Snow at Whistler Blackcomb, Picture by Mitch Winton of coastphoto.com
Over the last seven days, Whistler Blackcomb (whistlerblackcomb.com) has received 120cm of snow, and forecasters are calling for another 25cm in the next five days. Coupled with cool temperatures and impressive snow making, that’s a lot of pow, just in time for Blackcomb Mountain to open on November 22.
Meanwhile Lake Louise in Alberta has become probably the world’s first major resort to open all of its terrain.
“Compared to other ski resorts in North America, Whistler Blackcomb is among the top three for snow fall accumulation so far this season with a 96 centimeter base and growing,” said Stuart Rempel, senior vice president of marketing and sales at Whistler Blackcomb.
“Blackcomb Mountain is scheduled to open today, and despite all of the snow, early season conditions still apply and guests are reminded to obey all mountain signage and stay within the marked operational boundary.”
Six lifts will be in operation on Blackcomb Mountain including the Excalibur Gondola, Wizard Chair, Solar Coaster Chair, Excelerator Chair, Catskinner Chair and Jersey Cream Chair. The Whistler Village Gondola, Creekside Gondola, Emerald Express and Big Red Express will be running on Whistler Mountain bringing the total lifts in operation to 11, including the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola.
Meanwhile Lake Louise Ski Area (skilouise.com) in Alberta to the east became the first resort to fully open in North America on Wednesday (and possibly the first major resort in the world to be able to make that claim) . The Ptarmigan and Larch Chairs opened allowing guests to enjoy all the fresh snow on all four legendary mountain faces. With all chairlifts open, and in the beginner area, one surface lift open for the enjoyment of novice skiers and snowboarders, winter is officially here.
“Thanks to the hard work of our Mountain Operations team, and to Mother Nature for providing her snowy blanket, we are thrilled to have another Lake Louise first this season,” says Mike Moynihan, Senior Sales & Marketing Manager. “Last week we had the most vertical in North America, and now this week we are the first major ski resort to have all chairlifts open. It looks like it will be another phenomenal winter at Louise.”
It’s been snowing all week at The Lake Louise Ski Area, including 19cm in the last 24 hours. Additional snow is forecasted for today, Wednesday, and Friday. Come out to enjoy the great early season conditions, and this weekend, to watch the world’s fastest alpine ski racers at the Winterstart World Cup.
World Cup racing comes to Lake Louise over the next two weekends with the Men’s World Cup on November 24 & 25 and the Women’s World Cup on November 30, December 1 & 2, 2012.
