Playground. By continuing to build our summer programming around the unique picturesque setting, the natural environment and outdoor activity, reinvesting in its infrastructure, Chicopee will continue to grow in order to facilitate the appetite for healthy lifestyles and outdoor recreation, all year long.