As our annual November report rolls around, winter is finally waking up. Storms are rolling through, base depths are growing, and you can feel that familiar Canadian buzz building as everyone gets ready to hop back on their planks.
Here are some ski resorts from Western Canada to keep an eye on, as well as some thoughts from the SKIER team. Please note: all opening dates are tentative. Cross those fingers already!
Whistler Blackcomb
Snow Stats
Opening Date: November 21
Current Base: 85cm
Season Total: No Data
SKIER Thoughts
Being a coastal mountain, Whistler usually experiences warmer early-season temps, which often lead to a slower start. The real tap typically turns on once December rolls around.
Revelstoke Mountain Resort
Snow Stats
Opening Date: November 29
Base Depth: 67cm
Season Total: 155cm
SKIER Thoughts
A few storms have passed over Revelstoke, but early-season snow still comes and goes at lower elevations. That is pretty normal for fall in the Columbia Mountains since temperatures can swing a lot. Once the cold settles in, RMR usually starts piling up snow in a hurry, especially higher on the mountain.
Sunshine Village
Snow Stats
Opening Date: OPEN (6/12 Lifts)
Current Base: 109cm
Season Total: 153cm
SKIER Thoughts
The Banff ski resorts are usually the first to open, and Sunshine is going strong. It has been snowing daily, and there is already a good terrain park with rails, boxes, and jumps for early-season rust removal.
Red Mountain Resort
Snow Stats
Opening Date: December 13
Current Base: 42cm
Season Total: 90cm
SKIER Thoughts
A few early storms have rolled through, but not much of the snow has stayed put. That is pretty typical for fall at Red since the mountain sits low enough that October and November can be hit or miss. Once the temperatures lock in, Red usually starts stacking snow fast.
Big White
Snow Stats
Opening Date: December 27th
Current Base: 8cm
Season Total: 61cm
SKIER Thoughts
Big White’s early season is slowly taking shape, as mild Okanagan temperatures typically delay snow accumulation. While lifts are not yet open, fresh snow is starting to build a base, and colder spells at higher elevations are helping it stick. Early-season conditions are promising, and the mountain is shaping up for the deep, consistent powder the resort is known for once the season fully kicks in.
Whitewater
Snow Stats
Opening Date: December 5
Current Base: Unknown
Season Total: 138cm
SKIER Thoughts
Whitewater is off to a promising start with 15 cm of fresh snow reported at the summit. While the base is still building and lifts remain closed, the cold temps at higher elevations are helping the new snow stick, signaling the deep powder days the mountain is famous for. Early-season conditions look solid, and every fresh dump adds to the anticipation of what’s to come.
Overall Thoughts on the Pre-Season
Western Canada’s ski season is off to a mixed start this year. While some inland resorts like Revelstoke and Whitewater are already seeing impressive early snowfall, many coastal and southern resorts are feeling the effects of milder temperatures, with slower base-building and limited coverage. Overall, the snowpack is highly variable. Early dumps are creating pockets of deep powder in certain spots, but other mountains are still waiting for consistent accumulation. It is a reminder that patience pays off in the West, and when the snow comes, it comes in big.
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