Ski season is almost here. As we inch closer and closer to the opening dates of some of our favorite ski resorts, the snow is also starting to accumulate. As base depths start to increase, so does the Canadian stoke to get out on the planks!
Here are some Canadian ski resorts to keep an eye on, as well as some thoughts from the SKIER team.
**Base depths do not include snowmaking**
Whistler Blackcomb
Opening Date: November 23 (Open)
Current Base: 45cm
Season Total: No Data
SKIER Team Thoughts:
Since Whistler is a coastal ski resort, the warm temperature usually means a slow start, and typically the Whistler taps turn on in December. Currently, only 4% of Whistler’s sprawling terrain is open.
Lake Louise
Opening Date: November 3rd (Open)
Current Base: 43cm
Season Total: 95cm
SKIER Team Thoughts:
Louise is usually one of the first ski resorts to open in Western Canada and is currently going strong! It has been snowing and there is already a good terrain park with rails, boxes, and jumps for early-season rust removal. Currently, 5/11 lifts are open.
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
Opening Date: December 8
Current Base: 57cm
Season Total: 110cm
SKIER Team Thoughts:
KHMR has definitely benefitted from the cold Rocky Mountain temperatures. It has the second-highest season total snowfall but it seems it seems as though a lot of snow has fallen but not a lot has stuck around due to warm temps or high winds.
Revelstoke Mountain Resort
Opening Date: December 2
Base Depth: 61cm
Season Total: 150cm
SKIER Team Thoughts:
Revy is well on its way to another great season! Gnorm the Powder Gnome (Pictured) has been hot tubbing of late.
Silverstar Mountain Resort
Opening Date: November 30
Current Base: 44cm
Season Total: 45cm
SKIER Team Thoughts:
Being in the Okanagan Valley, temperatures are often warmer than other close resorts such as RMR. There has been precipitation in the valley, but most has fallen as rain or snow that hasn’t stuck around. Silverstar always has amazing snow-making operations though!
Mont Tremblant
Opening Date: November 23 (Open)
Current Base: 26cm
Season Total: No Data
SKIER Team Thoughts:
Although not a whole lot of snow has fallen, one of our trusty sources in the east has told us that they have been blowing snow like mad dogs, and with the Women’s World Cup GS coming up in two weeks, they better be.
International Mention: Aspen Snowmass
Opening Date: November 23
Current Base: 64cm
Season Total: No Data
SKIER Team Thoughts:
Everybody has dreamed of skiing in Aspen, and with the amazing season they had last year, we had to include them in this list. Although off to a slow start, Aspen Snowmass is supposed to get a big dump this weekend. Currently, 2/9 Lifts are spinning.
Final Thoughts
North America is definitely experiencing less snow in the pre-season than usual, with most of the resorts only displaying 30% of average annual depths for the month of November. Although it may be a dryer-than-usual start, I think we all know what is on our holiday wishlists.
If you are still trying to get dialed for the season, check out the gear stash page here
Let it snow!
