Uploaded January 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
In 2011, Steve Matthews had a bright idea—with his kids completely hooked on snowboarding, he rallied a few friends and set out to build Yellowknife’s first and only rope tow. Without city permission or permits, the team went to work on the abandoned gravel mine on the outskirts of town, creating what would eventually become the epicenter of community and snow-sliding in the Northwest Territories. Welcome to the Pit.
"The Pit," as it's affectionately known, is more than just a snowboard hill in a gravel pit; it's a testament to the resilience and strong community spirit of Yellowknife, a land of extremes where nothing comes easy. Despite facing challenging conditions with temperatures dropping to -34°C, the dedicated crew, including characters like Scotty, Ryan, Liam, and "hill mom" Stacy, pour their passion and volunteer hours into making it a special place. This video celebrates their unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for kids and fostering a vibrant winter culture in one of Canada's most remote communities.
0:00 (Introduction to the Pit)
1:10 (Yellowknife community)
3:38 (Bristol Pit’s origins)
5:13 (history of snowboarding at the Pit)
6:14 (building the rope tow)
7:41 (Stacy, the “hill mom”)
10:10 (the “Three Musketeers”)
13:50 (ending credits)
#arcteryx #arcteryxpresents #yellowknife #community
In 2011, Steve Matthews had a bright idea—with his kids completely hooked on snowboarding, he rallied a few friends and set out to build Yellowknife’s first and only rope tow. Without city permission or permits, the team went to work on the abandoned gravel mine on the outskirts of town, creating what would eventually become the epicenter of community and snow-sliding in the Northwest Territories. Welcome to the Pit.
"The Pit," as it's affectionately known, is more than just a snowboard hill in a gravel pit; it's a testament to the resilience and strong community spirit of Yellowknife, a land of extremes where nothing comes easy. Despite facing challenging conditions with temperatures dropping to -34°C, the dedicated crew, including characters like Scotty, Ryan, Liam, and "hill mom" Stacy, pour their passion and volunteer hours into making it a special place. This video celebrates their unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for kids and fostering a vibrant winter culture in one of Canada's most remote communities.
0:00 (Introduction to the Pit)
1:10 (Yellowknife community)
3:38 (Bristol Pit’s origins)
5:13 (history of snowboarding at the Pit)
6:14 (building the rope tow)
7:41 (Stacy, the “hill mom”)
10:10 (the “Three Musketeers”)
13:50 (ending credits)
#arcteryx #arcteryxpresents #yellowknife #community
