Golden (BC), Canada – With deep pre-season snow accumulations over the past month, eastern British Columbia’s Kicking Horse Mountain Resort will open early this Friday for a bonus weekend of ski and snowboard operations one week ahead of schedule.n“We are excited to kick off our 10th Anniversary Celebration Season ahead of plan,” states Steve Paccagnan, President and CEO of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. “This is only going heighten anticipation in the ski and ride community. With our 10 year celebrations, the La Niña weather systems due to blanket the mountains this winter and the soon to open fourth Alpine Bowl, Super Bowl, the spotlight is going to be on Kicking Horse Mountain Resort this winter.”

Two alpine bowls are confirmed to open on Friday, with skiing and riding available from the top of the mountain to the base. Open alpine terrain will consist of Bowl Over and Crystal Bowl, including the south facing slopes of Redemption Ridge. The Golden Eagle Express Gondola, Stairway to Heaven and Catamount Chairs will be in operation for the weekend. With more snowfall in the forecast this week the opening of additional terrain is very possible, officials indicate.

Early season lift ticket prices will be in effect with a 25% discount off regular ticket window prices. Free days on the Lake Louise Plus Card will also be available to all card holders.

On opening day the Dave Duncan First Gondola tradition will continue with the first gondola cabin of the season being auctioned off to the best seven person team bid. The day’s privileges include the first public upload of the winter season, lift line priority for the day, a private Big Mountain Centre Guide and lunch at the award winning Eagle’s Eye Restaurant atop the gondola.