Pass PowderKeg gets early start to ski season

Ski season is officially underway. While a number of other resorts will remain closed until December, Pass PowderKeg has opened the gates as of Friday afternoon, making it one of the first to open in Canada.

Returning users to PPK in the Crowsnest Pass will find a number of upgrades this year and with a new operations mandate.

The resort has invested in new snowmaking equipment and the runs have been bolstered by cold November weather. One trail on the lower half of the mountain is ready for skiers with about 40 centimetres of man-made snow present.

Acting operations manager Brad Murray said the shift in focus has allowed the resort to take advantage of prevailing conditions and open six weeks early.

“Normally, our past operating plan has been making sure we’re open for the Christmas break,” he said. “This year we changed a lot of stuff and we’re ramping up the hours.

“Our goal was to be open for the first weekend in December, but we decided when November hit, with any snowmaking weather to hit, we were going. We had that right away at the beginning of November.”

PPK has a new focus on food service and quality, and has hired Alejandro Verdi as chef. The resort will be open for Christmas parties at the day lodge.

Pricing has been changed to reflect the focus of being a breeder-feeder ski hill. This category of resorts focuses on lessons, programs, food and beverage, community connections and pricing.

Castle Mountain Resort has received about 75 centimetres of snow at mid mountain in the past week, while snowmaking continues on the Round Up with track packing ongoing as conditions permit. Castle is expected to open Dec. 15. Fernie Alpine Resort has received about 124 centimetres so far and has a number of new packages available for skiers. Additionally, upgrades have been made to operations.

Cross country trails are open for use, and both long and short loops have been groomed. Early season conditions exist, however, and care is urged when using the area.

Fernie Alpine Resort is scheduled to open Dec. 1.