Winter is taking a little longer to hit the ski hills in the Okanagan this year.
Both Kelowna’s Big White, and SilverStar Mountain Resort in Vernon released some sad news for skiers and snowboarders Monday (Nov. 24).
“With the current conditions our Alpine Opening Day has been delayed to Dec. 5, weather permitting,” Silver Star’s website reads.
Opening day was initially scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 27. The delay is due to a lack of snow, of which there has been none in the last 48 hours according to the resort’s snow report.
“Mother Nature is taking her time this year to blanket the resort with our early season base,” the report reads. The forecast calls for possible flurries Tuesday and Wednesday with snow development five to 10 centimetres Thursday and easing Friday.
“Opening Day is going to be a blast with T-shirts for First Chair, s’mores in the village, and free prizes being given out throughout the day.”
Check the resort website for updates.
News from Big White was similar.
The resort also announced Monday that current snow levels are below the threshold required for safe operations, and that the opening date of Thursday, Nov. 27, will be postponed until further notice.
Despite a dusting of the white stuff in the mountains, early-season snowfall has not reached the level needed to prepare terrain or operate lifts safely, said the resort.
“At this stage, approximately 50 centimetres of snow is needed to open runs and begin spinning lifts safely. Once that snow arrives, all available resources will be out on the mountain to capture, groom, and pack new snow as quickly as possible,” reads a release from the Big White.
Based on the current forecast, the resort anticipates making its next meaningful assessment on Monday, Dec. 1.
While the mountain terrain remains closed, the resort village continues to offer seasonal activities. The Welcome to Winter annual Christmas light-up event will go ahead as scheduled on Saturday, Nov. 29.
“For the safety of guests and staff, Big White asks the public to remain off the mountain until the official opening,” stated the resort.
All opening day updates will be posted online.