Snow on North Shore, Sea to Sky mountains could mean early ski season
Posted October 23, 2020 7:24 pm.
Last Updated October 23, 2020 7:28 pm.
NORTH VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — Cold and rainy conditions around the Lower Mainland Thursday could signal good news for skiers and snowboarders.
If the weather stays this way it could mean an early start to the season on the slopes, which would be good news seeing as ski hills had to close in March when the COVID-19 pandemic was declared.
“Every once and a while we get lucky and we get to open a little bit early. So we’ll cross our fingers and see if we get to do that again this year,” says Jennifer Smith with Whistler Blackcomb.
The longer-term forecast is also bright for those who enjoy outdoor winter sports.
“We’re hearing that we’re maybe looking at a La Nina year so that is usually a good snowfall,” Smith says.
“Of course we never know what the weather is going to do. So at this time of year we’re always a little bit trepidatious but the temperatures are good and as long as those hold we’ll keep the guns rolling.”
Tune up those skis, wax your board, get this extra squats in; the village received 6cm of snow overnight and it’s still coming down. Winter is on its way! #GetTheGoods pic.twitter.com/bCxqQUeSSF
— Whistler Blackcomb (@WhistlerBlckcmb) October 23, 2020
The planned opening date Whistler Blackcomb is Nov. 26 and planning ahead is more important this year than ever.
No one will be allowed to ski without a reservation or pre-bought ticket.
“We’re looking forward to that this year because of course we’ve got a new COVID-19 reality and we’re pretty excited to get people out on the mountain, get people enjoying a sport they love and having something to do that is nature-based, and something they can enjoy in a difficult year.”
Snowy morning on the Mountain!
Who’s excited for winter? #earlybird #grousemountain https://t.co/npJaAYcr2T pic.twitter.com/jcbMMCtIBU— Grouse Mountain (@grousemountain) October 23, 2020
Meantime at Grouse Mountain, no opening date has been set.
“We always do our best to open as soon as conditions allow so as we start getting more snow on the mountain and as we get our winter operations up and running we will keep people posted for sure,” says spokesperson Julia Grant.
Thursday’s snowfall is a good sign, but Grant says a longer stretch of cold weather or precipitation is needed in order to start opening up.
“As soon as we feel that conditions are ready we’ll be up and ready and welcoming skiiers and snowboarders to the slopes.”
– With files from HanaMae Nassar and Monika Gul
