Whistler (BC), Canada – Three more western ski resorts have announced season debuts well ahead of their scheduled opening dates. Why not? Everybody else is doing it!
In British Columbia, Whistler Blackcomb — the largest ski resort in North America — will be opening one week ahead of schedule on Thursday, November 19. Favorable early season conditions, including natural snowfall and prime snowmaking temperatures, have enabled the early opening on Whistler Mountain. Blackcomb Mountain will still open as scheduled on November 26.
“Since November 1, we have received 98cm (38.5 inches) of natural snow as measured at our Pig Alley weather station on Whistler Mountain and we have another 45cm (18 inches) to 75cm (29.5 inches) in the forecast at higher elevations over the next few days,” says Doug MacFarlane, Director of Mountain Operations at Whistler Blackcomb. “What Mother Nature has brought us so far has been complemented by our snowmaking team, who have converted over 26.5 million gallons of water into snow since the start of November. We are excited conditions have allowed us to get the season started ahead of schedule this year for all those eager skiers and snowboarders out there.”
When Whistler Mountain opens on November 19 it will have five lifts running, including the Whistler Village Gondola, the Creekside Gondola, Emerald Express, Big Red Express and Franz’s Chair.
“We would like to take this opportunity to remind guests to ski/ride safely as early season conditions will apply, especially off piste,” says MacFarlane. “Please obey all mountain signage, ski and ride on open runs only and stay within the operational area marked by ‘Temporary Boundary’ signage.”
With more snow in the forecast between now and opening day, guests will be able to enjoy some fun conditions to kick off Whistler Blackcomb’s 50th anniversary season. More details about what guests can expect on November 19 will be available early next week.
In central Idaho, Tamarack Resort will offer a one-day “sneak peak” of the season, a month ahead of its scheduled opening date of December 11. Tamarack’s Discovery Chair will be turning from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., allowing guests to make some turns on the resort’s beginner hill.
“While we won’t be offering the big mountain experience quite yet, we’re building out some terrain park features into the beginner terrain to keep more experienced skiers and riders challenged and satisfied,” Tamarack officials indicate. “Tickets for the day are just $10, and children under 6 always ski for free.”
Tamarack’s Canoe Grill will be offering limited services to keep guests going all day long. A small menu, including burgers and beverages will be offered. There will also be a limited selection of rental gear and retail services in the Sports Dome. Ski School services will not be offered on Saturday, but will be available on a daily basis once Tamarack Resort fully opens for operations on December 11. The Canoe Grill and the Sports Domes are located in Discovery Square, just steps away from the Discovery Chairlift.
South of Lake Tahoe, Kirkwood Mountain Resort will join its Vail Resorts Tahoe stablemates Heavenly and Northstar by opening this Saturday. All three resorts each have already received about three feet of snow overall this pre-season, including six additional inches from the latest storm and more than two feet at Kirkwood’s summit.
Kirkwood will be starting off with Chairs 5, 6 and 1 . MonteWolf’s will be open to Sentinel Bowl, allowing Kirkwood to be the first resort in the region to open with expert terrain available. Those looking for a slower start will find Lower Zachary to Lower MonteWolfs open to get their ski legs back. Beginners will have Snowkirk (Chair 1) at their disposal. Kirkwood’s Ski & Ride School will be open, operating out of Expedition:Kirkwood.