Banff (AB), Canada – Alberta’s Sunshine Village is set to open tomorrow for the 2011-12 ski and snowboard season, a day earlier than they had initially expected.

After receiving a dump of 40 cm (16 inches) of snow in 48 hours, Sunshine Village made the decision to get people on the slopes a day early and anticipate running a total of four lifts, including Wawa, The Strawberry Express, Wolverine and Jackrabbit. With a current snow base of over 69 cm (27 inches) and more snow in the forecast, skiers and borders can expect a snow-filled opening day with a lucky few getting up to the resort a day early today as winners of a resort-hosted contest.

Tomorrow’s opening will be the third and final resort opening in Banff National Park, which also includes The Lake Louise Ski Area and Mt. Norquay.  Both resorts opened Nov. 5 ^to eagerly awaiting skiers and borders, some in line as early as 6:30 a.m. in hopes of catching the first chair of the season.